QUOTE OF THE DAY

Corita Kent: "Flowers grow out of darker moments"

Unknown Author: "Hard things are put in our way, not to stop us, but to call out our courage and strength."

Well the Mississauga Marathon is over for another year - the good news - my clinic members did an awesome job - 3, including myself in the full marathon - all under 5:35:00. Another 7 in the Half - several PB's including a 2:28:00 - an awesome performance from all. They all believed - in themselves, in their training, and in the adage "the harder you train, the easier the race!!"............I am extremely proud of each and every one of them and I thank them all for allowing me to be an ever so tiny part of it...........CONGRATULATIONS "A" TEAM.

On a personal note - I am hoping "flowers grow out of darker moments" - I finished in 5:26:25(chip time) which is slower than Vegas but I guess it is still respectable.........I was on track for my goal all the way to 30km - 2 minutes ahead of my goal at 21.1k (2:28.11)......and then disaster struck --- serious spasms in my back -- to the point I was leaning left so bad I looked like the hunchback of Notre Dame--- this seriously affected my stride to the point, I found out later, that horrible blistering on my feet started -- leaving my right foot a bloody mess by race's end......I seriously considered packing it in however I stuck it out with medics along the way asking if I was alright --- I lied and said yes I was ---- I made it to the finish line none to soon.

The first thing I said at the finish to my friends who were there was that "I will never to this again" But believe me, the second one is the hardest -- Toronto Marathon - October here we come -- got lots of time to get over this one -- considering the problems in the last 12.2km, I know I can improve next time out.

Lesson Learned ----- Don't use orthotics unless you really need to -- I think the couple of weeks I used them last month had a negative impact yesterday. At least get them from someone who cares about you and your body and not the $$$.

Cheers everyone.....have a great day

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you."

"Spectacular achievements are always preceded by unspectacular preparation."

Carl Lewis:

"Channel your energy. Focus."

Thomas Paine: "The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."

When you are searching quotes looking for one's that fit a specific goal like a marathon or half marathon, you often find several and that is what happened today.

Tomorrow is race day - Marathon #2 for me in 5 months - this will be a huge challenge for me because my body still remembers the first one which could be a distinct liability when reaching for a specific goal - BUT realistic or not I am going for it - not going to say it here but my closest friends, training partners and clinic members are aware of it..........GOT TO HAVE A FOCUS!!

Good luck on race day everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Virginia - if you are out there - I would be more than happy to help with the clinic in some way - you can contact me a allanmedd@hotmail.com

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Seneca: "It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness."

Willis Whitney: "Some men have thousands of reasons why they cannot do what they want to, when all they need is one reason why they can."

DO YOU THINK SOME OF US WILL HIT THE WALL AT 32KM - I WILL GUARANTEE IT - WE WILL USE AS MUCH ENERGY IN THE LAST 10K AS IN THE FIRST 32K - THAT TOO IS REALITY

Three days to race day - a great 11.5km last night at goal pace +10secs. Now I am finally starting to feel more positive regarding the outcome on Sunday. The weather forecast is favourable and I hope it stays under 20c and maybe even a little overcast - even a light drizzle would suit me just fine - my favorite race weather.

End of clinic pot luck supper tonight - it will be sad to see this one end as it has been great fun and a wonderful learning experience but a new one starts on June 7th - already have the guest speakers ready for most of the clinic so less to worry about.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Respect the distance or the distance won't respect you! It will eat you up, spit you out and make you beg for mercy"
Michael Shilling referring to the 26.2 mile distance of the marathon

We have been told time and again we were born to success, but a truly run marathon convinces us of that truth"
George Sheehan in Personal Best

Yesterday was a great clinic day. Paul from the Oakville Running Room came to my Walking To Live Well clinic at work and gave the group a great shoe talk - I have never met anyone who has more knowledge about shoes and how to fit them etc. The group really enjoyed it, got some 20% off coupon, and then out for a warm lunch time walk. The numbers are still high with over 20 coming each Tuesday a very positive experience.

Got in 10k yesterday at a relaxed pace - will do another 10 today at race pace pus 10secs, then two rest days and a short warm up 3 km on Saturday -- Then it is race day - can't wait!!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Some people drink to impair their judgement, I run marathons to impair mine. Both are addictions but the difference is one is negative and one is positive. Get addicted to running or at least something positive! "
runnersthoughts

Another absolutely gorgeous day - a perfect day for a long or not so long walk - just get away from the couch, the TV, the computer(I should talk) and get outdoors and enjoy.

