The plan for today is to get out on the track and do some pace work for the marathon this weekend. Hopefully, the slippery snow doesn’t screw up the plan too badly. I’m hoping that by 3:30-4pm today the track at Kerrisdale won’t be too bad. My planned marathon pace work is based on the following numbers: 9:40/mile = 6:00/km = 2:24 per lap. A 10min/mile = 2:29 per lap. I’m terrible at time-based math, especially during workouts so this tool comes in handy.
Spring is here. A new season. I like spring because it brings sunshine, gardening, and brightness. This year, I’m bringing some new changes into my routine. It’s like a spring-time renewal. With my Dad passing last year was a pretty tough year for me personally, and now, it’s time for some changes. 2009 is all about being happy and focusing on the family and friends. Logistically, this means more time spent close to home…. and a combination of new + old groups/routines.
2009 seasons goals:
As for the “do something epic!” I may try and qualify for IronMan or I may be going on a trip to Nigeria to do some educational aid work. Both are very real possibilities. I will know if the work trip is happening in the next month or so. It will be one or the other.
With this new season upon us, I’m also working with a new coach. I really enjoy interacting with coaches. I’ve been very lucky (throughout my whole career) to interact with a very talented set of coaches. Andrew, from Athletic Endeavours has been my personal coach for the past couple of years. He provided me with a supportive, encouraging and fun environment to enter into the world of triathlon. I’ve come from total beginner to the cusp of “Age Group Greatness” [chuckle] under his guidance. It’s been an excellent fit. I would like to thank him for sharing so much with me. I feel very lucky to have found Andrew when I did, worked with him as a coach, and now to have him as a friend. If you’re looking for a coach, I can totally recommend Andrew.
But as I said, Spring is upon us and it’s time for something new. What I’m looking for from a coaching program right now is: 1) A plan, so that I can feel like I’m training effectively and with purpose and 2) A plan, because it really helps me with motivation and drive. I’m good at sticking to programs. I’ve also got a new set of goals and values for the season that includes setting up a new routine. With that, I’m excited to be working with Calvin Gehlen from Finish Line Coaching. He uses an electronic system called Workout Log which works very well for me and my electronic lifestyle. We’ve just started working together – and I’m excited to see where it takes us.
What a crazy week! As I look back and reflect, the highlights were getting my big work project done. And getting it done well. Unfortunately that meant no workouts Monday – Wednesday. I probably should have done a better job at communicating with my coach about this event… but really it got to the point where I was barely getting the minimum tasks required to survive done.
By the end of the week, I was back on track with workouts however I wasn’t really feeling 100% recovered until Sunday afternoon. By Sunday, I started thinking about the marathon next weekend. I’m excited about the event. It’s going to be fun, and I’m poised to have a good run. I’d like to have the type of race that people say, “Wow, you did so well!”. It’s interesting because I don’t really have a set goal pace or time. I’m a bit at loss for what to expect. I’ve only done two marathons in the past. One was at IronMan (where I ran/walked 4:21) and the other was in Honolulu (where I walked* 4:52). So technically, this is my first running marathon. I think that means that I’m out to set a Personal Best. Yeah, that’s my goal! I’m going to go out there with the goal of setting a personal best.
*In case you didn’t know, I used to be a competitive racewalker who spent 10+ years competing and coaching at National/International level. The Honolulu marathon was a very cool experience for me. I placed 2nd overall in the racewalk division… and even cooler was that I went on the trip as a Coach for the Arthritis Society. As part of that summer I designed and coached a marathon training program for the group, and then travelled with them to do the marathon. It was pretty much my best summer job, ever. After I finished my race, I lay down under a palm tree to have a snooze. After my snooze, I watched my group of athletes (all regular folks walking their first marathon) finish the race between 6-8hrs. I cried multiple times. It was a moving experience watching these people transform their lives and finish something they never thought they could do. Especially since I spent the whole summer with them training, coaching, and getting to know them.
Anyways back to the weekly totals, pretty small – and no intensity, since I was feeling overworked and sick. But looking ahead, it’s going to be a good week.
| Bike | 31.6 km | 01:45 |
| Run | 6.0 km | 01:05 |
| Swim | 3800.0 m | 02:00 |
| Total Duration: | 04:50 | |
|---|---|---|
The teaching project was worth it, right? I made some big bucks for the budget. I did an awesome job. The students loved it. It was stimulating, I enjoyed it. The reviews were great!
I guess it was worth it. It sucks to be sick – and it was so exhausting. Projects like that tend to suck the life out of you. But at the same time, I love the fact that my work is worth putting my energy into. I’ll take being “over stimulated” over “not being stimulated at all”… every time!
I’ve spent the last couple of days recovering (both mentally and physically). And now, I have to refocus my energy. Next challenge, e-Venti Marathon – in less then 10 days!
I’ve been preparing an intense teaching project. I do this every year at mid-February… and every year it almost kills me. I worked all weekend, including Valentines and Feb 15th – Torbin and my 9th anniversary. Every year, I need to ask for a “Christmas in July” pass for our anniversary because of this same teaching project. As well, it was the first weekend of sunshine … and I was indoors working. It must be worth it, right? Right?
Looking back at the week, and considering that I’ve lost count of how many hours I worked this week it’s not surprising that I was sick by Sunday. As well, my weekly training totals are pitiful. Next week, I expect even lower.
| Type | Distance | Duration |
| Bike | 02:15 | |
| Run | 00:30 | |
| Swim | 2700.0 m | 01:30 |
| Total Duration: | 04:15 | |
|---|---|---|
Drinking beer at your desk on a Tuesday night is likely a sign that you’re working too hard. Sigh. I do have to admit, it sure does taste good. I’m enroute to a 14hr work day, and it’s a crazy week/month. I’m hosting (read – designing, developing, and delivering) a three day professional development workshop next week and 100+ students for a science education conference next month which has me max’d out. I skipped training in favor of work today. My training mate, Martina, recently took time off work for her training. Me, I’m the opposite. It’s all good – still motivated and stimulated – just in a very different environment. I guess you could say I’m putting in the hours – one way or the other.