See Mike Run

Melissa Budd: ultrarunner, mother, teacher

2012-01-30T17:35:00.002-06:00

Ultrarunning seemed to be an alternative universe where none of planet Earth’s rules applied: women were stronger than men; old men were stronger than youngsters; Stone Age guys in sandals were stronger than everybody.

Christopher MacDougall, Born to Run, p. 79

Melissa Budd is an extraordinary ultra-runner, one of the finest in Winnipeg in my opinion. She ran every day, minimum of 6 miles, for 6 months to rebuild her spirit after a Sinister Seven DNF, she runs because she can, because she doesn't want to stop, at her first-ever 16 mile long run she broke down and cried at that achievement and still, after many marathons and ultra-marathons feels the emotions tug at this mile marker, she never asks "will I run today" rather, she asks "when shall I run today". Melissa is a mother and teacher, but we're not here to read about that stuff! Nope, we're here to get into her running mind. What follows is the first of a three part series about Melissa. I had originally thought I would edit all of our email exchanges down to a single story, but I realized that to edit Melissa's words would be to remove her charm, her vernacular, her honesty. I hope you enjoy this story.

January 14, 2012

Hi Melissa,

You need to know that I consider you one of the finest female runners in the city, no lie, no exaggeration. You may not be the fastest runner but I know of no one else that has your running-pluck (male or female). Could I write about you in SMR? Is this something you would ever consider? Let me know.

It’s a good day to be alive.
Mike

January 16, 2012

Wow Mike.... you flatter me. I love reading your blog and if you would like to write about me that would be...well...flattering. You are right in that I don't think that I'm aware of my successes - I am probably a horrible example of how to run properly… I don't eat right, I don't taper, I run through injuries, I drink coke before, during and after a run, I avoid physiotherapy, I've mastered throwing up while running.... However, I think the thing that I have going for me is that I just love to do it. Even though I may feel crappy during a run, I look at other people driving in their cars, or sitting in a coffee shop and I think, "If I were in their shoes, I would wish I was me".

Thanks for your note. : )

Melissa

January 16

Hi Melissa,

This is great news! Your story is pretty amazing and I always brag about you to anyone who will listen. I've always admired you for your spitting -I love a gal that can spit while running- but vomiting on the run? Wow, that's amazing! I want to talk more about this.

So how can we do this? Can I just ask you some questions and you write a response in your own words? You have a pretty interesting writing style. I suggest I ask one question at a time so you don't feel bogged down. We can take as long as we need. That's the good thing about having your own blog… no deadlines! I will only publish after you've given me the final go ahead so don't hold back on the vernaculars.

So, if you're agreeable to this, here's your first question…

Why do you run?

January 17

Hey Mike,

Wow.... you start off with a hard question. Why do I run?

There is absolutely no reason. I like the scene in Forrest Gump when reporters ask him, "why are you running? Are you running for world peace? Are you running for women's rights? Are you running for the environment?" His reply was, "I just felt like running." People couldn't analyze why he was running so far for so long. Why on earth would someone do that? I think people have a need to rationalize . There must be some reason why Sarah is a workaholic...why Hal is climbing Mt Everest....they are trying to escape life, get over their past.

Sometimes there is a reason. But I think...at least sometimes...there is no good reason we do the things we do. If you've ever observed kids, especially little kids, you'll see they break into a run for no particular reason...they just felt like running. If you asked them why - they couldn't tell you. I think there is something inside me that just wants to run. I realize I haven't answered your question

I run because I can

I run because I don't want to stop

January 17

Hi Melissa,

Your answer is beautiful and simple and elegant. I love the way you have connected your running spirit to that of children, I can identify. My happiest moment as a teacher was running with my students, Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 7:45 AM. I would enter the school thinking it's way too cold, too wet, too windy, there will be no students today, and then, rounding the corner I would see 20, 30, 40 students waiting for me. Waiting for ME, their coach. It was humbling and touching, and profound. I mentored two grade 8 students through their first half marathon. Sometimes I consider this to be my crowning achievement as a teacher.

You say, "I run because I can and I run because I don't want to stop". I love the simplicity of this statement, and the honesty it represents, and the minimalism. Sometimes I think I run because I'm afraid to stop. Does that make sense or are you too young to connect with that sentiment? You have answered the question, Melissa, beautifully and with such honesty.

Here’s your second question…

What’s your bio?

