tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11234070056926021922024-03-04T23:17:28.527-08:00OldGuyRunningspencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-74799560754039203062017-02-04T11:35:00.000-08:002017-02-04T11:35:24.956-08:00February 3 2017 I decided I have reached the percipient part of my Running career I turn 75 next week and have discovered that, every time I train hard enough to be competitive, I get injured. So I still love running and have decided to keep running in races, just not compete.<br />
<br />
<br />spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-55548133316970694152016-03-21T17:59:00.002-07:002016-03-21T17:59:24.904-07:00Chilly 1/2 Marathon March 6/16<b> I arrived early and lined up with the 3hr runners. However soon after we started I felt the pace was too slow, so I took off on my own! At about 5k I cout up to Paul Denarkick, and we ran together for about 10K we passed the marker under 50 minutes and were feeling OK. About 15k I had some breathing promblems and had to walk. Paul took off ahead. I could see him a block ahead walking so I started to run again at 17k I had not cought Paul and had started to stagger. An EMA official grabbed my arm to stop me. Just then my cell phone rang.. It was Sue asking how I was. The official asked if she was at the finish line? I lied and said "yes" and he let me finish 3:24.. I was OKspencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-19545534885576321762015-04-23T11:04:00.002-07:002015-04-23T11:04:59.283-07:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was managed to finish Around The Bay 30k in 4:30+ I also finished my Heart Rehab at the "Y" and received a completed certificate . I feel it should be a "yea I am a live diploma" I plan to live forever, SO FAR, SO GOOD! I spite of being a fit old guy, I realize the times I was posting 2yrs ago are no longer in reach, But I love running and I plan to run as long as I can. If you see an Old Guy with an old Hound Dog on the trails, stop and say "hello"!</span>spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-55984684060298782042015-02-22T08:48:00.000-08:002015-02-22T08:48:07.241-08:00<h2>
Feb 19/15 stress test</h2>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Talked with my Doc re the stress test and I and at 122% of a fit male my age. The good news is I can begin training for the ATB as long as I keep my HR under 140 BPM.</span></div>
spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-56157174975908931472014-12-27T13:21:00.002-08:002014-12-27T13:21:43.952-08:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">December 27 2014.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I had a great deal of time for reflection over X mass in Que. No snow so our usual activities were restricted.I remember the first time I died! I was grinding up a long hill at "The Sulphur Springs 50K" when I felt a severe pain in my chest! I was near the top and Adrian, another age group, runner was right behind me so I could not stop, as I crested the top, the world went BLACK! I woke up on the down hill. A runner was asking if I was OK? and could I move to one side so the following runner would not have to jump over me! I started walking to get help, and collapsed two more times on the way to the 25K aid station. The EMO,s did a great job at keeping alive to the Hospital, where they replaced five arteries in my Heart!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am in a Heart rehab. program now, but have a long way to go, the arteries they used to replace my my damaged ones not nearly large enough,The harvested the largest veins they could find in my leg. My Doctor thinks that my years of running saved my life. After each attack I just kept coming back , like a Zombie!</span>spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-32974184359376906722014-09-25T08:14:00.000-07:002014-09-25T08:14:12.902-07:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maya and the Oakville half marathon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got a text from Maya ( blind runner ) she was requesting a guide runner who can run 4:30 k,s for 21k, She had a very good experienced 5k Guide ( Brodvin) but she had only run 10K once, and knew she could not survive 21k. She had a inexperienced guide lined up. He had run Boston this year but was unknown! She was requesting my friend Roger, who had run her to a 1:45 last year. Unfortunately Roger had a family obligation that day and could not come.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I arrived after the race had begun. It was raining hard with a strong wind. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maya came storming in at 1:40 with her guide. Brodvin was no where to be seen! She had blown up at 15k, as expected. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maya was happy with her PB but wanted to run in the 1:30,s next time!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will start working on x skiing next. She has a good coach who will teach her free stile, so she can beat the Russions. She already is the fastest skier in North America!</span>spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-22935526678732984302014-09-11T13:49:00.002-07:002014-09-11T13:49:49.357-07:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sept 11/14</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I talked to Dr. Dokainish my cartalogest to-day and he told me that since I had survived 6wks I am probably OK. Most people who have problems die before 6wks! I don,t think this revelation made me feel any better! He also told me I could start training again "running" Jan. 2015. so I can sign up for Hamilton Around the Bay.