Only 4 more days to work out the kinks for Mississauga - I am feeling the usual aches and pains that I have become accustomed to prior to a race. I just hope my body has forgotten what it is in for on race day. As everyone says - you expend as much energy - physically and emotionally - in the last 10km as you do in the first 32km.

Today will be the third session of my walking clinic at Go Transit and it is always a pleasure to do this one. It is a fun and enthusiastic group. YMCA Corporate Challenge here we come!!!!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Michelangelo: "The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we hit it."

Robert Schuller: "I will! I am! I can! I will actualize my dream. I will press ahead. I will settle down and see it through. I will solve the problems.
I will pay the price. I will never walk away from my dream until I see my dream walk away: Alert! Alive! Achieved!"

Well all, only 6 more sleeps until the Mississauga Marathon. Remember goals are simply bridges to our dreams. Reach for the stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Taper week this week - probably take the day off today with the exception of some cross training - but once again it is such a beautiful day I may have to do some walking just to walk.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Do not listen to those who weep and complain, for their disease is contagious." Og Mandino

"My thoughts before a big race are usually pretty simple. I tell myself: Get out of the blocks, run your race, stay relaxed. If you run your race, you'll win....Channel your energy. Focus." Carl Lewis

What a great day to walk -- an early morning start in Oakville - an incredible day - a quick 10.5km was a perfect way to start the day! Doug, from my clinic came with me, and once again his company was greatly appreciated - and fun.

A new project in the making - a tour to do the SUWAKO Half Marathon is Japan on October 28th of this year. -- 10days - airfare, hotel, transportation, and race entry - looking at under $2000.00 for the trip plus your mad money - and exciting business venture.

Anyone interested please let me know at allanmedd@hotmail.com

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.

Sarah was absolutely right, High Park was beautiful - I did what I call some soft training there yesterday. The Sakura blossoms are almost perfect - By tomorrow they should be perfect - a little bit of Japan in our own back yard - take advantage if you can.

A short LSW tomorrow with the clinic and some friends from work are coming out to see what it is all about. Hopefully we can motivate them into joining the clinic in June. A fast 6k this afternoon - trying not to overdue it before next weekend.

Enjoy the weather everyone.

Bryan K - where have you disappeared to??????????????????????

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Fall seven times -- stand up eight"

Japanese Proverb

H. Ross Perot: "Something in human nature causes us to start slacking off at our moment of greatest accomplishment. As you become successful, you will need a great deal of self-discipline not to lose your sense of balance, humility and commitment."

Good morning everyone. Another fine day is coming upon us and a great weekend for training. The tapering begins now for the Mississauga Marathon and the excitement is beginning to build. A great last in store clinic last night - handed out certificates which everyone seemed to be surprised by and pleased by as well. Next week is a pot luck finish and then it's race time. I had everyone put their goals for the race on a whiteboard in the store and make a public commitment to their goals and we can now help support and push each other along the path to our goal......Goals are much more powerful when you make them public.

Preparation for the next clinic is underway and guest speakers are locked in for the first 8 sessions, so I am feeling pretty comfortable with that.

Have a great weekend everyone and Keep on Walking

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Stadiums are for spectators. We runners have nature and that is much better." Juha Väätäinen, Finland

Well., it certainly has been an interesting week - this beginning the work day at 0400am has required some getting used to but this week I have been able to find a way to work out in the afternoon. I did some treadmill work Monday, 2 workouts yesterday, and a speed workout over 10k today - stayed at my desired race pace and was quite happy with it. Now that I have abandoned the orthotics the pain and inflamation in the knees has disappeared and I am thankful of that. My clinic at work was great yesterday - what a great group and they enjoyed my friend Julie's presentation and then she joined us for our walk...a little too easy for an Ironwoman but I was thrilled she was there as were my clinic members. Thanks Julie.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"There is the truth about the marathon and very few of you have written the truth. Even if I explain to you, you'll never understand it, you're outside of it." Douglas Wakiihuri speaking to journalists

I guess that is a marathoners way of saying"If I tell you, I will have to kill you." That is reality though - until you have done it you will never be able to understand it - why we do what we do - it is more than we do it because it is there or because we can or because of the competition. When you feel that special emotion surging through your veins after you cross the finish line the first time you will then understand - then you will want to do it again and again..............

