QUOTE OF THE DAY

"It's at the borders of pain and suffering that the men are separated from the boys." - Emil Zatopek


"It's elevating and humbling at the same time. Running along a beach at sunrise with no other footprints in the sand, you realize the vastness of creation, your own insignificant space in the plan, how tiny you really are, your own creatureliness and how much you owe to the supreme body, the God that brought all this beauty and harmony into being." - Sister Marion Irvine, 2:51 PR and 1984 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier

What a truly beautiful day out there today - yet, I didn't get in any outdoor training today - that will happen tomorrow when I head out with my clinic in the morning.

Today was getting back to basics day - back to what worked the best for me when this journey began --- three hours at the gym --- 26km on the bike, 6.5km on the treadmill doing hill intervals, 3.8km on the rowing machine and 45 minutes working on core strengthening and some shoulder and chest work - It is an amazing statistic that walkers when using their arms will pump them 40,000-50,000 times in a marathon - I guess that means you should make sure they are strong enough to take the punishment as well as help power you along.

It was a great workout, I thoroughly enjoyed it and will plan 2 of these X-training workouts a week for sure -- followed by the sauna -- Man, I feel the best I have in weeks.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Thomas Jefferson: "But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life; and thanks to a benevolent arrangement of things, the greater part of life is sunshine."

Last night was the first night of my Oakville Running Room clinic - a great group of people, a good combination returning friends and brand new friends -- More sunshine into my life for sure. Every body seems to be quite committed and that is just great to see.

We have to basic rules at our Clinic(other that have fun first obviously) - and those are 1) DO NOT ever call yourself "JUST A WALKER" - you are a competitive athlete just like any runner - in face, more of a competitive endurance athlete - in the 21.1 and 42.2 we are more intense over a longer period of time.

AND

2) If you enter a race as a Walker - you walk - if you plan to run at all, register as a runner !!! -- enough said - I don't need to get on my soap box about this one again.

I often say the feeling of crossing the line the first time at a Marathon or Half

Marathon is like nothing you have ever experience before. An amazing statistic I read the other day - if you complete a marathon you are in a very small percentage of the population to ever experience the feeling - In fact, less than 1% of the population in North America last year did so, based on the number of Marathon finishers total in all races in North America in 2006 - and that does not even take into account the number of athletes who completed multiple marathons or number of competitors who reside out of continental North America. Statistics are similar in shorter races as well -although the percentages are slightly higher, as there are more shorter races available, and more people enter shorter races than longer endurance races.

A Sobering Statistic -- See WALKERS -- each and everyone of you has elite status..

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Mark Twain: "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

Well, today is day 1 of the new Half and Full Marathon Clinic in Oakville. I think I am more nervous about this one than the first. It looks like a pretty good mix of returning folks and new people coming in. The plan is to have some pretty intense speed and endurance training sessions during the Thursday clinic nights - I am hoping that this will go well - the last group seemed to really like these sessions so this time around we will just up the ante so to speak and we will see what we will see.

Went to the Brampton Club Walk last night - a really nice group of people - Thank you Ginny, Ravi, Karen et al.........Registered for the Brampton Half while I was there and I am looking forward to getting back to doing some more distance races. The OTMH Father's Day 5k will be my next race - June 17th -- for anyone who has never had the opportunity to do this one -- it is a great race, lots of fun, great competition and great people. A well run and organized race - if you have the chance and the inclination, come on down!!!!!!!!!!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Denis Waitley: "Winners(ANYONE WHO CROSSES THE FINISH LINE) take time to relish their work, knowing that scaling the mountain is what makes the view from the top so exhilarating."

An encouraging cartoon isn't it??? But that is what people think who have never crossed the line and "seen the view from the top" I have seen it twice now, and I found the view so exhilarating that I want to do it again and again and again!!!!

I have been fortunate enough to have found two group leaders for the Rosedale Running Room Half and Full Marathon Clinics - with the help of Hayley the store manager and a participant from my last Oakville clinic who resides in Toronto - so much less to worry about when you have good friends and good people watching your back.........The same in Oakville for my clinic that starts tomorrow - with Nancy helping with the half and Glenn there for the full, it makes for a much smoother, stress free clinic.

Off to Brampton to do the club walk tonight and register for the Brampton Half - that should be a good time.