January 18

Hey Mike,

When you say you are afraid to stop - does that mean you are afraid of how things would be if it were taken away from you (an injury out of your control)? Or you are afraid that if you stop voluntarily, you'll lose touch with how you view the world (from a running Mike perspective as opposed to a non-running Mike view).

I think I can relate somewhat from a teaching perspective. I taught in Thompson for 10 years. When we moved to Stonewall - all of a sudden I wasn't a teacher anymore (did not have a job). Students didn't know me, young people wouldn't come up and say hi to me.... I wasn't "Ms. Budd - the teacher". I was just another person. It was like I had lost my identity somehow. It was scary. I didn't feel like me anymore.

Running is part of your identity - just like teacher...coach.... father.... husband. It would be scary to lose that part of you (for any reason - choice or no choice).

I'll send my bio soon - Gotta run (but not literally...I will do that later!)

Melissa

January 18

Hi Melissa,

Yes to all above… running provides me with an identity that I truly have come to love. A 'running Mike' perspective is a good way to phrase it, for sure. I can't imagine life without running. A non-running Mike perspective would be pretty boring I'm afraid. Sometimes when I run I become hyper elated and my brain is flooded with happiness. It's pretty amazing actually. My thinking becomes crystal clear. So yes, identity, happiness, and friendship is all part of the experience. When I say I run because I'm afraid to stop it is because I fear the aging process. I ask myself, can I still do this in 5 years, 10 years? I don't know. I'm afraid that if I stop I might lose the motivation to keep pounding away. David says he's always just one marathon away from quitting. I don't know if he's serious or just talking. I fear not running and all that it would bring.

Now, back to that bio of yours...

Mike

....to be continued...

Three Little Runs

2012-01-23T20:38:00.001-06:00

There's gotta be a song left to sing
'cause everybody can't have thought of everything
One little song that ain't been sung
One little rag that ain't been wrung out completely yet
Just got a little left

Gillian Welch, One Little Song, Soul Journey

These three little runs are for those that ache. You ran beside me for these three little runs. You were in my mind. You were in the lyrics. You became the tempo. Thank you for being such delightful company. You helped me dance spritely along the trail.

One Little Run...
On Friday I ran a 6 mile tempo run to the Forks. It's an urban run up the Crescent, through the Village, over the Queen Elizabeth and return along the river trail to the Gates and Wolseley. I run this route at least once a week, always clockwise. Today I broke free and ran it counter clockwise. Turned out to be a good idea. I didn't plan it that way, my mind led me in that direction. It put a whole new perspective to this route which over the years has become pretty predictable. So there's SMR's tip of the week... if your regular route is becoming predictable, run it reverse.

As I entered the River Trail from Main Street, homebound, I stop in my tracks. Before me lies a huge setting sun, silhouetting the Osborne Street Bridge. My eyes tear up with what lies before me, a gift really, for those who take the time to see. I am overwhelmed in the moment, it is intensely beautiful. On the river trail, close to sun down, I stop running and I watch a lone cyclist approach me from about 400 meters. He moves fast, with a huge ball of blinding sun behind him. He is a silhouette. Black against gold. He wears a mask. He is a warrior from another age. Plumes of smoke evaporate from his back. He glows in the sun. He shines in the snow. I stand in awe... in the the middle of the trail... at sundown as he passes me with a nod. I feel the rush and it is wonderful. A shiver runs through my spine.

I run home just in time for supper, hot and with love.

Two Little Runs...
On Saturday I run 10 miles, solo. I run a slow dance with tunes. Really fine tunes with tempo and lyrics. The cadence of the tempo works well for this old bod. Wolseley, down Disney to the footbridge, sip of water at the pavilion -ahh, the life-force tastes so good- large loop of the park, homebound via the Crescent, the orange footbridge, Wolseley. I know this route well. It feels like home, comfortable like an old pair of Levis. I like the vibe of these neighbourhoods. The eclecticism of the Disney Trail, the painted fire hydrants, the the moms and dads of Assiniboine, the dog-walkers along the back trails, the old mansions of Park Boulevard East. I pass my childhood home at 1434 Wellington Crescent and the old black and white 8 mm films click and clatter through my brain. I smile at the memories and I keep running, strong with heart pumping. I feel connected to my past and it is good, and it is comfortable.

I run home and fix myself a steamed hot chocolate and sit by the fire, face glowing.