Off to the gym this afternoon for some strengthening workouts and some cross training.

Tomorrow is the second day of my "Walking For Wellness" clinic I am instructing at work - this is alot of fun. My friend Julie Boyer - Ironwoman Triathlete - is speaking there tomorrow - I know she can hold an audience for hours if the rain comes as it promises to.

Monthly total = 295km Year to date = 1190kms

Cheers all - have a good day

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"The will to win means nothing if you haven't the will to prepare." - Juma Ikangaa, 1989 NYC Marathon winner

A beautiful day - a great workout - great friends - great effort -----------What else can one ask for.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Some of the world's greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossible."

Doug Larson

Well, how poetic is that - finding the poster of Roger Bannister and Larson's quote - believe me, that was not planned just happened - must be a sign. I sure can identify with the quote - each time I am told something is impossible I will try my utmost to make it happen - like a 5hr marathon for a walker before years end - considering I am doing only 3 marathons this year I will have to pick my spots.

I am finally beginning to feel psychologically ready for doing the long distance of the marathon - I was having my doubts as I usually do before a race - now to get ready for it physically - Properly......

Out to do about 18k this afternoon with Glenn and Lin and early tomorrow to do the 25k lighthouse route in Oakville with the clinic - our last significant distance before Mississauga.

The rain is clearing -looks like a good afternoon...............Every day is a good day to walk - just some are better that others

QUOTE OF THE DAY

THE LAST LEG TO THE MISSISSAUGA MARATHON BEGINS TODAY

Marathon Motivation

Got enough marathon motivation to push you across the finish line? It’s one thing to be motivated to start training, it’s another to stay motivated every day.
Training the mind should be considered equally important to physical marathon training. Following are a few simple techniques to help build mental toughness and create the proper mindset.
Visualization Set aside a few minutes each day, or at least a few times each week, to relax and picture in your mind the runner you want to be. Picture yourself making a great training run or running the actual race. As you are creating that image, try to get other senses involved by trying to feel what it will feel like to achieve your goal or push through any obstacles you envision.
Affirmations Flood your mind with positive thoughts by talking to yourself every day. Tell yourself that you are a marathon runner, a sub-four hour marathoner, or whatever it is your goal might be. Our minds operate in the present so the more we tell ourselves something, even if it is not yet true, the faster our mind believes it and begins working now to make that affirmation a reality. Also, put an affirmation, race brochure, or inspiring quote somewhere you will see it every day like on your desk or bathroom mirror.
Block the Negative Be aware of negative thoughts creeping into your mind. When you catch them, stop them cold in their tracks by telling yourself the opposite. For instance, if you catch yourself thinking you are tired during a run, tell yourself several times, with emphasis, that you feel great or feel strong. Do the same for any pain during a run. By telling yourself the opposite, you are diverting your focus from the negative to the positive.Over the course of training, you may find yourself lacking motivation at some point. This is very common. Maybe you get discouraged because unexpected events have caused you to miss a run, a few runs, or even a week or more of runs. Maybe something in your life diverts your focus from training and your goal. Whatever the case, do not let it stop you from achieving your goal!
Think of supporters cheering you on as you run with ease through the marathon or half marathon. Think about how rewarding it will be when you cross the finish line and reflect on what you have just accomplished.
Surround yourself with positive, motivating things. Watching running movies is great for marathon motivation. Find something that connects with you emotionally and you will find that your intensity and desire will grow to where you don’t just want to achieve your goal, you have to achieve your goal.

Take a step back and think about why you have set this monster goal for yourself and see yourself enjoying all the benefits you expect to have once you accomplish your goal.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

H. Ross Perot:"Something in human nature causes us to start slacking off at our moment of greatest accomplishment. As you become successful, you will need a great deal of self-discipline not to lose your sense of balance, humility and commitment."

So much for orthotics - two days without them and my legs and feet are almost pain and blister free - once again if you are going to get them make sure you trust the person you are dealing with.

A good night with the clinic - 16 days until the Mississauga marathon - getting keyed up now and the group is excited.

Looking forward to a couple of good training days this weekend - looking at 23 km each day and then start to pull back for the marathon

Have a great weekend everyone

Cheers

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"If God invented marathons to keep people from doing anything more stupid, the triathlon must have taken Him completely by surprise." P.Z. Pearce

I used this quote as it reminded me of my friend Julie - triathlons are here thing - and she thinks I am crazy!!!! Julie has agree to come and talk to my walking clinic which began at work today - 23 people showed up out of those who had registered for it with 6 more sending their regrets. An awesome group - it has taken a life of its own already - I gave them an 8 week schedule and they have taken it upon themselves to organize lunch time walks in order to keep on track with their necessary mileage. May even get some of them to the Running Room on Sundays for long walks.