Have a great day all!!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"No doubt a brain and some shoes are essential for marathon success, although if it comes down to a choice, pick the shoes. More people finish the marathon with no brains than with no shoes!!!!!"

Don Kardong

I am happy to say that I got my 12kms in yesterday afternoon, so I feel I am back on track in a general sense. There still are some aches and pains, some minor blistering problems but they should all be resolved in due time..I am not going to lose any sleep over it - just have to plod on on a daily basis trying to get the back stronger and tougher skin on the torn up feet from Mississauga.

I have agreed to instruct a second Half/Marathon Clinic at the Rosedale Running Room in Toronto during the summer - it begins on Saturday, June 30/2007. It is a great opportunity to help establish the walking community in the Toronto area. I am very excited and hope that those of you who read this blog and reside in Toronto will come out and join us. Good times will be had by all.

Speaking of good times --- I took a very close look at the Suwa Ko Half Marathon format yesterday. It has a maximum time of 2:40:00 of which I was aware but it actually has timing points where if you are later than the posted time you are actually directed off the course.

Here are the timing points: 1.6km = 20:00

4.6km = 35:00

8.0km = 1:10:00

14.4km = 1:55:00

17.7km = 2:25:00

21.1km = 2:40:00

Having that sort of restrictions sure makes it a different kind of race - definitely more competitive. I am not really concerned with the times of the race, rather the culture of the race will be quite different that any one I have experienced to date.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Laurence Sterne: "A large volume of adventures may be grasped within this little span of life, by him who interests his heart in everything."

A very tired start to the day - very little energy at my 230am wake up call and 0400am start at work -- this has got to change sooner than later -- not a healthy way of life -- have to have a nap in the afternoon before I can go out to train. I love to train in the early morning so this has thrown a wrench in to my preferred style.....

On a more positive note -- I registered for the OTMH Father's day 5k on June 17 - my son is doing the race with me - he is running it though - it will be nice to have him there. I am also registering for the Brampton Half Marathon on July 15th and I think I will do the new Whitby Half Marathon on July 30th as well. Toss in my next clinic starts on Thursday and I guess I have a busy summer lined up.

I am very excited that I have also registered for the Suwa Ko(lake) Half Marathon in Suwa, Nagano Prefecture, in Japan on Oct. 28th. Registration opened on June 1st and has a cut off point of 7000 participants. I already have about 6 of my clinic members and one from London who are seriously considering this adventure.............If anyone is interested contact me directly at allanmedd@hotmail.com. It is possible to do this trip for under $1800 plus your mad money. If you are up for the adventure please feel free to contact me......There is also a 1ok/half/full Marathon in Hiroshima the week before on Oct. 21/07 which I am considering the 10k as a warmup for the Half the following weekend. The picture above is of the Suwa Ko race route with the lake to your left all the way around, surrounded by mountains - what more could you ask?

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow.Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.Walk beside me and be my friend." -

Albert Camus (also attributed to Maimonidies).

This is my friend Doug who I basically brow beat into taking my clinic - He completed the Mississauga Half Marathon in 2:53:00 - his first race ever of that distance -- now he is bitten by the bug and has registered to do the next clinic and will go with me to the the Suwako Half in Japan in October...............Good on ya' "Dougie"

I did 16 km is Oakville this morning - 4 of us went of and did a relaxing 6k and after that I was on my own - really thrilled with the results though - 10k in 1:06:37 - I feel better now than I did before the Mississauga Marathon - recovery is an important part of our training - knowing when to listen to our bodies and the experts and following direction - which is particularly hard for me.

Registered for the OTMH Father's day 5K today - can't wait - some pretty stiff competition at this one -- haven't done a short race in so long I forget how - like riding a bike though - once that gun goes off I am sure memories will come back.

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, Decathlon Olympic Gold Medalist

This is a very quiet day - I don't know when the last time was that I did not train or race on a Saturday - but losing the battle with some bad oysters last night left me with food poisoning and a very sleepless night - so my body gets a day of rest which is probably a good thing and I will try to go out in the morning for 16-20k with some of my clinic members in Oakville.

Speaking of clinic members - the picture is of the "A TEAM" out of the Oakville Running Room - just prior to the Mississauga Marathon.