Three Little Runs...
On Sunday I run 10.5 fast miles, Grant, Forks return through Palmerston Avenue. I run with old friends and new friends and we laugh... Loriee, Bernie, Gwen, Eric, Scott, Scotty, David, John, Clem, and the other guy. Clem (green hat) from Texas, David (black hat behind orange jacket) training for Boston... both hard core. Clem talks of his 2:20 marathon in his 20's, David gracefully focussing on Boston. I run with them return from the Forks. They push me and pull me to the end and I thanked them for the experience. I died on the bridge and insisted they keep running... instead they slow to match my pace, no words exchanged, simply a runners etiquette in play. They are fast and fast is not my style, but I love it when it comes my way. I like these two gentleman and I hope to run with them again soon. Bill says we race the way we train. With that thought in mind, I think I need to train more with Clem and David. John (orange top) is a fine man and an excellent runner, a smart runner with a love of life.

I run home to an Americano, fresh ground, and a bowl of steaming homemade soup. I warm my body from the inside out.

My friend Melissa says she doesn't ask herself will I run today ... instead she asks when will I run today. I like that... when will I run today? When will you?

Three little runs for those that ache. It's a good day to be alive... all sweaty and flush.

Mike

Stay in bed world, sleep in peace.

2012-01-08T19:26:00.000-06:00

But if I had one wish fulfilled tonight

I'd ask for the sun to never rise

If God passed the mic to me to speak

I'd say "stay in bed, world, sleep in peace"

3:45 No Sleep, The Cardigans, Long Gone Before Daylight

Yesterday, walking through the mall, I read a sign in front of the Dollar Store, Huge Blow Out Sale. I paused, it's the Dollar Store, what kind of sale could it possibly be and a blow out sale no less? And who could possibly care? I told Tiffany, my hair cutter, she said yes, it's such a rip off, they sell broken stuff for 25 cents. I was disappointed in Tiffany, I wanted her to laugh and share the oxymoron, but her brain was in logical sequential mode, mine in abstract bizarre. She gives a fine haircut though.

Today I answered an email from my cycling advocate friend, KM from Bike to the Future requesting my opinion on how wide a berth a cyclist should give a runner when approaching from behind. It depends, I said, it depends on the speed of the cyclist. If they've slowed to match the pace of the runner and have given audible warning from 10 meters, then a one meter berth is sufficient. If the cyclists' agenda includes time and distance (i.e. speed) than I think they should stick to the road way. I told him my thoughts on runners being on the low end of the transportation food chain only slightly ahead of walkers. I told him that when a cyclist gives warning I always give a thankful yell as they scoot by.. thanks for your kindness, thanks for your consideration... it's really appreciated. I do this for two reasons, I want to educate and I really mean it. I appreciate kindness, I really do. You?

Last week my blogging friend, Jen, received the dire verdict from her doc, stress fractures, no running for 6 weeks (may as well be a year, we're not patient we runners). Jen talks about searching for lows in running because this is where we find the truth about ourselves. In the lows we suffer, but it is here where we also grow our wisdom. In the lows we learn patience, we learn humility, and we learn that all days are good, some are just better than others. This theme, searching for lows, seems counter intuitive, we runners search for the orgasmic rush, the fleeting runner's high. It's good, I"ve been there, but it passes quickly and I don't learn anything about myself. It's while we're in the lows that we learn. The highs are special, but they come and go.

Jen uses yoga as rehabilitation and judging from the pictures on her blog, she's pretty darn good. I on the other hand am not, but in the spirit of lightening the load of a runner down I took the challenge. On a 10 mile run the other day I asked about a dozen strangers to photograph me in the only yoga pose I know, The Tree. The strangers were so helpful and when I told them of Jen being injured they put their heart and soul into their job. I only show 6 because 7 would be crazy! These are for you Jen :)

note Canadian flag eh.

Today I ran 10 miles with D and V. Along the way I met another injured runner friend, J. She rehabilitates through walking and swimming, but she yearns to run. She says not running is like the continual presence of absence. That's what I mean about finding wisdom in the lows... the continual presence of absence, brilliant. We just don't find such wisdom in the highs. Go here to J's piece on injury.

It was a m*gical day to be alive, all sunny and white. In fact at the end of the run I heard a runner say "...like Mike's blog says "it's a good day to be alive". That was nice.

