It's been a while since I wrote, but this time I have a good excuse - I spent four days in Sydney attending the East Coast Music Awards and Conference. To be more precise, I spent three days in Sydney, and one day driving, but who's counting? During that time I played three shows with a miniature version of Penny Blacks - we usually perform as a seven piece, but only four of us made the trip - saw 10-15 different bands, and managed to lose 45 CDs. If anyone finds a box of Hospital Grade, Clinton Charlton, and Ermine CDs, please drop me a line!
In the midst of last week's musical madness, I managed to fit in a handful of runs. Two were actually quite good - I muscled my way through six fast 400 meter repeats on Wednesday (plus warm up and cool down), and ran fifty solid minutes the other night - but the other two were simply average. I was really hoping that I was going to have a wonderful workout week leading up to The Paddy's Day 5K, but I didn't quite hit the mark. We'll see if adversely affects my race performance.
Until then, I suggest you take a look at my friend Amy Grant's blog Buff To The Bone. Amy's a Moncton fitness jockey who is also an avid runner - we ran the Saint John Half Marathon together last year - and she loves giving out health and fitness tips. Check it out!
Showing posts with label Pete's Pub Paddy's Day Bash. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pete's Pub Paddy's Day Bash. Show all posts
Monday, March 8, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Back to the Blog
So it's the end of my second month of training, and my motivation to post is starting to lag. I've been getting some decent running under my belt, but it hasn't translated to many posts. I'll have to remedy that situation in the coming weeks.
Thus far, my adventures have been relatively unplanned, but I expect that will change shortly. Booking a few races has changed my focus, forcing me to think about mileage and speed work. For example, if I want to run a sub 22:30 at the Paddy's Day 5K, I need to get in a long run of 12-15k and a few speed sessions that match or exceed my planned 5k pace. Of course, I know I should have trained like this for the last two months, but my planned pace is relatively pedestrian (I hope) and it shouldn't take more than the next two weeks to whip me into that shape, if I am not there already. Let's hope I'm not humbled come race day.
Mind you, I will not be winging it when it comes to my training for the marathon. I expect that by 20 weeks out I will have put together a training plan that will get me to the starting line in sub 3:10 shape. I am not sure which method I will follow yet, but I am still exploring my options. I'll likely cobble something together based on the advice of Jeff Galloway or Runner's World, but I'll be happy to take any advice my reader's have to offer. Any takers?
This week of running wasn't anything to write home about, but I'll give you a few highlights. I've started stretching a little better before and after my runs, and I've been surprised with how much it has improved my recovery and over limberness. I was never a big stretcher back in the day, but I've gotten better ever since a massage therapist chewed me out because of my gnarled post-race hamstrings. Never argue with a person who can cause you great pain.
Wednesday's run included three repeat miles a little faster than race pace. I thought of pushing it a little harder (there was some gas left in the tank) but decided to save some energy for the rest of the week. Good thing I did, because the West Striders run included lots of hill and head wind. Ditto for today's run, which was the soggiest I've gotten in recent memory. Say what you will about snow, at least it doesn't soak you to the bone when you're running. I almost quit five minutes in, but I mentally massaged my way into a decent head space and managed to run an extra kilometer. Good for me.
Expect a few more blog entries in March. I slacked off quite a bit in February, but I think spring will inspire me to write a little more. Fingers crossed.
Thus far, my adventures have been relatively unplanned, but I expect that will change shortly. Booking a few races has changed my focus, forcing me to think about mileage and speed work. For example, if I want to run a sub 22:30 at the Paddy's Day 5K, I need to get in a long run of 12-15k and a few speed sessions that match or exceed my planned 5k pace. Of course, I know I should have trained like this for the last two months, but my planned pace is relatively pedestrian (I hope) and it shouldn't take more than the next two weeks to whip me into that shape, if I am not there already. Let's hope I'm not humbled come race day.
Mind you, I will not be winging it when it comes to my training for the marathon. I expect that by 20 weeks out I will have put together a training plan that will get me to the starting line in sub 3:10 shape. I am not sure which method I will follow yet, but I am still exploring my options. I'll likely cobble something together based on the advice of Jeff Galloway or Runner's World, but I'll be happy to take any advice my reader's have to offer. Any takers?
This week of running wasn't anything to write home about, but I'll give you a few highlights. I've started stretching a little better before and after my runs, and I've been surprised with how much it has improved my recovery and over limberness. I was never a big stretcher back in the day, but I've gotten better ever since a massage therapist chewed me out because of my gnarled post-race hamstrings. Never argue with a person who can cause you great pain.
Wednesday's run included three repeat miles a little faster than race pace. I thought of pushing it a little harder (there was some gas left in the tank) but decided to save some energy for the rest of the week. Good thing I did, because the West Striders run included lots of hill and head wind. Ditto for today's run, which was the soggiest I've gotten in recent memory. Say what you will about snow, at least it doesn't soak you to the bone when you're running. I almost quit five minutes in, but I mentally massaged my way into a decent head space and managed to run an extra kilometer. Good for me.