Has been a strange week for training though - I have been getting the mileage in but not to the intensity I want but that turned around last night as I went to Oakville and got in to a excellent speed workout and mentally felt much better. I tossed the orthotics last night -- I have had severe blistering and my knees have been much sorer than at any time in the last 16 months - the only thing different were the orthotics - today after a hard workout last night my knees feel much better and the blistering has not gotten any worse -- lesson learned - "go to someone for orthotics who genuinely cares about you well being and not one who only considers his pocketbook"

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"The body does not want you to do this. As you run, it tells you to stop but the mind must be strong. You always go too far for your body. You must handle the pain with strategy...It is not age; it is not diet. It is the will to succeed." Jacqueline Gareau

It is good to be back home and training -- the evening with my clinic go my competitive juices running again and I will be thankfully going out for a long one this afternoon with Glenn and Lin. Tomorrow we will be doing 32k with the clinic group in Oakville. An exciting week coming up as I begin my clinic at work that was proposed some time ago - I am overwhelmed by the response as 34 people have signed up for it. In the first week of June, I begin to instruct my second half/marathon clinic for the running room in Oakville - so an exciting summer coming up with races and clinics.

A couple of pictures from Japan -- the first --"the running room goes to Japan" - an off the cuff and fun spur of the moment one day clinic -- the instructing is fun in Japanese. The last picture is why I love Japan in April --"SAKURA" ie .cherry blossoms

post training soak

Hill training!!!!!!!!

pre training meal

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Og Mandino: "I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain,
Henceforth will I apply all my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy."

Good morning all ---- a good night's sleep last night has put a brighter light on a new day......The jet lag is essentially gone and I can begin again ---- a quick 3km last night just to relax and back to my clinic tonight - I can't wait to see them all and again on Sunday when we do our last 32km before Mississauga. It is going to be a great race -- after the hill training in Japan a negative incline course will be a welcome yet boring relief.

A couple of pictures from Japan are above -- a typical traditional breakfast, the backdrop of my training ground, and my post raining treat - the hot spring spa -- now these are hot!!!!!

Have a great day all!!!!!!!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Charles Kettering: "It doesn't matter if you try and try and try again, and fail. It does matter if you try and fail, and fail to try again."

"Ingenuity, plus courage, plus work, equals miracles"

TADIMA(i'M HOME) -- and I am just exhausted -- a 13hr time difference and a 13 hour flight makes for a long day - arriving in Toronto last night and in to work this morning for 0400.

I however will never complain about hill training or hill in a race any more -- I had 6 days of training in the mountains -- at 4000 feet above sea level and at an average grade of 14% with the steepest grade being 19% --------gives a new definition to the word endurance.......

It was a great trip as it always is over there and with my closest friend with me it certainly made for some memorable moments........pictures will be posted when we have a chance to download them..........

Back to training tomorrow -- missed my clinic group --- and only 4 weeks to get ready for Mississauga.

Cheers everyone -- have a great day..............

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“The only way to get people to like working hard is to motivate them. Today, people must understand why they’re working hard. Every individual in an organization is motivated by something different.” Rick Pitino Basketball Coach

“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” Lou Holtz Football Coach

I have found it extremely difficult the last few days to do any really effective training with the 0400am start at work. Last night we were able to get 10 hills in with the clinic group in spite of the cold and then a few km this morning. The plan is to do about 12km tomorrow morning before getting on the plane to Japan.

No posts till the 18th of April.............Sayonara everyone..........till then

REMEMBER "It is not the destination that counts ---- it is the journey" --no matter what you do in life................

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"There is one quality which one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it."
Napoleon Hill

Well isn't this just a great way to start the day -- getting up at 3 am to be in to work for 4am -- actually wasn't that bad -- at least so far -- ask me in a few hours!!!
Going to try to get in a few km this evening and then another early start tomorrow and the clinic tomorrow night. It will be interesting to see how my body reacts to the change in workout times as for over a year the preferred workout time has been the early morning before work which obviously is not a functional idea at the present time.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"When you develop yourself to the point where your belief in yourself is so strong that you know that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to, your future will be unlimited."
Brian Tracy

When it takes you as long as it has taken me to figure this all out, your future will be unlimited however short that future is.