Mike :)

Living in a Prayer

2011-12-26T16:34:00.001-06:00

everybody looks like someone I just saw 5 minutes ago
if i looked too far in the mirror i know i'd have to run
from copper harbour way down to acapulco
where the sun shines on the moon and the moon gives it back to everyone
i'm living in a prayer

Greg Brown, Covenant

Assiniboine River, December 26, 2011

I loaded the shuffle with Greg Brown and headed out for my first double-digit slow dance in a while. I ran parallel to the Assiniboine for much of the way, south side outbound and north side home bound. The sun was shining hard and walkers, cyclists and runners were out in strength, all smiles and nods with full eye-contact. Why is it when you walk the streets of this city we avoid eye contact, we even become highly uncomfortable with any pretence of eye contact, but here on the trails it's expected. It's even worse in Toronto. In Toronto one could walk naked and no one would see you, you're invisible. There's a different vibe on the trails I suppose. On city streets we're on a schedule, the clock's ticking, we're late. On the trails time slows and our thoughts are pleasant. We smile and nod and reflect it back through our eyes, like the sun shining on the moon, only to have the moon give it back to everyone.

I ran on the roadway in my neighbourhood because the sidewalks are slushy and uneven. All but one car gave me a wide berth and slowed as they approached. I remember the one car, the big black suv with two men. They passed me within 18 inches at about 60 k/hr. I wonder what goes on in their heads? Why is it always men? And what's with the suv culture? This man was passing through my neighbourhood on a street full of runners and walkers and he doesn't slow. We made eye contact and his eyes were angry as if to say what right do you have to be on the street, his street. I returned my thoughts to Greg Brown and moved forward refusing to be sucked in to this negative space.

Bill Clement Parkway Bridge, Assiniboine River looking east, December 26, 2011

At Assiniboine Park the children ran and played. The big old toboggan slide was swarmed with moms and dads and kids... all yelling and playing. "Watch me dad" with an emphasis on "me" as if to say watch ME make YOU proud dad. Watch ME. The laughter of the children is a glorious sound, it's contagious. It gives me strength to keep moving outbound, past the park, through the forest, to the bridge. A slow drink of water at the skating rink shelter.. why does water always taste better after a few miles of running? The simple answer is ..because your thirsty, stupid... but it's more than thirst... water is a life force and I feel ... we feel... the life force as we sip the water, the cool clean water from the fountain.

I ran 10 miles today and it was a good day, a good day to be alive, living in a prayer.

Mike

In Winnipeg at Christmas

2011-12-24T17:16:00.001-06:00

There's lots of snow
Very clean, and crisp and hard
And glittering like a Christmas card
Everywhere you go

Rose Fyleman

In Winnipeg At Christmas; a quaint little pre-global warming poem about Winnipeg at Christmas. I checked my blog entry for this time last year just to see what was up. The weather was -29 with a -41 wind chill. Today's run was +1, no windchill, blue sky, and a gorgeous warm sun. Snow? What snow! It's not a brown Christmas, but the snow on the ground is pretty darn skimpy, non-existant in some places. I even saw a Winnipeg first for December 24th... a runner in shorts and a toque! I pointed at his bare legs as I approached and gave him a thumbs up sign and a big smile. His return grin was ear-to-ear. I didn't see any bare-footers though. I expect it would have been a reasonable day for a bare foot trot. Yes indeed, In Winnipeg at Christmas... a good place to be, a palace of friendliness.

I had a gorgeous little 6 mile slow dance down the Disney Trail this afternoon, you know the one, all the fire hydrants are painted to represent Disney characters. This trail reminds me of cottage country, all sweet and eclectic. It's a runner friendly route, cars slow, home owners smile and give a wave, it's a very welcoming little patch of Winnipeg. I approached a couple of runers slowly from behind and had an impromptu chat about the weather. We parted with a cheerful wish for a merry Christmas and I took the lead. Yes, even at Christmas time I'm still a little competitive (I blame it on testosterone and as such, I can't help myself).

I wish you all a very pretty merry Christmas. By pretty I mean, loving and peaceful, family and friends, good cheer and good food, hopeful and fulfilling, health and good karma. Stay to the right of the trail, pass on the left, and give a little whistle as you approach someone from behind. And, for heaven's sake, smile and nod at your fellow runners and walkers... it's contagious.

So, as my perfectly beautiful niece Miranda from Calgary would say ...

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all... and a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2011, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, choice of computer platform or sexual preference of the wishee.

(By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.)