The response I have been hearing regarding the Brampton Half Marathon has been positive and the walkers are rallying to support the race that is willing to support us.

My hope is that some "WOW" walkers will come and support it as well - we all wanted walker friendly races - now we have one lets support wherever you are from - Running Room, WOW, south of the border - lets just support it!

May Stats --- Total KMs = 219k -- 5days off after Mississauga Marathon

Year to date -- Total Km = 1407k

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Marathoning is like cutting yourself unexpectedly. You dip into the pain so gradually that the damage is done before you are aware of it. Unfortunately, when awareness comes, it is excruciating."

John Farrington, Australian marathoner

I am one very HAPPY walker tonight - after meeting with and with the help of Eric Darcy, the Race director of the new Brampton Half Marathon, there is a full card caring, prize winning walking division. Only 500 spaces available for this July 15 race - Walkers unite and support those who are willing to change and support us!!!!!!!!!!

This will be a great opportunity to showcase our sport, our amazing race etiquette, our determination and our battle for respect. Go online and register folks - support the race's fund raising charity "Habitat for Humanity" - Help the Walking community by Helping Someone In Need.

Lets Race folks - show the passion - register early before all the spots are gone - it would be awesome to see more walkers than runners at the event.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Guest: "You are the person who has to decide. Whether you'll do it or toss it aside; you are the person who makes up your mind. Whether you'll lead or will linger behind. Whether you'll try for the goal that's afar. Or just be contented to stay where you are."

The picture above is of where I would love to be this morning - this is one of the hot springs at the spa in Japan that we go to when we are in Japan. After 13k in that heat last night I would have loved to be sitting in that spring afterwards.

I went to the Brampton Running Room for their club walk last night and after we were finished with the clinic members , I did an extra 8k with the clinic leaders. It was a great evening and I really enjoyed the company of new people who are so passionate about the sport. Hopefully the will be able to assist in pressuring the new Brampton Half Marathon into having a walking division. As of yesterday, it became official that the new Oakville half on Labour day will now have walking divisions in both their 10k and half marathon divisions - that is great news - and even better considering that it was pressure from the walking community that got it done. A lesson learned - we want more walker friendly races - we need to fight the good fight - they won't do it unless we make sure our voices are heard - and loudly!!!!!!!!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Roger Bannister: "The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win. "

Vince Lombardi: "Real glory is being knocked to your knees and then coming back. That's real glory. That's the essence of it."

It was a great evening to get out and do some kms last night - did 10k in 1:10:00 which is the best pace I have been able to sustain since the injury at Mississauga. That result leaves me much more positive feeling about my rehab.

Today is the Go Transit walking to live well clinic at noon. Andrea Bourgeois of Nutriquest is our guest speaker today and having heard her before, I am sure the clinic participants will really enjoy her presentation and her energy. After a short walk with the clinic, I will do 7 or 8 km when I get home.

Tomorrow night I plan to head up to Brampton to take part in the group walk with the Running room there. One week and my second Half/Full Marathon Clinic begins at the Oakville store - Have some new friends joining and the return of a number of old friends -- should be a great time.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Robert Green Ingersoll: "The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart"

Milton Berle: "I'd rather be a "could-be', if I cannot be an "are'; because a "could-be" is a "maybe" who is reaching for a star. I'd rather be a "has-been" than a "might-have-been', by far; for a "might-have-been" has never "been", but a "has" was once an "are'.

Here we are Monday, Monday -------after a pretty good weekend of training --- I felt badly though as I had the Ottawa Half on my calender but discretion was the better part of valor -- no way was I ready after Mississauga...It is slowly coming back though -- did 12km on Saturday and 11 yesterday so that was three consecutive days at 10+km which was the first time I had done 3 days in a row since the Marathon.....

I am starting to get more excited about the upcoming racing season -- one always has to have at least one positive going on in one's life and for me that is my training and my racing.

The positives that come out of this sport are too numerous to mention but thank God for each and every one of them!!!!!!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Robert Frost

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I... I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference"

Ronald. E. Osborn:

"Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow."

I have taken the liberty to attach some photos taken at my GO Transit "Walking to Live Well" clinic - with some of the guest speakers I have had to this point - they have been absolutely terrific and the participants in the clinic have really enjoyed the information the have received. As one person noted when seeing the one picture - "they are all eating healthy too."