Expect a few more blog entries in March. I slacked off quite a bit in February, but I think spring will inspire me to write a little more. Fingers crossed.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
My Race Schedule
I'm a little bored of recapping runs, so instead I will blog about the races I plan on running this year, and my goals for each run. I've gathered most of my information from the Athletics New Brunswick website, and I would recommend the site for any of you who are interested in taking part in an upcoming fun run or road race. There are plenty to choose from, as you will see.
March 13 - Pete's Pub Paddy's Day Bash - Saint John
Distance - 5K
Goal - sub 22:30
It's a couple of minutes slower than my best time last year, but I don't want to get too hopeful this early in the season. Anything faster than my marathon pace will be fine for now. It's a pretty low key race, from what I can tell, so I won't be too embarrassed if I don't perform well.
April 24 - Brent Kelly Memorial 5-Miler - Saint John
Distance - 5 Miles
Goal - sub 35:00
Again, this is faster than my planned marathon pace, but I don't think it's unreasonable. That being said, last year's winning times were relatively slow (consider the runners competing), so I might be in for a surprise. The race takes place at the Irving Nature Park, so I should probably expect to dodge some pothole and puddles while I am motoring around the course.
May 9 - Fredericton Marathon
Distance - 1/2 Marathon
Goal - sub 1:40:00
This course is flat and fast, so I shouldn't have a hard time hitting this target. There will be a lot of people to run with, as well - last year's half attracted over 350 runners.
June 12 - 10km Chaleur Banque Nationale CKLE/Prov Championship - Beresford
Distance - 10K
Goal - sub 42:00
This is the fastest 10K course I've ever experienced. I would love to aim for a faster time, but I am not sure what type of shape I will be in by June. Only time will tell, I guess.
July 1 - Canada Day 10 Miler - Grand Bay/Westfield
Distance - 10 Miles
Goal - sub 1:14
I ran 1:14:02 last year, so I will aim to better my time. This will also put me on marathon pace, so even better.
September 18 - Saint John Half Marathon - Saint JOhn
Distance - 1/2 Marathon
Goal - sub 1:35
This is a cruel, cruel race. Last year people were cursing race organizer Alex Coffin as they crossed the finish line; the run is nothing but steep, endless hills. If I can crack 1:35 on this course, I know I will be physically and mentally prepared for my sub 3:10 marathon.
October 17 Kennebecasis Valley Challenge Marathon
Distance - Full
Goal - sub 3:10
I have yet to run this race, but some of the best runners in the region have posted their fastest marathon times on this course. I hope to add my name to the long list of people who have run their personal best at this race.
I will add to this list as the year progresses, but this is what I have planned thus far. See you at the starting line!
March 13 - Pete's Pub Paddy's Day Bash - Saint John
Distance - 5K
Goal - sub 22:30
It's a couple of minutes slower than my best time last year, but I don't want to get too hopeful this early in the season. Anything faster than my marathon pace will be fine for now. It's a pretty low key race, from what I can tell, so I won't be too embarrassed if I don't perform well.
April 24 - Brent Kelly Memorial 5-Miler - Saint John
Distance - 5 Miles
Goal - sub 35:00
Again, this is faster than my planned marathon pace, but I don't think it's unreasonable. That being said, last year's winning times were relatively slow (consider the runners competing), so I might be in for a surprise. The race takes place at the Irving Nature Park, so I should probably expect to dodge some pothole and puddles while I am motoring around the course.
May 9 - Fredericton Marathon
Distance - 1/2 Marathon
Goal - sub 1:40:00
This course is flat and fast, so I shouldn't have a hard time hitting this target. There will be a lot of people to run with, as well - last year's half attracted over 350 runners.
June 12 - 10km Chaleur Banque Nationale CKLE/Prov Championship - Beresford
Distance - 10K
Goal - sub 42:00
This is the fastest 10K course I've ever experienced. I would love to aim for a faster time, but I am not sure what type of shape I will be in by June. Only time will tell, I guess.
July 1 - Canada Day 10 Miler - Grand Bay/Westfield
Distance - 10 Miles
Goal - sub 1:14
I ran 1:14:02 last year, so I will aim to better my time. This will also put me on marathon pace, so even better.
September 18 - Saint John Half Marathon - Saint JOhn
Distance - 1/2 Marathon
Goal - sub 1:35
This is a cruel, cruel race. Last year people were cursing race organizer Alex Coffin as they crossed the finish line; the run is nothing but steep, endless hills. If I can crack 1:35 on this course, I know I will be physically and mentally prepared for my sub 3:10 marathon.
October 17 Kennebecasis Valley Challenge Marathon
Distance - Full
Goal - sub 3:10
I have yet to run this race, but some of the best runners in the region have posted their fastest marathon times on this course. I hope to add my name to the long list of people who have run their personal best at this race.
I will add to this list as the year progresses, but this is what I have planned thus far. See you at the starting line!
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