It's a good day to be alive, in Winnipeg, at Christmas.

Hey Rosetta, come run with me?

2011-11-25T18:48:00.001-06:00

And we don't look back, cause we don't need that
And we're going too fast, and we don't want to,
we don't want to crash

Seeds, Hey Rosetta

How was your run? The same question.
It was great. The same answer.

How do I describe the run. The joy of moving?

How was your run?

Well, I'm so glad you asked, stop me if I go on....

The run was thrilling and simple and left me breathless. I am in awe of my strength and my commitment to my body. I am powerful and my mind is sharp like a tack. It wanders, my mind. I review my day. I plan for tomorrow. I reflect on family. It's all so clear and positive. The music, Hey Rosetta, sings to me and I dance alone along the trail, sometimes slow, I like the slow dances. I dance to the tempo, the tempo becomes the run, the lyrics become the reason for the run. I walk the footbridge because it's just so damn beautiful. I need time to absorb the moment. The frazil ice all jagged and sharp. The sun bleeds from the dusk sky. Moments of beauty that give meaning. Meaning to life and being. We remember these moments, we file them, and we take them away for when they are needed most. They shape us and give us character. The memories of beauty become the treasures of the old. They become all we have. I run to create memories of beauty.

I run fast at the end, breathless and heart pumping, I dont look back.

How was the run?

It was great.

It's a good day to be alive.

M

Harte Trail

2011-11-11T17:25:00.001-06:00

Harte Trail in west Winnipeg is part of the Trans-Canada Trail. It runs parallel to Wilkes Avenue on the south and Assiniboine Forest on the north. Harte Trail is part of a network of trails that meander through some of the prettiest parts of Winnipeg. Harte gets its name from the Harte Line, a section of the old Grand Trunk Railway built in the late 1800's. Just south of the trail is the modern day CN line. The trail transitions from fields to forests, to middle class Charleswood suburbia. There's a ditch full of critters and a large variety of interesting vegetation. I saw a deer but it bolted as I reached for my camera. It's a sweet little 6.5 km trail (13 return) with many inviting benches perched strategically every kilometer or so.

I saw young lovers strolling the trail arm-in-arm, happy dog walkers, geo-cachers walking purposefully through waist deep vegetation (why do geocachers always look lost... they have gps) , speedy bikers with serious faces, old people with canes and warm smiles, children with parents. It was a nice run. In a word, pleasant. There's any number of trails leading off the Harte, some are cross-country ski trails, some mountain bike trails, some for horses, some for walkers, some for old farm machinery. I left the Garmin in the car and brought the camera. So glad I did.

The downside of the trail is that it crosses six different streets. The streets come up suddenly, especially in summer when the vegetation is thick, and cars don't always give right of way. It's also straight as an arrow and flat which makes it less interesting than a winding trail with changing elevations. It also just ends... almost anticlimactic... at the perimeter highway. There is a nice bench but the view is disappointing, an open field looking on to a 4 lane highway. The Headingley Grand Trunk Trail is on the other side of the perimeter highway but crossing all that high speed traffic is not something I would relish.

My total distance today was about 9 miles but I stopped to photograph (90 pictures) and I walked down some trails just to see where they would lead. I wasn't in a rush, time was the last thing on my mind. The chocolate break at mile 6 was blissful, yes purely blissful, no exaggeration. Chocolate does that eh? How often can we stop to simply sit on a bench and eat a piece of chocolate. Such a simple pleasure and yet almost impossible to achieve in our busy lives.

One of the many off-shoot trails. This one was particularly inviting. I followed it for about 1 km.

I received an email from a friend today recommending Once a Runner by John L. Parker. Apparently it's a cult classic. How did I miss out on this? My only question is to buy a paper copy or download the audio file from iTunes. It would be a good one for the iPod, but I think I want this one in my bedside library Spoiler alert... don't read the Wiki review because it gives way too much.

Tonnes of amazing vegetation.

Here's the opening line from Wiki...

The novel opens with a physically fit young man standing on a track, watching as "the night joggers" toil around him. He begins to walk toward the starting post, and thinks that now that the Olympic games are over for him, he does not know what he will do with his life. The man starts to walk around the track, and thinks back to four years ago.

I'm going to order it this evening.

I never met a bench I didn't like , but this one spoke to me like none other. Good old Simon and Garfunkel... looking for fun and .... feeling groovy.

Lindt Chocolate... one square... mile six, sea salt... feeling groovy, yes indeed.