</span>spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-75334887753629352992014-08-18T17:53:00.001-07:002014-08-18T17:53:38.426-07:00<b>The Women in my life!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was reading my old Blog entries and I was startled! by the fact there is ,no mention of the incredible influence they have on my running.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Susan my wife! For 50years she has never complained of my obsession, Making it passible to disappear for long weekends on short notice. For not complaining on my weird mood swings prior to a big race. Putting up with my crying, never do that again, only to sign up for the same race the next day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For insisting I get medical help, when I felt " If I had trained a little harder". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suffering though a " open heart" operation by my side.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Daughter coming all the way from Prince George BC. to help out in a big way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With out you guys help, I would be nothing. There would be NO POINT!</span>spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-72432893495759125542014-08-15T17:51:00.000-07:002014-08-15T17:51:06.044-07:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2 weeks post operation.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I have to take so time to revise my goals and training plans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel that due to my competitive nature ( when I raced Motorcycle, everybody begged me to stop, as I was no good, and broke 28 major bones ), I have a great opportunity to coach and guide a group of blind, B2, B1 skiers and runners. One of which is half way on an Bruce trail (end to end ) run. She has 50 volunteers as guides and is averaging 50K per day of the 840+ k run.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So although I still plan to run the odd Ultra, I will try and impart some of the knowledge I have learned over the past fifty years..</span>spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-6720673152297852092014-08-09T00:24:00.000-07:002014-08-09T00:24:04.987-07:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">august 09 2014 The other side!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is 3am and I am up, 5 minute walking, and 5 minute resting all Aug. 08 has made it difficult to sleep. I will try and sleep less to-day to sleep better to-night. The Doc, ended up doing a 5 Bypass operation , so had to harvest a lot from my Donner leg, which , is given me the most pain right now . I better go back to bed as I have to entertain Roger and Gwen-dog who are coming to take EddieDog for a run to-morrow. The rest of my heart is very ( Robust ) with all my running, but could not defeat my " Genoa " History of Heart deaths in my family. So if you are having trouble , Get Tested></span>spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-5301024960445793412014-07-13T06:02:00.001-07:002014-07-14T08:59:34.278-07:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">July 12/14</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Talked to Dr Dokainish cartalogest and Dr Dyub heart surgeon, and they both say open heat surgery in nessary. I have four arteries blocked, 100% 90% 60% and 40%. An angeriogram will not work because I will not survive the poceedure. They are going to attempt a Quad bypass.This is not to get me running again but keep me alive! I will blog again on the other side! </span>spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-39925264158678638412014-07-04T02:42:00.000-07:002014-07-04T02:42:18.016-07:00ON RUNNING<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is three am and I can,t sleep! I woke from a great dream, I was running along Miles Gorge on the Yukon River, the roar of the "white water" was below me on the right the sun high in the August sky. My feet were dancing along the pine needle carpeted path. I was breathing easy, only thirteen miles to go. I hear the runner behind me stumble,tired, I think I got him!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thing is, my Doctor phoned me tonight and had the pharmacy send over a nitro patch and spray kit. He had gotten the results of my Heart MIR and they were not good! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I took the test, a Dr Mallory was the attending doctor,who I recognized as one of the old guys I,d hammered down many a trail race with. Jumped in when the tech was grilling me about chest pain on a scale of 1 to 10. I was suffering along at what I thought was a 5. Dr Mallory said " if we were running together, would you have to stop" on my nod yes, he stopped the test!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He then said to the poor tech "when you have a runner,the numbers don,t work. They are use to suffering"!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bottom line it looks like I am done for this season, at least until I hear from my surgeon.</span><br />
spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-84618721598517778702014-06-17T08:19:00.002-07:002014-06-17T08:19:23.041-07:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sulphur Springs</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sulphur was very important to me this year because of three reasons. 1/: I had run it many times over the last thirty years and had never done well, in fact last year I had a DNF in the 50k although I did finish the 25k. 2/: I was running with a new GOAL, just to </span>Finnish the 25K well in my age group. and 3/: I had done the miles and expected a good result!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started the race with Roger and his friend, who grew tired of my slow pace and forged ahead. I ran with Roger in sight for the first 5k or so, when we met or first big uphill I could,t catch my breath and a sever pain I my chest, I told Roger I could not breath and to go on. I took two 400mm Advil and after walking for about five minutes felt better so started to run. The next hill the chest pain came back with a vengeance and I was forced to walk again and take Advil. This repeated its self for the whole 25K. I ran across the the finish line about three and one half hours last in my class and having taken a whole bottle of Advil!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I related this story to my Doc, she ordered blood tests etc. The 2nd Doc I saw the next day confirmed Angina and baned me from exercise, and ordered more tests. I am to see a heart surgeon for further treatment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am passing my time doing renovations and looking a motorcycles.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-45749665527825140402014-03-27T11:10:00.003-07:002014-03-27T11:10:53.288-07:00ATB DNF and stuff<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mar 27 2014</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I was able to get in over 30K last week and although it is a great improvement, I am nowhere close to were I should be. I have the ATB this weekend, a beautiful 30k around the Hamilton Bay. I have run this race 13 times and DNF,d last year the beginning of my troubles. Although I am feeling much better, this year, 30K a week is no where near the miles I need to complete the race!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 12 times I ran it before I averaged at least 60K training Ks a week. My best times coming off a 100K training week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So because of these reasons plus the fact I find it impossible to pace myself e.g. walk. I have decided to withdrawal from the race and concentrate on training for the Sulphur Springs Ulta. A race I have never placed in, because it attracts the best trail racers in North America and Europe</span>spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-28767162070791193002014-02-04T08:22:00.001-08:002014-02-04T08:22:23.411-08:00A NEW YEAR<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2013 was an interesting year!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> My Meds that I have great success with over the past 11 years stopped working, I had two race DNFs the first in fifty years, my pace went from 8 minutes per mile to over 12 minutes per mile and I started falling all the time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tried all the traditional medical, and after multiple expensive tests I was told :</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/ I had no immune system</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2/ I was nerve deaf in my left ear</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/ I had gone blind in my left eye</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4/ They (doctors) had no idea Why?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since they had no plan for me, in December I started my own program </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/ I went to a Naturopatic Doctor Sarah Penny who put me on supplements. I now have a robust immune system</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2/ appointment with an audiologist.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/appointment with an eye specialist</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4/ I have learned run/walk with nordic poles , which has helped with my falling and I am starting to build milage again!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5/ I have changed my Goal to finish!</span>spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-49586339269158673712013-09-08T14:30:00.001-07:002013-09-08T14:31:17.960-07:00The Differance Of Ultrarunners<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ultra Runners</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was standing waiting to start a run with my Ultra Friends and thought how different they were from my RRoom group: The differance,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Non off their outfits match</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They have toilet paper tied in their camel Pack</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Camel Pack</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tilly Hat or floppy hat of some sort</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bag of potatoe chips, or a power bar/gell</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">they got as a hand out at some race.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No watch,No heart monitor, Gps or electronic gaget of any kind</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Strange foot ware ,montrail,salamon,hoka or sandals</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> They talk about how beautiful such and such Ultra was. Roger talks glowingly about how great the 2012 Creemore was. There were ropes for some of the climbs, 100F and Roger lapsed into a coma at the end.