QUOTE OF THE DAY
"OUR LIVES ARE NOT DETERMINED BY WHAT HAPPENS TO US, BUT HOW WE REACT TO WHAT HAPPENS TO US; NOT BY WHAT LIFE BRINGS TO US BUT BY THE ATTITUDE WE BRING TO LIFE. A POSITIVE ATTITUDE CAUSES A CHAIN REACTION OF POSITIVE THOUGHTS EVENTS, AND OUTCOMES. IT IS A CATALYST....A SPARK THAT CREATES EXTRAORDINARY RESULTS."

Cant say much more than that - attitude is the key -- my dad always used to say "I've got enough of my own attitude, don't give me any of yours" - although I don't think this is what the quote meant.

A good week of training outdoors this week - doing 10km plus each morning at just under race pace and I am very pleased with my progress - cant wait till next weekend.

The weather in Vegas has been very cool the last few days - lows of 2 highs around 10 ---awesome race weather if it stays that way --here's hoping - than it can warm up right after the race

QUOTE OF THE DAY
" I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT ANY MAN'S FINEST HOURIS THAT MOMENT WHEN HE HAS WORKED HIS HEART OUT IN A GOOD CAUSE AND LIES EXHAUSTED ON THE FIELD OF BATTLE, VICTORIOUS!"

No training today - a second day of rest - but back to my scheduled workouts tomorrow - 6km tomorrow, 10 Wednesday, 10 Thursday, rest Friday, 16 Saturday and 6 Sunday. Next weekend it will be maintenance mileage - 6 Tuesday, 10 Wednesday and then rest until I do 5 km on Saturday in Vegas to get my body aclimatized and then race day
At the end -- I hope to bring this quote to reality - I will leave it all on the course - at least thats the plan

QUOTE OF THE DAY
SARAH - THIS ONE IS FOR YOU- RE "GOALS"

"IF ONE ADVANCES CONFIDENTLY IN THE DIRECTION OF THEIR DREAMS, AND ENDEAVORS TO LEAD A LIFE WHICH THEY HAVE IMAGINED, THEY WILL MEET WITH SUCCESS UNEXPECTED IN COMMON HOURS"

I know that Sarah has said on her webpage in the past few days she has been struggling in her training ----but Sarah if you look at this quote you are already there - and look at those you have influenced along the way - and I for one am thankful for the impact you have had on me - keep smiling and stay focused on your goals - dreams can and do become reality.
No training today as I worked overtime but did do 17km with Glenn yesterday and I was reasonably happy with the results - should support a 5:15 marathon which is my dream!!!!!
Glenn and I had an interesting philosophical discussion about the changes this sport has brought to us --- we talked about how as older generations often slow down or cease activity as they age --we on the other hand have increased our level of activity and competition -- as I said to Glenn "THE GRIM REAPER BETTER BE ONE HELL OF A RACEWALKER IF HE WANTS TO CATCH UP WITH ME!!!"

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. YOU GAIN STRENGTH, COURAGE, AND CONFIDENCE BY EVERY EXPERIENCE IN WHICH YOU STOP TO LOOK FEAR IN THE FACE...YOU MUST DO THAT WHICH YOU THINK YOU CANNOT DO"
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

Now how poetic is that when you are beginning to battle the psychological demons in preparation for one's first full marathon - I will surely be looking fear in the face -- ie the fear of failure.
Some great workouts in the last couple of days - 15km yesterday and 10km today --both at tempo and I was quite happy with the progress particularly with the knee
A long walk with my training partner Glenn tomorrow - probably not as long as usual but around 23km would be good and then work overtime on Sunday getting back just in time to watch the NFL late game
Cheers all -- have a great weekend

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"FAR AWAY THERE ARE IN THE SUNSHINE ARE MY HIGHEST ASPIRATIONS. I MAY NOT REACH THEM, BUT I CAN LOOK UP AND SEE THEIR BEAUTY, BELIEVE IN THEM, AND TRY TO FOLLOW WHERE THEY LEAD"
AUTHOR UNKNOWN

MISSION POSSIBLE - LAS VEGAS MARATHON
Yesterday, was a pretty intense workout at the gym ---my usual hill/interval workout plus strength as well--I got in about 14km before I had to call it a day -- a little under the weather today so I stayed in bed this morning and got some much needed rest. I am really aware of my knees right now and not only am trying to strenthn them but also trying not to further tweak them---it is a rocky road--- a fine line between the two
When I got into this my whole goal was to complete a marathon in December of this year and I am only tow and a half weeks away from doing that---a long 18 days of anticipation.
Sarah and Bryan --thanks for the support through this - wish you could be there with me.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"The sea is dangerous and its storms terrible, but these obstacles have never been sufficient reason to stay ashore...unlike the mediocre, intrepid spirits seej victory over those things that seem impossible...it is with an iron will that they embark on the most daring of all endeavors... to meet the shadowy future without fear and conquer the unknown."
Ferdinand Magellan, explorer, 1520