Gotta love this little clip... a shout out to all the vegetarian and vegan runners out there. Enjoy the day, it's a good one to be alive.

A perfectly beautiful day...

2011-11-06T12:56:00.001-06:00

Yes friends, it's a perfectly beautiful day for a run. Steel grey skies, foreboding and whisperings of colder weather sure to come. Faint glimmerings of sunlight poking through weakly and with no warmth other than the memories of sun. The sun, like impossibly gorgeous blobs of colour on canvas... a grey canvas, sad and yet hopeful, the blobs, yellow and golden on a sea of grey, they make me smile. Faint traces of rain, a soft rain the Irish say, a rain from faraway. The meteorologists say confidently -smugly, it's the perimeter of a Colorado low... as if they can predict, as if they know. It's a soft rain, the Irish say, and that's all that needs to be said. And the wind, from the south, or was it the east, the wind too was soft at times, but chilled the bones as we turned around at the Forks. The wind blows strong here, off the river with little shelter. Shelter From the Storm, an old Dylan tune from Blood on the Tracks, now looping through my brain, such a lovely song, but I show my age.

We hunch our shoulders, shorten the stride, and forge homeward. Me in two layers, synthetic base layer and Merino wool outer layer, both light and fitting snug -just the way I like it- and working well together, providing wicking and warmth from the wet. Beads of rain gather on the brim of my cap and roll onto my face like tears. My chest now lightly drenched ... can something be lightly drenched or is that an oxymoron? It's my blog so I take artistic license and I say lightly drenched stays.

Thinking of music as I run. Wilco's new album, The Whole Love, has been getting lots of play time lately... so many amazing tracks, Black Moon is haunting and tugs dearly at my soul or One Sunday Morning... so beautiful, like the grey skies of today's run with blobs of colours and textures, tender and harsh like the soft sun against the steel sky. Music is like that, it takes us away and soothes the brain... sorta like a good run. A good run does that and more. Yes?

I have decided to register for Fargo Marathon. I've registered twice before and had to pull out both times due to injuries. Last year a mere 5 days before race day I twisted an ankle. Two years before I strained my calf about a week before race day. I need to slay Fargo. This is the year. I also need to slay Chicago, but that's another story.

And finally, a word about Ted's Run. Every day is a good day for a run, some are just better than others. Such was the day for Ted's Run. Big blue, blue sky, warm sun, cool tunes, smiles everywhere. Ted was in the sky and he smiled openly and his love radiated warmly. It was vibrant and it was Kodachrome.

Early in the morning before the crowds arrived walking next to her in dawn's light she stopped and tried to articulate what this day means ... to her ... to Ted. The words choked and failed as they often do. Silence was appropriate so, in silence we held one another and it was good and it was right. I thought of the last time I saw Ted. He was running, not fast for speed was irrelevant to Ted, he was strong, smiling, proud. It was a good day to be alive then as it is a good day to be alive now. Ted's is gone but -my oh my- how his spirit continues to motivate.

If you're reading this, I suspect you either attended the run, volunteered at the run, or otherwise supported the run through your good cheer and your good vibes. I am indebted to your kindness. I am grateful for your suport. I am a better person for knowing you.

To all of you, it's a good day to be alive.

Mike

1111

2011-10-16T18:37:00.001-05:00

Today was a good day. I ran. I worked in the garden. I fixed an electrical outlet that's been out of commission for months. I even had time to make dinner and now I'm posting a long over due note on See Mike Run. Sipping a red something. Yes, today was a good day. Some days are like that, yes?

I joined a group this morning for a 10 mile run, Grant/ Forks return. It was a comfortable pace, 10 and 1's, slower than I've been training for all summer so it was difficult to find my stride, but I did and it was good. The 10 and 1's felt odd, but familiar like an old friend. The friendly chatter... inviting, the leaves crunching underfoot...hypnotic, the gorgeous colours -well- gorgeous, the brisk wind embraced the senses. It was lovely and peaceful and sad. Time slows in the fall. End of season. No goals other than the usual... Hypo, Cop's, and a choice of any number of Spring Mary's. I'm thinking of Ottawa in May, or Fargo, or Manitoba or all of the above, none of the above.

Fall is kinda sad, not sure why. It's the most pensive of seasons? Piling wood, cutting back dead growth in the garden, hunkering down for what's sure to be another long and cold winter. Winter running is embracing and so wonderful and yet somehow it seems foreboding. I need to learn to run in -40 again, how on earth do we do this?