</span>spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-85674245251356500542013-04-29T07:17:00.001-07:002013-04-29T07:17:42.217-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waterloo half Marathon</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had not planned to run this race as I had been training exclusively on the trails in prep. for my Ultra. I knew that I was not trained for the constant effort required in a road race. In an Ultra you sprint on the good parts, pick your way on the bad and walk the hills. But I told myself I would do it as a training race. (joke )</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I arrived I discovered that all my buddies from TO were there plus Judith an age group runner from Florida. Most of the Guys did not concern me as I had beaten them in the past, but Judith a 65 yr old 2hr runner had always given me problems and although I had beaten her, it took everything I had!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the gun, Judith sprinted by and I unwisely tucked in behind. The course ran down into Bridgeport on the Grand River at 3K and on the bridge I discovered that we were on a 1:30 finishing pace, way too fast for me and I let her go on the up hill.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I ran through the 10k marker at 50 minutes, I could see Judith on the rolling course about a kilometre ahead and my buddies were out of sight behind.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the Village of Conestoga 11k I started to experience stomach cramps and as there was a </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Porta- potty I stopped, was violently sick and had a case of extreme (runners Trot s)! I almost lost my glasses, vomiting, and my running gloves, no toilet paper! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was there about 15 minutes and heard my TO buddy Paul, 60 yr old runner going by. He was "high fiveing" the volunteers.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a pleasant run with him into town when the cramps started again. I was desperate for a rest room and was lucky enough to find a fire hall that was willing to let me use their washroom. I took advantage of thier facilities and washed up.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have no Idea of how long I took but when I rejoined the race, Roger came past. It was 19K for me and 40k for him. He motioned for me to tuck in behind, but there was no way I could run his -7 minute pace!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roger was first in his class with a sub 2:50 and 8th over all, Not bad for a 60yr old. and Judith was 2nd in hers. There was only me in the 70+ so no prize for me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-42870597551428930542013-03-08T13:47:00.002-08:002013-03-08T13:47:24.505-08:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Breathing</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had been having trouble for some time now. It started in the fall when I discovered that I was having difficulty running at a good pace. I would start at 5 minute K`s an easy pace for me but after 100M I would come to a gasping stop, have a server coughing fit for five minutes before I could continue running again. This happened more and more in till at the Marathon Of Hope I had to walk most of the second half and was 11th out of 12 in my age group! I knew something was wrong because I had beaten all of these Guys at the Run For The Toad one month earlier!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The problem was I was new to the area and had problem convincing my new Doctor something was wrong because I always tested 100% better than the average for my age! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> On my wife's insistence I changed Doctors.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It should be noted that I am a asthmatic but have run with this condition for years,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The new Doctor a , specialist, ordered tests and discovered an infection in the lining of my lungs, changed my Meds. an put me on azithromycin,ipratropium,advair and fluticasone. Apparently. my former meds blocked my immune system and allowed the infection to spread. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bottom line is, I have managed to start increasing my mileage again and although I will not be ready for the ATB in March, I should be ready for Sulphur Springs 50K in April.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I guess the moral of this is listen to you wife!</span>spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-26743088593743012012013-01-11T06:56:00.003-08:002013-01-11T06:56:52.858-08:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Cc ski Caper</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I pick up Roger and headed north to Mono Nordic near Orangeville, only to discover a lack of snow, so headed further north to Mansfield where we found snow but patches of ground showing through. With some discussion we decided to head for Collingwood and Highlands Nordic where we found lots of snow.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We both decided to skate and put on our RCS skating skis. This was a compromise as neither one of us wanted to put "clister" on our classic skis. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we started on the flat, I discovered that my glide was almost twice the length of Roger`s "new to skating" was not transferring his weight properly to his gliding ski and was wasting a lot of energy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All when well until we started the long "S" climb up the mountain. Roger with his superior strength just motored on, after 100M I ground to a halt gasping for air! My arms were lead, my legs in spasm and my chest in a vice. I managed to get to the 1600ft where I found Roger waiting for me. After a decision he headed off around the longer red route and I took the shorter easy orange route. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is post two days now and I am still hurting!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I learned two things from this experience: 1/ I can no longer dominate Roger on the snow, Youth and strength, trumps good technique. 2/ Running miles are no longer enough, Roger has added cycling 100K per week. I must do the same.</span>spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-89418262332476845292012-09-13T10:41:00.000-07:002012-09-13T10:41:01.763-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speed Work</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am 71yrs this year and although I am satisfied with my performance, I am discouraged by my speed which has been deteriorating this last year.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> So I decided too"bite the bullet" and do speed work. I went to the Mac. Track last night and it was closed for repairs. Every body was doing their work outs on the road circle, a 800M loop around the campus. This turned out to be a blessing in disci se as other than the runners streaming past me ,I was screened from the general public.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 1st 800M went as planned but at 600M the strange but familiar burning sensations started in my legs and I started to pant like an old dog. 4:35! What I had expected 2 something! ( that was 50yrs ago! ).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 2nd 800M I was determined to do better but at 600M I hit a wall again only harder this time! 4:35 again.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 3rd 800M I resigned myself too relax more, In my mind I hear my old coach shouting " head up, chest out, light feet, feel your toes launch off the ground." 4:20</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I felt strangely elated on the cool down jog to the RR. I was very slow but I was improving.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-46185947918694672572012-08-14T13:47:00.001-07:002012-08-14T13:47:35.278-07:00<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRJkAvspefSiJc5pUMKabD8mdUsZ1KOI1CWN6n3TwfS-CLYvzjjKgWTQIFoWGEb3lwa_yM1MxUMmDURVi3t_f5VKfJWFeB-m8bM0mp4JBcHwM107xtya9lgMkDqkiPYtqzlZhmRmBN8M/s1600/DSCF1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRJkAvspefSiJc5pUMKabD8mdUsZ1KOI1CWN6n3TwfS-CLYvzjjKgWTQIFoWGEb3lwa_yM1MxUMmDURVi3t_f5VKfJWFeB-m8bM0mp4JBcHwM107xtya9lgMkDqkiPYtqzlZhmRmBN8M/s200/DSCF1285.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the start and finish line</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="font-size: xx-large; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dirty Girls Ultra 2012</span></div>
<div style="font-size: xx-large; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday August 10. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was originally planning to relate this report in analogical order, but when I stated to relate the events as they happened to my wife, Her eyes went very big and she exclaimed,"you Guys are nuts!"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I will talk about my impressions first..</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxgqURKfdfjbahygAbGEmLcEWB3u0MTB0iHIGglX3VEPmiYvDAjA49VQgWI4FPnFgjzBjovP26GIrKdTisFzwJ5J5mqiFfG0a7tH-MLjRUMU2thz3XACBu2XEw45uNmKK_dlpg1xllaM/s1600/DSCF1284_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxgqURKfdfjbahygAbGEmLcEWB3u0MTB0iHIGglX3VEPmiYvDAjA49VQgWI4FPnFgjzBjovP26GIrKdTisFzwJ5J5mqiFfG0a7tH-MLjRUMU2thz3XACBu2XEw45uNmKK_dlpg1xllaM/s200/DSCF1284_2.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roger relaxing after a dinner of his wife`s Chilly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I absolutely LOVE this Race! It is 8k loops of single track up and down the Mansfield ski area. I had expected a muddy slippery trail, after three days of rain, But the sandy clay held up extremely well. Only a small section got slippery, after 48hr of racing!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I picked Roger up at his home in St. Jacobs in the rain and by the time we got to Airport Rd, it was raining hard, pounding on the car like hammers. The traffic had slowed to a crawl and Roger commented that he could only see 10 feet. I tried to re-assure him by reminding him that I saw clearly about 5 feet at best and had many years of safe driving. This did not seem to relax him.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTIvf7zALiw-mhyjF0weL9JKc9KjrFrqKwLuvp8Srix0CcNpgAA0GBfvQ2dUYJrAjMhxkdTuUQKaOX__Z_a39vB9aYJTOelAchm03kMDWPArmyhb0tlyX9nYl2Zsk6FDplFFTTjFpYoI/s1600/528019_10152012363735556_1050208029_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTIvf7zALiw-mhyjF0weL9JKc9KjrFrqKwLuvp8Srix0CcNpgAA0GBfvQ2dUYJrAjMhxkdTuUQKaOX__Z_a39vB9aYJTOelAchm03kMDWPArmyhb0tlyX9nYl2Zsk6FDplFFTTjFpYoI/s200/528019_10152012363735556_1050208029_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhonda,Nicole,Richard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We arrived and successfully pitched our tent and tarps with minimal water seeping in. I had a 100 year old Hudson's Bay blanket and it was fantastic at soaking up the excess water. My wife had a fit when she heard but I am sure her Grandmother would have approved.