A quick 12km this morning before heading out to work - just what the Doctor ordered as it was crisis after crisis when I got into the office.......and a short turn around tonight -- finish at 8pm and back in for 0400am tomorrow -- I shiver just thinking about it.

Starting to get pumped about the trip to Japan on Saturday and finally 6 great days at a hot spring spa -- been there several times in the past and it is a great place to train -- high altitude and all hills -- you are either going up, down or sideways - promises to be excellent endurance training for the Mississauga Marathon.

Cheers all - have a good night

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"It is only through work and strife that either nation or individual moves on to greatness. The great man is always the man of mighty effort, and usually the man whom grinding need has trained to mighty effort."- Theodore Roosevelt, in a speech about Grant, delivered at Galena, Illinois, April 27, 1900

"The turning point in the process of growing up is when you discover the core of strength within you that survives all hurt."- Max Lerner

Well, I had a choice today -- feel sorry for myself and put a picture of a toilet on my blog or try to see past it all and try motivate myself and hopefully others as I do so...........I chose the later -- and once I saw Lerner's quote I was sure that I made the right choice. Unfortunately, I didn't find this quote several years ago but better later than never as the old saying goes.......

A great weekend of training --- 32km with Glenn and Lin on Saturday -- we did the first 16 km of the Mississauga Marathon in a loop -- Neagative incline on the way out --- which means basically that it was uphill all the way home -- but a great workout............Sunday, the clinic group got together and the goal was another 32km --- but pouring rain and wind and cold temps put a halt to it after 16km. All in all, a good training weekend. A day of rest today and back at it in the morning.

April Totals = 333.9kms Year to Date = 893.9kms

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can't know what's coming." Frank Shorter

Back at it tonight with my clinic group - 9.5 km with 11 hills in there -- a good workout and with the new orthotics causing no problem in face alleviating some hip pressure -- they felt great -- great to be back at it with a couple of significant distance days coming this weekend.

Registered for the Mississauga Marathon tonight -- finally done -- now as Shorter says I have to forget Vegas -- I don't want my body to know what is coming when the race begins..... I know my toughest half was my second for that reason.............we do learn the hard way.

The bar has been raised, the goal has been written down and a commitment has been made...............Time to get it on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. "- Nelson Mandela

Thank you to a very special friend - Julie - for this quote. It is fantastic -- don't we all need to let our light shine -- it rubs off obviously -- Julie, your smile, your compassion and your positive energy are such positive forces and I am truly blessed to have you as a friend.

Sarah was truly correct as well -- it is not necessarily the training that gets you through the hard times but your training partners that help you through the emotionally trying times. I can attest to that the last week or so -- thanks to all of you.

I have taken the last three days off training totally although tonight I may go out for 5 or so km -- I think it was definitely helpful for my body to do so.. Also, picked up my two new pairs of Asics with new orthotics today -- they should help as well and I am looking forward to using them.

Time to climb back out of that dark hole and get back at 'er!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cheers and have a great day everyone

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor souls who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." --Theodore Roosevelt

Once again thank goodness for the clinic group and the ability to use this sport as a channel for negative emotions. I woke up Saturday morning to my dog having passed away in her sleep during the night - when I first started walking she dragged me along and made me speed up and put some effort into it. She will be sadly missed but remembered fondly and with passion.

Our clinic group did 30km yesterday and everyone was once again terrific -- incredible efforts by everyone. I was able to finish with 90.5k for the week -- then I realized that I had trained 20 days in a row as of yesterday - today then is a well earned rest day - so after the emotional roller coaster weekend I am hoping I can recover not only physically but psychologically as well.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"When we are motivated by goals that have deep meaning, by dreams that need completion, by pure love that needs expressing, then we truly live."
Greg Anderson
Beyond The Quote:Your own motivation in life is what keeps you going and excites you to live. Having a dream and a true passion to do what you love is what living is all about. Remember this, and forever be happy.

The end of a long week -- too much extraneous stuff interfering with the course of one's life -- too much to burden blog readers with but suffice to say, once again, good friends came to the rescue. Thanks Julie, you don't know how perfect your timing was last night.