Today I logged my 1111th mile. It's not a huge number. It doesn't mean much, it's not even a prime number, it's just a number and yet it represents so much to me personally. It represents conviction, passion, friendships -such dear friendships- passage of time, suffering, intense pain, intense joy, the indescribable joy of crossing a line. Yes, 1111 is just a number, meaningless in itself, and yet to me, today, it's a good number.

It's a good day to be alive,

Mike

Niverville Imagine Half Marathon 2011, Race Report

2011-09-25T18:52:00.003-05:00

There's something about small town races that makes me happy, so happy in fact that I want to return. The Niverville Imagine Half Marathon was picture perfect in every way, shape, and form. The cause, Mood Disorders, is a serious one and the story behind the inception of Imagine is tragic.

A week before Mona Stott was to run the 2009 Manitoba Marathon her son Joey committed suicide. Instead of running the marathon Mona attended her son's funeral. Mona contemplated running the marathon before the afternoon funeral but was discouraged to do so by family and friends. Personally, I think I would have encouraged her to run, I would have run, but that's me, and my advice isn't worth the binary code of this sentence. Mona created the Imagine Run to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide.

And such a run it is! Go here for Mona's story. Go here for the Imagine, Mental Health Matters web page

I'm a sucker for the smell of fresh manure and wide open endless blue sky. Like Treherne Marathon, Nivervile Marathon was brimming over with positive energy and exuberance. It's a small town marathon with a big city vibe. The organization was impecable, the entertainment suitably cheezy with the Elvis impersonator at the turnaround, and the lonesome Charlie looping Lennon's classic Imagine. Some of the bands were professional and their sound against the big blue sky made the run that much more enjoyable. The volunteers were absolutely the best ever. My only pet peeve is the number of runners tuned out with head phones. To purposely lock their minds way from all that positive energy is breathtakingly myopic... I just don't get it. The purpose of running is joy, laugh, talk, tears, reflect, pain, endorphins... and they choose to imprison their minds to Nickelback. Oh well, again, my opinion isn't worth this binary code so.. moving on....

A funny thing happened to me on the way to the finish line.

At the mile 8 mile marker I felt amazingly strong. I was pacing out at sub 9, my lungs were strong, my heart rate even and calm, and my legs strong. I looked to my right, strong 20 year old runners, very fit 20 year old runners, to my left, more 20 year olds and a couple of 30 year olds... all very fit, very strong. Man, I'm doing amazing! I'm just burning up this course! At the mile 9 marker I check my GPS for time, pace distance. DISTANCE! Why does my GPS say 7.5 miles and the mile marker reads 9? There must be a mistake!

Yes, there was a mistake, and it was all mine. I remember an intersection a few miles back. Some runners went straight and some veered left down Main Street. I locked eyes with the RCMP officer and he nodded towards the left. In reflection he was probably just saying hi, but I interpreted it as sign to go left. So left I went... straight into the 10 k route. I decided the only thing I could do was to run it in to the finish line, check my GPS and run outbound to make up for the shortfall.

So that's what I did. I ran to the finish line strong. Stopped a meter before the line, turned and bolted outbound to make up for the 1.4 mile shortfall. When I stopped I heard a few gasps from the hundred or so spectators on the bleachers. I heard someone yell. What's he doing? But off I went.. in the wrong direction. I ran outbound 0.7 and returned 0.7. The GPS distance read 13.09... close enough, and the time 1:53:59. All in all, not a bad time.

Would I recommend this run? Yes, in a heart beat.

Do I know someone with mental health issues? Sadly yes.

Is it a good day to be alive?

Well you know the answer to that.

Mike

Bismarck Full Marathon, Race Report

2011-09-23T22:26:00.001-05:00

On the drive down to Bismarck David explained how he divides marathons into thirds. As with much of what David says, it stuck and has caused me to reflect. The first third of the marathon he says, we use our brains, the second third our legs, and the last third, our hearts. It's the heart that gets us across the line, but it's the brain and the legs that make it possible. So I tell my story in thirds.

