The first casualty!

I suspect that there are those out there who have been wondering when the first injury or casualty of the training would happen.

Well -- it happened.

BUT, you may be surprised to know that it wasn't me. Okay, okay. To be honest, the last week has been a challenge for me (work, and the other half being out at night, mixed in with some parent-teacher meetings (all good) and school activities have hampered my activity.

BUT, THAT ISN'T THE CASUALTY! It was my poor training partner / dog-pal.

Those of you who know Monty, know that he is smart. However, evidently not smart enough to know that eating between a pound and a pound and a half of our CARPET is not such a good idea. Well, he did it, and spent 2 days trying to reverse his decision (literally) to no effect. We didn't know how much of the carpety-combestible he chose to imbibe, but due to his vomit-fest, I took him to the vet this morning. Well, he is now in the post-op ward having had a full abdominal laprotomy and removal of stomach contents. The photo included with this post is the contents - apparently a record for the hospital.

So, I'll be solo running for a few weeks, I'd guess....

Great dog, smart dog, and yet....so dumb!

The Psychology (if not the Zen) of Running...

I'm beginning to appreciate how much of running is about psychology. Okay, maybe I'll look back at this entry at some point in the future and shake my head, but here's how I see it now...

I'm still on the walk and run cycle, slowly extending my time (if not, necessarily, my pace). Today I came to the realization that for me to be successful involved several things occuring simultaneously:

1. Timing -- I am appreciative of the fact that I am sticking to the times. But the difference now versus 3 weeks ago was then I was looking at the time and counting the seconds. Now, I use the time to see how long into the cycle I go before I feel like I need to look. Subtle difference, yes, but for me it seems to be a real difference

2. What I call 'sign-posting' -- this is where I consciously choose a marker in the distance and tell myself that I won't check the watch until I pass that mark. As I push that marker further away, I think I'll go further!

3. This blog site -- why am I writing this stuff? Are you really interested? Are you hoping to find a great revelation here? Or is it my legendary wit that brings you back. Truth is (and don't be offended if you do happen to read this), I'm writing it for myself. I find as I run, I begin to formulate ideas that I want to put down. Please feel free to keep reading. Or not!

4. My friends -- at the start of this, I sent out an e-mail to people close to me. This was partly to make me push ahead with this plan -- it is harder to look you in the eye and say I'm not running still than it is to keep on running. What I have been really happy about is the supportive words and messages from you all. You may or may not know how much it means to me, so THANKS.

5. Music -- okay, so this might not be 'psychology' per se, but boy does a good beat help! Also, the WRONG beat TOTALLY throws off my pace. Best groups for me so far? The Scissor Sisters and The New Pornographers. Boy does it help.

Oh, and did I mention, new shoes really are great!

I got new shoes on....

So, what a difference shoes make. In my original note, I made comment about my pristine shoes. Well, they stay pristine.

I found that I was avoiding the dreaded shin splints, but still having very sore feet. So, I went to the Running Room, and got properly fitted for shoes. What a difference!! What I'd say to anyone is that getting the formal fitting is worth every second.

I continue to (plod) along -- now about 3 weeks into it. Someone told me that at the 6 week mark, there is a sudden change, and things get easier. I must admit, I'm looking forward to that. However, there are changes. I was asked by a friend the other day if I was enjoying the running yet. My response, which was quite honest was "I don't hate it as much." Hopefully this trend will continue.

Off for a run tonight, despite being on call -- hopefully I'll still be able to do the full deal!

Ta ta for now.

Live from North Carolina

Hello from North Carolina

We are down here having a great visit with friends (S, I, E, K). We rented a house on the beach on Ocracoke Island, and it is stunning.

Have still been keeping up -- despite not having brought my running shoes! Went out per usual schedule on Monday night, but it was raining, and when I say raining, see above!!

As you can see, the rain flooded out this island, and the main road was closed just beyond this photo location. I missed the run on Wednesday, mainly because of the amount of standing water around - up to 4 - 5 inches in places.

I'll be out again tonight, but rest assured I have still been active - 2 hours of kayaking yesterday, and walking the town and the (very wind blown) beach!

End of Week One!

Well, the first week is over, and so far I haven't died! That's a good start, if I say so myself. What has really pleased me so far is no shin splints, which have been a big issue in the past.

I am really surprised and encouraged by how many people are cheering me on. This is what I needed, and undoubtedly will need if I am to succeed. So, keep asking, keep bugging, and like I said before, keep me honest.

I'm pleased to say that there are a few others who are interested in joining in -- big sis Ruth, John S -- the more the merrier, I say. Of course, it will be a while still before I will be able to show my face in a group for training. I need to get through that embarrassing (wheeze, cough, wow that's a new place for a cramp) phase.

The weather is changing, so I'll have to start thinking about running in the rain soon (ie, tonight).

One last thing, Monty is really happy, and seems to be getting over the fact I'm running! Seriously! The first night out the look in his face was one of stunned confusion. AHHH, to be interesting to the dog.

TTFN - off to put on my trainers, as the English would say.

DAY ONE

Okay...Okay...Here I go.

It all started innocently enough. "Al...I'm thinking of running the 1/2 marathon this year. Are you in??"

Now, for those of you who know me, you'll know that I may be know for many things, and one of those is the love of food. I am most surely not known for my running!

But, Al said, "Sure. Sounds good. I need to do something more than hockey once per week."

D'OH!

But surely Al will forget...won't he??

Nope. No, no, no, and no. The very next day, Tami reports back that Al is walking the 5 km to and from work. And he is motivated! Buying new running shoes. Buying running magazines.

Okay, testosterone and type A personality competetiveness starts to kick in. I'll do it. I'll really do it.

So, tonight, I strapped on the (pristinely clean 2 year old) running shoes, and set off. I am really pacing myself -- you know...2 minutes walk and 1 minute run, and increase slowly. But I did it.

So motivated am I that I even registered for the 2009 1/2 Marathon in Vancouver (May 3, 2009). I have a LOONNGG way to go, but today (hopefully) is my first step.

Stay tuned!