It was however a great week for training -- by the time the weekend is over with it will be another week of 90+kms. It looks as if the month will end with my largest mileage total ever -- over 300km. I have made a promise to my closest friend Ian and now to Julie as well that I want to do a 500km individual endurance trek in Japan by 2010 - and try to do it in 12 days -- well everyone has to have a dream -- as I say all the time "Goals are bridges to our Dreams"

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Ralph Vaull Starr: "Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal. "

Man, it was cold this morning -- but still a great day for a morning training session -- a quick 11k and then off to work -- I once again planned to do a more or less recovery walk but ended up doing a tempo -- at marathon pace plus 10 and then did some core work when I got home -- really trying to work on hips, abductors and adductors.

Only about 7 weeks before Mississauga Marathon and two weeks from vacation and some training in the mountains of Japan - can't wait!!!!!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Some people say I have attitude - maybe I do...but I think you have to. You have to believe in yourself when no one else does - that makes you a winner right there." -- Venus Williams

There you go -- Pre yesterday and one of the greatest endurance athletes in history - Emile Zatopek --- runner, walker, triathlete -- doesn't matter who you are I am sure you are in awe, as I am, of Zatopek's accomplishments. Truely Amazing.

Today was an early day at work -- and I actually got out of there on time -- it was supposed to be an off day training but I ended up going out and doing 7.5k to stretch out the sore muscles from the 30k yesterday.

I want to take a moment to send some special thanks to some special people who are a constant source of daily encouragement and motivation to me -- my barometers and my support -- to all of you a very very special thank you.

Glenn, Lin, Sarah, Jenna and Allison -- my second family

My Clinic members --- amazing people doing amazing things

Sarah(cdnracewalker) -- truly a source of motivation

Ian - my closest and dearest friend -- been at my side since high

school

Julie -- a new friend who is an amazing support and source of

Wisdom

Installment two of the Thank you list tomorrow

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"I learned that the only way you are going to get anywhere in life is to work hard at it. Whether you're a musician, a writer, an athlete or a businessman, there is no getting around it. If you do, you'll win--if you don't, you won't." -- Bruce Jenner, Olympic Gold Medalist, Decathlon

Pre and Jenner -- two amazing and inspirational athletes ---- we all have different gifts and should not let them go to waste --- Don't waste your!!!!
A great training day -- 29.7k with the clinic and they all finished it with a measure of a smile left on their faces. Tomorrow, two of my members will begin to lead their own 5k clinic and I am so proud of the two of them -- they have come a long way in a short period of time. Great Job Karen and Joanne -- enjoy!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.”

Tomorrow we get started with the BIG mileage build up for the Mississauga Marathon -- 8 of us in the clinic will get together at 0800 and 29.88km later we will pull into the Oakville Starbucks with smiles on our faces and the knowledge that we were successful and are stronger, more confident and more skilled -- we didn't wait for the conditions to be right -- Don't You!!!!

Training for a Marathon - this is what you need to be - Walker or Runner

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Our attitudes control our lives. Attitudes are a secret power working 24 hours a day, for good or bad. It is of paramount importance that we know how to harness and control this great force."
Tom Blandi
Beyond The Quote:Your thoughts and desires are key assets upon facing imminent challenges. Having complete control over your own mind will allow you to manage any situation at hand. If you can manipulate your thoughts into a positive approach, you can achieve anything.

Isn't that a great poster --- the legendary Bill Rodgers --- runner or walker -- you have to be impressed and motivated by him. That picture is forever etched in my mind and helps my visualization when I am doing half and full marathons.

This has been an awesome week of training, --- by the time I finish a few km at High Park tomorrow and 29km with the clinic group on Sunday I will have about 95km in for the week.......Mentally and Physically I am feeling stronger and more determined --- I have my goal for the marathon in Mississauga and I am focused on making it.

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"I know where I'm going and I know the truth, and I don't have to be what you want me to be. I'm free to be what I want."
Muhammad Ali

Beyond The Quote:It is not important how others perceive you or what expectations they may have of you. What's significant is how you view yourself and what your own personal visions and goals are. You have the ability to set out and accomplish what you desire, and achieve the highest success.

Once again -- I guess the quote and the poster speak for themselves ---- good news on the walking clinic at work --17 have signed up for it so far -- sort of overwhelming but I am thrilled and excited.

I have been remiss in not sending out my best wishes to my virtual friend Bryan K --- keep smiling my friend -- as you said today, this all may be a blessing in disguise..........See you in Ottawa...........We will be coming down on Saturday and maybe we can pasta load together............

