January 2010

January total = 306 km

Only two runs outside , 10K Durham Resolution Run and the 28K Creemore Snow Run.

January Running

Finished off the month with a 5K yesterday and a 15K Run this morning. Today's run was one of those unexpected times when it just all comes together and you feel like I couk hold the 4:50 pace forever...like a walk in the park. It hasn't been a great week. I have felt rather tired and really wasn't sleeping good until yesterday. I didn't do my usual week of Eves before mids so it took me longer to switch around. Also it didn't help that I had a fair bit of pain in my calfs from the Creemore Snow Run last Sunday. I have had an insatiable appetite this week. It never seems like I am satisfied for more then a couple of hours. I am tipping the scales at 176 lbs. Its a bit disappointing do to the fact that I have cut out the beer and upped the miles. I am 7 lbs heavier then Sept 09.

Lunch Run

At 4:30 am I hit the Treadmill at work for a 5K jaunt!

Almost over the snow run

Did 5K at 4:50 pace on my lunch break at 5am. I am tired and cant wait to get to bed... only one hour to go!

Evening Run

Managed a 10K run this evening at home. It took 3K to get up to a 5:00 pace , held that for 3K then picked it up to a 4:50 pace for 3K then a 1K cool down. It was a hot run , the 23C made if more difficult.

Night Run

5K done at 2am at work! The calves are still pretty sore from the Sunday Snow Run. I didn't realize it at he time but it really took allot out of me. Truly a fantastic work out, so much so I want to incorporate a Snow Run in my winter running routine. That is when I recover from the last one!

Creemore Snow Run

Yet another great day hosted by Pierre and Leanne. The Creemore Snow Run was an informal fun run on a 7K loop. A mix of about 2K road and 6K trail and for a change the road was a welcome site for a trail runner. The snow was packed down but was pretty tough going. Every foot plant was different. Some parts were really firm and flat where others were uneven and soft. "Valley" minus the ropes was way easier to negotiate then in the Summer time. Check out Pierre's idea of "no hills" .....

The weather started off pretty good, no wind and just a little below freezing. Did the first two laps with Anne from Hanover. Chatting away time flew by. At the end of the 2nd lap I stopped at the very well stocked aide station. Did the third lap solo. The wind was starting to pick up and I caught a bit of a chill. After the end of #3 I stripped off my sweet soaked clothes and toweled off. When I headed out for the 4th lap I was amazingly cozy. I remained quiet comfortable until I started to climb the hill that wasn't there! The wind was really starting to pick up. After the 4th climb I was really winded nd my legs were feeling a bit tired as a result of the beating they were taking on the uneven surface. I felt like going out for a 5th lap but I had about 3.5 hours in which was about what I wanted to do. The wind was another factor that made me decided not to go again. Instead of going back out I decided to yak about running with some very accomplished runners and hang out by a toasty fire with a Beer and some Hot Soup. Kinga and Stephan were preparing for a 100 miler in Texas and JD was heading to Alaska

for an amazing 2 day 100 mile trek up a frozen river pulling a sled. It was super interesting listening to the prep work JD has put into his adventure. I met yet another Ultra Runner from Owen Sound. On a per capita basis Grey County probably has the highest concentrations of Ultra enthusiasts anywhere in Southern Ontario. Tony as it turns out has posted some rocket fast Marathon times , 2hrs5Xmins.... a very fast guy. Got some really good tips from him. Had chance to talk to Leanne , we compared notes on Treadmill Running. I was telling her about the Horizon CT5.1 that I picket up from Canadian Tire. All good Running days have to come to an end ... took off around 4pm with more great memories from Cremmore thanks to Pierre and Leanne ...thanks a ton guys, I hope I can return the favour some day!