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We set up next to Rhonda-Marie Avery, her husband, daughter and friend Nicole. We were all planing to guide Rhonda a B3 runner through the 24hr Ultra Saturday.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roger cooked up his wife`s fantastic Chilly for dinner and we really stuffed ourselves. "Just a note for next time." we discovered that although delicious, 5 bean Chilly may have not been the best choice meal before a 24 hr. Ultra far from a washroom.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At 8:00am Roger and I started the 6hr and Rhonda and her husband as a guide started the 24hr. Roger disappeared in to the rain and mist. A few laps later I came upon Rhonda and a new guide, who was directing her around roots, rocks, trees and the odd log, as the course weaved up and down the Mansfield Hills. About this time Roger came roaring by me as he lapped me. I followed him and we both made a bee line to the porta-pottys. The Chilly revenge! I heard a door slam and Roger was on his way again.I elected to go to the tent to change out of my wet gear into a dry outfit, as the rain was easing. It was all to no avail as the skies opened again and I was soaked in a few miles.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trail was holding up extremely well so other than the mud sweat and rain in my eyes it was a pleasant run to the 6hr cut off time at 2:00pm. I crashed in my tent in my wet clothes and fell sound asleep!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The amazing Rhonda was still doing laps with her guides.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At 6:00pm Roger woke me for dinner and it had finally stopped raining.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joe and his nice Natalee from Texas were doing the 24hr and although Joe continued to circulate the course, Natalee was having severe blister problems.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rhonda came in with guide Lynn for dinner at around 7:00pm. She looked great considering she had been on her feet for 12hrs.Logistically she was ahead on her quest for a trail 100k record.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I changed in to my brightest out fit but guide Bronwyn had to leave for Toronto that night so we switched shifts and she arrived back with Rhonda after 10:00pm. After some food and a washroom break Rhonda and I were on our way about 10:30pm when the rain started again.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had practiced running at night with a head lamp on the Hamilton trails, but this was totally different. The trail was single track in the deep woods, with large tree roots,rocks,logs and steep decent and climbs.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rhonda was excellent, keeping two steps behind me responding instantly to my voice. The rain and fog caused the beam from my light to bounce back into my eye so I was forced to use the weaker flood light only and kept slamming into roots and stumps. Rhonda would hear my curse, and always seemed to avoid my pit fall!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time seemed suspended as we moved along in our cocoon of light, my voice droning on and on, " Toes up root. toes up root, step up root, stump right, left turn (%##%##) step over log." I would hear Rhonda mumble "2.5 log" and realized that she had memorized the course.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just before the half way aid station , I felt a change in Rhonda,. We had slowed to a crawl, she was dragging her leg. When we got to the Aid station she lay on the wet ground for a while and begged the attendant to pull on her leg. She thought it might relieve some of her pain. It was almost thirty minutes before we got moving slowly again. It was after 1:00am when we arrived back at the tent where her husband worked frantically on her hip and leg. We had been on the loop for 3hrs.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roger left with Rhonda after 2:00am. She could walk but not run. We did the Math and realized she would not make the 100k before the cut off time at 8:00 am.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I set my alarm for 4:00am but could not sleep so I went and "bugged" Henri and super Ultra Mom in the kitchen tent in til they put me to work handing out hot soup and supplies to the runners arriving in their beams of their head lamps and then disappearing down the tunnel of darkness, to do one more lap, just one more lap! It choked me up, to beautiful for words!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roger arrived in his own pool of light shortly after. Rhonda had stopped at 80k...</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjladw7F1rgrezP-Hl5xyFEC2XXq5Kh9d9BGpYX-zL3ESCgGyUgtVMbd1D38G6Ji73qkyxkIGBzAxT88YJ7i2apwBOUHxtyfz5xzR5J_WkjiqB3_b0tVjfMPCfxoOiKquYuQQppqBRdffg/s1600/DSCF1290_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjladw7F1rgrezP-Hl5xyFEC2XXq5Kh9d9BGpYX-zL3ESCgGyUgtVMbd1D38G6Ji73qkyxkIGBzAxT88YJ7i2apwBOUHxtyfz5xzR5J_WkjiqB3_b0tVjfMPCfxoOiKquYuQQppqBRdffg/s200/DSCF1290_2.