I had a great training session yesterday - about 10k at a good pace and relatively pain free - I woke up with some back pain this morning so I "listened to my body" and took the morning off with the exception of a number of new core strengthening exercises I have implemented into my program.

Will do 10k tomorrow morning and then a session with Glenn and Lin on Saturday afternoon and then with my clinic Sunday Morning. I am now toying with doing the 15k Bread and Honey Race in Streetsville on June 3, at least I believe that is the date. They do not have a walking division but I just want to test my back and feet in a race situation - it is a thought anyway - we shall see -- "it is the road less travelled"

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Henry Ward Beecher: "It's easier to go down a hill than up it but the view is much better at the top."

Now isn't that the perfect one for those who don't like hill training!!!!!!! Well. it was great to get back at it this weekend - I was able to do 6.5k with Glenn on Saturday, 6.5k with some clinic members in Oakville on Sunday, and 1ok yesterday at a pace faster than I expected. Very little discomfort - some slight lower back tightening but I think if I take it easy building my mileage up I will be okay. I was certainly good to be back at it.............

I hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend........Back to work certainly puts a cramp in one's training schedule!!!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Lee Iacocca:"Boys, there ain't no free lunches in this country. And don't go spending your whole life commiserating that you got the raw deals. You've got to say, I think that if I keep working at this and want it bad enough I can have it. It's called perseverance"

Well, I guess it is obvious where I am going with this post today - time to try and get back at it --time to persevere --- I am not yet feeling 100% but I am going to try and do a relaxed 6-8k's tomorrow with my training buddy Glenn. I really miss the training and mentally I am craving it -- so slow and easy recovery pace is what it will be this weekend. I am really missing the clinics already as well - only one week since the end of it and I am in withdrawal - Thankfully a new one will start on June 7th and there is a pretty good registration for it at this point in time - even got a couple of runners converted - Now isn't that cool!!

Have a great holiday weekend everyone --- stay safe!!!!!!!

PS - why this Picture -- It really was Frosty Friday when I woke up - had to scrape the windshield - reminded me of early morning training in January!!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Humility leads to strength and not to weakness. It is the highest form of self-respect to admit mistakes and to make amends for them.?"

John (Jay) McCloy

Anonymous: "Never be afraid to do something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the titanic."

I have received a number of emails in the last 24 hours regarding the article in the latest Running Room magazine -"70 LBS LATER" This was written just after I completed my first ever marathon in Las Vegas and prior to embarking on instructing my first marathon walking clinic which this past weekend sadly came to an end - BUT another is on its' way.

In the intro to my blog I have written - if I could motivate one person to walk in my shoes(Literally and figuratively) it would be an awesome reward.

I feel so fortunate to have been blessed with so many people who have supported me and gone out of their way to help me. Just a few thanks are in order - to all my virtual friends and running room forum friends - thank you for all support and kind wishes.

Glenn and Lin - my training partners, and their daughters Allison, Jenna and Sarah who were and are a second family to me -----I never would have got this far without them.

Paul and Gary at the Oakville Running Room and all my clinic members, Sarah(CDN racewalker) and Julie Boyer ------------ I owe you all a debt of gratitude!!!!

Now, I have had 4 rest days since Mississauga - another one tomorrow before I give it a try on Saturday and Sunday -- I am getting antsy not doing any training -- although sometimes less is more -- I may look at more cross training now!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Myla Kabat-Zinn: "Each difficult moment has the potential to open my eyes and open my heart."

Og Mandino: "Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time."

Under normal circumstances I would be too embarrassed or too discouraged to show this picture of me that my best friend Ian took of me coming to the finish line of the Mississauga Marathon. As you can see I am in more than a little discomfort -- just favouring my back a bit!!!!!

But as my second quote(THANKS JULIE) says -- it is a lesson learned that I can take with me to improve my performance the next time. More core training, more cross training(you can say I told you so now Julie) and some visits for deep tissue massage, realignment etc etc. --- sounds like a marathoners grocery list!!!

I can at least walk a bit better today - not great, not ready to train but baby steps, baby steps -- this is one I can't push to come back too soon. I am however hoping I can do a few Kms on the weekend - not hard, not fast and not long --" just do it"

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"