Another good workout outside this morning -- 12.9 k at a good tempo -- I am finally getting back in to the grove -- nothing like spring to pump you up

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"You have to be able to center yourself, to let all of your emotions go... Don't ever forget that you play with your soul as well as your body."
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Beyond The Quote:It takes heart and strength of character to attain your goals. Your intensity and determination to succeed lies first within your mind where it converts to a more physical strength and outward mobility. Utilize both you mind and body to become triumphant.

There has been a lot of debate the last little while on the Running Room forum between runners and walkers and who should do what, when etc. All of it is very frustrating -- especially when when I see runners calling walkers a "nuisance" and always being in the way........I hear them saying that walkers should start after runners instead of an hour before as they get in the way and impede runners progress........I guess that does underscore the need for MUTUAL RESPECT -- and some race etiquette on both sides. As far as being in the way at the Chili Half --- the picture above is approximately 2k from the finish and I don't see a runner around that I am impeding and I was in the lead 4 walkers. I have been in several distance races where I have started with runners and have had to work my way around runners who were slower and running three or four abreast which we are often accused of...........This will be a never ending debate.

On a more positive note --- it was a great morning to train -- now I am on the right track for the Mississauga Marathon --- I did 15k tempo at my goal pace +10seconds --- !:48:00 ---so I am very pleased with the performance and I was able to use Sarah's techniques a little longer -- what a difference --- can sure feel it in the shins like she warned me but better and better every day.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done."
Vince Lombardi

Beyond The Quote-Anything in this world is possible and you have the capacity to acquire all that you set your sights on. You alone possess the absolute inner drive to accomplish all of your desires. If you commit yourself entirely to what you aspire and have the strength to follow through, you will ultimately succeed in your goals.

Not much else to say once you read this quote and the beyond the quote. Had a training course this morning at work which made it impossible to do a workout this morning but I did 3.5k at lunch and will do another 3.5 tonight during the evening lull.

I have been given the go ahead from Senior Management to do a Walking Clinic at our Head Office on Bay Street. We posted Bulletins this morning and I send out invitations by email to our Head Office employees -- I was totally amazed --within 15 minutes of posting the email, I had 5 confirmed responses -- this may just be a great little clinic -- beginning April 24th

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"An inch of time is an inch of gold: TREASURE IT.

Appreciate its fleeting nature;

misplaced gold is not easily found,

mispent time is lost forever."

Loy ching-Yuen

Just a short post today --- it was a great morning for a outdoor workout this morning --- was only planning on doing 8k this morning as it usually is an off day --- got started and before I knew it, with AcDc playing, I had done 14k and loved it. Tried using Sarah's racewalking technique more today and was surprised that not only did I keep it up for most of the distance but my time - considering it was a training session, was significantly better than it has been. That is exciting -- cant wait to do more

Have a good evening everyone

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"I was told over and over again that I would never be successful, that I was not going to be competitive and the technique was simply not going to work. All I could do was shrug and say 'We'll just have to see'. "
Dick Fosbury

"The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur."
Vince Lombardi

I mentioned in a previous post - Friday, I think, that when you are training keep in mind some motivational quotes -- they come in handy when you need them the most. I find the first one here particularly important for me in particular -- I think I know how Fosbury felt when they said the "flop" wouldn't work as a high-jumping technique. I was told less than a year ago that I had "a lot of heart, determination and endurance -- but no style --- I was the ugly duckling "style wise... Well, like Fosbury --- you can't argue success...... Now though, after Sarah's presentation and my new found muscles I am going to focus on a racewalking technique -- hopefully by the Mississauga Marathon I will be able to use it for at least half of the race......New endurance with new muscle groups to build in the meantime.......those muscles were still sore yesterday from out Thursday workout....Glenn and I were still hurting when we did our 15k yesterday and still were impacting me today when we did 19k with the clinic group in Oakville. An awesome day for walking today and this week looks promising weather wise as well.....now that I can get outside in comfort every day I plan to increase the mileage per week on a 10% per week schedule.
Next Saturday, I think Glenn, Lin and I will do a High Park workout -- speed work is great but I still believe strength and endurance are key --- have to be able to keep that speed up for long distances and that is our goal.
Have a great week everyone

RUNNING ROOM OAKVILLE ONTARIO

2007 - JANUARY-MAY MARATHON CLINIC

BURLINGTON CHILI HALF MARATHON

"THE 'A' TEAM"