MISSION POSSIBLE - LAS VEGAS MARATHON
Well it has been a few very busy days since I have lated posted on this site-although I have been intently watching Sarah and Bryans blogs with interest.
Although I have not been posting I have been training very hard for Vegas. After hurting my knee it has taken me awhile tol get back up to speed but last week I was able to work out at speed most of the wekk and got about 85km in for the week. Got in a total of about 30km in yeaterday and am happy with the results - that was my last real long walk beofre Vegas as According to my schedule I should start to taper now although I think I will probable still do a long walk with Glenn on Sunday and some of the other folks in my clinic who are eager to get started before January
I think this is a very timely quote today as I get ready to face the unknown of my first full marathon---I think I have followed my training plan and fitness/endurance plans well over the alst year to get myself ready for this and in 3 short weeks we will know if my plans were conceived in reality.
A great week yet hectic at work last week with the new position. Then yesterday dinner at Glenn andLin's home which was awesome and Glenn found a book of quotes for me that are awesome --- Thanks Glenn
Sorry about the Als Sarah --- and sorry about the CFL -- a bad season of poor football climaxing in a boring and poorly played Grey Cup - I hope they can fix the league

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain."
-Dolly Parton

It may be Dolly Parton but it sure is true -- we all have to put up with the trials and tribulations if we want to succeed. I guess the last week or so has been my "rain" with the stress of the competition at work and also the set back of the knee injury from Angus Glen. Fortunately I have seen the rainbow this week - with being fortunate enough to land the promotion and more importantly today getting my speed back and doing 10km in 1:08:00 which made me very pleased.

Sarah and Bryan have been talking about how they think more when they are running then when they are walking. I dont run at all because of my previous knee replacement --- however I have found that I lose myself in thought expecially when I am doing walks of 10km or more -- yes, I do have my music on but I even tend to get so deep in thought that I dont hear the music. I hav found these walks to be a psychological life saver for me allowing me to take any negative energy around me and channel it into training/racing energy. My walks have become my time to reflect on the changes in my life, time to problem solve, and resolve inner conflicts. It may not save the world - but it does help save my sanity -- a great way to battle Seasonal Affective Disorder-- a problem a lot of people around us will soon begin to experience -- maybe we can direct them toward this great sport of ours and help them towards wellness as well.

Mission Possible - Target LAS VEGAS MARATHON

QUOTE OF THE DAY(S)

“A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills and uses these skills to accomplish his goals.”
~ Larry Bird


Well I guess I have been a little lazy the last few days regarding my posts here - actually I can rationalize it well - I was sworn to secrecy by HR at work as I was offered the management position and I was dying to tell someone and I know I would have blown it by talking about it here ---but today it was all made official - so I am now out of the safety net of the bargaining unit and in to managementt--BUT I HAVE BEEN DOING MY HAPPY DANCE

And I am back into my training for Las Vegas and my knee, although not 100%, is much better and I have been able to do 12km per day the last three days with little discomfort. Next Sunday will be my last real long walk before Vegas and I will probably do 32km - thats the goal anyway.
I have been able to make contact with some people who are looking to do the same times as I am in Vegas and we will meet the day before and hopefully do it together--they are runners but who knows --maybe I can convert them!!!!!

One last thought about the new position at work - I had thought I did well in the interview ---in hindsight I thank this sport for that --the self confidence I have gained through all the training and success in competition has everything to do with that..........What a bonus

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Confucius "Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart"


I guess you can tell that this picture was taken close to the finish line at Angus Glenn - by this time my knee was really affecting me mentally from the twist near the start of the race. I certainly have broken my stride and my style has deteriorated but all I am concerned about is the final 100 meters and getting across the line.

I was at the gym yesterday and I think I may have pushed it a little too much - but resting it today will help and by days end yesterday the knee felt pretty good. Glen and I are doing our long walk tomorrow--but at a more leisurely pace then we usually do.

The interview went really well on Wednesday - results to be made public today or Monday - keeping my fingers crossed - I can be happy that I gave it my best shot ---Just like in a race --I had nothing left when it was over as I left it all on the course

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Sandra Carey "Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living, the other helps you make a life. ."

Well today is the big day - hopefully the interview goes well -- one of the things I have found with my training is the impact it has had on my life overall - particularly at work I have found that I handle stressful situations with a smile on my face and I am able to express and feel more confidence in myself - hopefully this shows through today.