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe & Natalee crashed at 24hrs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were both relieved!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roger and I returned to our tent as the sun was rising. Next to us 24hr Ultra runners Joe and Natalee were asleep in their tent their bare feet out in the rain. Joe had done 100+k and Natalee with blisters 70+k</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-74047407552428557512012-05-27T04:54:00.001-07:002012-05-27T04:54:44.864-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sulphur Springs</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had originaly planned to do the 50k, but life got in the way and I fell off my training so I signed up for the 25k. Roger was still running the 50K, he felt it was a better deal as it was the same price for twice the PAIN! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roger and I met up at the start line and since he was pacing for the 50k I was able to run with him for a while. This proved a mistake as he is much faster than me and although I felt fine at 25k I hit the wall with a thud at about 40k. I remember as I struggled along I could not help but notice how beautiful the trails were! The sun slanting through the leaves of the original hardwood forest, the floor carpeted with flowers. The only distraction was the sound of a baby sobbing. I eventualy realised that that the sobbing was me. and that was OK!</span>spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-29437760007662220852012-03-26T14:20:00.000-07:002012-03-26T14:20:28.775-07:00Around The Bay 2012<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had debated with myself about running this race as I had not done the milage to do well. I decided the Saturday before to run it as a long slow run to get some real miles in before the "Sulphur" in May. All when well as I lined up with the 3:30hr Bunny at the back of the Pack and set off at a comfortable 7 minute per K pace. All when well for about 2K, But then I spotted, Eugene, An old running buddy and I sprinted to catch him. We caught up on gossip about Old friends and realized we were running 6 minute K`s. Eugene also let it slip that he had started almost 10 minutes late so he was all ready 10 minutes ahead of me on chip time. It was getting warm and I started shedding clothes. I also discovered I had run out of water in my back pack, "Holds 1L " I have never been able to drink from a cup and run so, I by-passed the next two water stations. I was just passed the big hill when the cramps hit my hamstrings. I could not lock my knees at 28k so I just sort of shuffled a long in a half squat to the finish line. Eugene disappeared ahead looking faster than he did at the start! I can`t wait to see my finishing picture. It should be interesting! It is a day later and my Hams are sore but OK so it was dehydration that got me.</span>spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-18946995793009759202012-03-04T21:58:00.000-08:002012-03-04T21:58:26.137-08:00Chilly 1/2 a unexpected 3rd place<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ran this race as a LSR in prep for my goal race " Around the Bay" . The weather turned out to be an excellent -2C with a gentle 25kpm wind from the West. I lined up with Eric the 2:30 pace bunny. The race course ran west for a few Klms and then turned back east along Lakeshore to Burloak at about 13k and then turned west again back along Lakeshore to the finish. I noticed Maya running with her guide Kaoline running west before I reached Burloak, about 20 minutes a head of me. I also met Paul D and Aranka B and we formed a nice little group behind Eric. At about 18k I was feeling really good and ran in at my planned race pace. I finished 2:29 still feeling good and felt the run was a great success. I was surprised when Paul D, EMailed me that I was 3rd in my age group. I checked and there were only 3 runners in my age bracket Very surprising as there are at least 5 runners my age living here that can leave me in the dust.</span>spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123407005692602192.post-29826304232288973172012-03-02T18:56:00.000-08:002012-03-02T18:56:05.722-08:00Poems Al Purdy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">see myself staggering through deep snow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">lugging blocks of wood yesterday</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">an old man</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">almost falling from bodily weakness</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">— look down on myself from above</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">then front and both sides</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">white hair — wrinkled face and hands</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">it's really not very surprising</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">that love spoken by my voice</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">should be when I am listening</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">ridiculous</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">yet there it is</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">a foolish old man with brain on fire</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">stumbling through the snow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span>spencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01696803287348171559noreply@blogger.com0