A great early morning workout - took it easy on the treadmill to test out the knee and was happy with the results - did 6.4km relatively pain free -- will try mor tomorrow ---Very proud of my friend Todd who was with me again this morning at 5am and once again did a great job

MISSION POSSIBLE - TARGET- LAS VEGAS MARATHON

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Work hard at what you like to do and try to overcome all obstaclesLaugh at your mistakes and praise yourself for learning from themPick some flowers and appreciate the beauty of natureSay hello to strangers and enjoy the people you knowDon't be afraid to show your emotions laughing and crying make you feel betterLove your friends and family with your entire being they are the most important part of your lifeFeel the calmness on a quiet sunny dayFind a rainbow and live your world of dreams always remember life is better than it seems"

One more day of rest today and back at it tomorrow - the knee feels much better after lots of ice and elevation last night. It is not perfect but then again my knees never have been having already had one full knee replacement.

The big interview is on Wednesday -- this one is a psychological struggle--do I or do I not really want this at this point in time??? We shall see what tomorrow brings

OAKVILLE RUNNING ROOM CREW --ANGUS GLEN HALF MARATHON --NOV. 5/06
(Glenn, Pam, moi, Julie, Rita)

QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Similarities create friendship's while differences hold them together."
Unknown


Thanks to the support of these friends I made it through yesterday. Today, I don't feel as good as I usually do after a race as it appears my knee is worse than I originally thought. A very tough night trying to sleep but I have been down this road before. I went to the gym early this morning to ride the bike for 30 minutes to stretch out the knee and then sat in the jacuzzi and sauna for quite awhile. It seems to have loosened it up a bit. So a few easy days before I start walking again but will still do my strength workouts.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Albert Schweitzer "In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." Thanks to Ellen Fletcher

It was a tough but very enjoyable race at Angus Glen today. It was a much more difficult race than I had imagined - the terrain was much more "rolling" and more climbs than I expected. Also they sent me 300metres out of my way at the 3km mark requiring a quick change in direction during which I tweaked my left knee - I was not happy..but one of the ladies I have raced with before told me to put it behind me and just go - so I did!!!! I owe her big time as I was able to kick it into high gear and when all was said and done I was 1st overall open division with a PB of 2:24:50. The rest of my group did real well a well with all 5 having PBs --- Awesome day ---- now to rest and ice the knee and get ready for Vegas.
I would reccomend this race to one and all --- lets swamp them with walkers next year --- Pass the word

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson


Tomorrow is the Angus Glenn Half Marathon ---the last race before the Las Vegas Marathon on Dec 10----The weather forecast is semi-optimistic and apparently the course is "rolling hills" - good prep for December.

I just wish for tow things tomorrow ---Courage and a Pacemaker

QUOTE OF THE DAY


“Anything is possible. You can be told that you have a 90-percent chance or a 50-percent chance or a 1-percent chance, but you have to believe, and you have to fight.”
~ Lance Armstrong21st century cyclist and 7 time Tour de France winner


I am just going to have a realxing morning before going to work this morning - give my legs a break before doing a short walk, maybe 5 or 6 km tomorrow morning to stretch out for Sunday. I have to work overtime in the morning tomorrow so it will be an early walk--and then to carb load!!!
The next 4 weeks will be pretty intense as I will be doing my final prep for my first matathon in Vegas - have my training routine set and am looking forward to the challenge.
I was really pleased to hear back from Sarah(Canadaianracewalker) last night and she has agreed to speak at my clinic in the New Year - AWESOME - thanks Sarah
Cheers all and have a great weekend

QUOTE OF THE DAY
The Six W's: Work will win when wishing won't. -- Todd Blackledge




Had a great early morning workout at the gym with Todd this morning - he is doing very well and it is great to see.
As you can tell from the cartoon I am looking forward to my pre race carb loading on Saturday night.
Had an awesome day at work as well - may actually have a realistic chance for a more permenant supervisory role - the big interview is next wednesday - I hope to use the excitement as positive energy at Angus Glenn.
I am also spending time organizing the curriculum for my upcoming Marathon walking clinic. I am hoping that Sarah(CanadianRacewalker) will accept my invitation to speak at the clinic in the new year. I think her message would be motivational.

QUOTE OF THE DAY


"When you run a race, you hurt your ability to compete when you turn your head to look at the competition chasing you, you lose a step physically and psychologically. Run the race always stretching to do your best, imitations will come in last, no one ca catch an original."

Nothing more to say today other than it is a relaxing rest day - Todd and I will hit the gym tomorrow morning after which I have to go to the Doctors for a medical for my license as with my classification you need one every three years.
The weather looks promising for the race this weekend. Really looking forward to it