The grand powerhouse of the brain is the prefrontal cortex, the executive functioning takes place here. It's a filter not unlike the mother board of this computer I'm presently tapping. The prefrontal cortex analyzes data, reads subtleties, and adjusts to conditions. Remember the old days when your teacher would give you a little slap on the forehead when she caught you daydreaming? No? Maybe it was just me. She was stimulating the prefrontal cortex and in retrospect I should have thanked her for the abuse. Try it next time you're losing focus, slap your forehead 3 or 4 times, see if it doesn't get the blood flowing. Do it now, no one is watching, I'm doing it... slap, slap, slap, slap... feels good right? It makes the brain spark, yes? In a marathon we depend on the brain to set a pace that will sustain us for the full 26.2 miles. It's difficult because the legs are fresh, the heart is strong, and the adrenaline is surging. It's so tempting to go out fast, too fast. It's the brain that says:

"Whoa Mikey, dial it back man, watch your pace...".

In the same breath the legs yell:

"Come on Mikey, get the lead out! Everyone's going
faster than you, even that barefoot guy, hurry man, hurry....".

Regrettably, the legs won over the brain .... sigh, again. I went out too fast. I was enjoying the ambience, chatting, laughing, and having a grand time. This is just fine, even admirable... unless you want to improve your time. A good brain will give you a negative split, something I have yet to attain. A bad brain will give you a 22 minute positive split. Bad brain, bad! Now there's a lesson here.. even a goal for my next Mary...slow it down Mikey, look for the elusive negative split. Listen to the brain from mile 0 through 10.

The legs take us the middle third distance. If we use our brain in the first third our legs are fresh and strong, they're ready to carry us to mile 20. The legs represent the 1000+ miles we've trained, the hills, the speed workouts, the long lonely distant runs, the blisters, the set backs, the joy, lots and lots of joy. The frustration of injuries. All this is to prepare the legs. The legs are an extension of the brain and are deeply connected to the heart, but they are the powerful engine that propel us ever forward... step by step by endless step. Blood, adrenaline, and endorphins surge. Colours and textures flood the brain. The mind is sharp and focussed. My thinking becomes clear. I see details in macro view. My legs move rhythmically to the cadence of my hearts. I feel good... omnipotent even. My legs are confident, strong, hard.

Sorta.

My legs felt good, really good in fact, to about mile 15. This is where we approached Mary Hill for the second time in the looped course. Mary Hill is shown in a couple of pictures below. It's about 1.5 miles in length and averages out to a 4 or 5% grade. The first climb at mile 5 was a piece of cake, the second at mile 18 was tough, really tough. The legs slowed, planked up, became heavy. I walked a bit, ran a bit, set tiny goals... run to that pole, walk to that tree... I split the hill into manageable chunks because the legs were beginning to sputter. It was a long climb, a slow climb, my brain and my legs were failing me. As I crested the hill at mile 17 I knew my legs were losing power. Too early. I need the legs to get me to mile 20 or 22, but here I am at mile 17, legs thick, brain thick, heart rate too high. Too early to pass the baton to the heart. The heart can only carry me so far. It can carry me for the last 5 or 6 miles, but I had 9 remaining. It's too darn early for the legs to quit, too early to transition to the heart... too early to depend on the heart to take me to the line.

I entered the last third of the marathon 5 miles too early, the final third, the most difficult portion, the heart. By heart I mean spirt, drive, determination, resolve... not the organ in your chest. Or is it? I could sense my heart rate increase to an uncomfortable level. Too early for that... darn. Ignore it, keep moving. The legs ache, the brain's cooked, it's the heart that will get me across the line... that beautiful line, so skinny, a chalk line really, so meaningless to billions, and yet such a goal, such a challenge. What does the line mean? Why are we so drawn to the line? David, marathon number 88, says he's always one marathon away from quitting. Bob's barefoot, and enjoying it!. We hurt damn it. Why do we do this? Why are we drawn to the edge? Hunter Thompson understands. He says of the edge... there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over. We don't run to the line, we over the line, past the line.

So friends, what's it all about?

To laugh? To run? To dance? It's the slow dance.. the moment when we surge past the line. Images flicker like old 8 mm movies, black and white, sun spots, out of focus, powerful imagery. I exist. I am alive. My past is focussed. My future glows before me. I dance across the line... I dance, we dance, I dance.

But then again, that's just my opinion.

It's a good day to be alive.

Mike

Matt Adams 2:23:36

Mary Hill

Bob

Bob's soul.

Dance

Focus

David

David crossing over the line

Joy

Pain

Fun

Happy Rastafarian Runner.

Dance

Smile

Treherne Half Marathon, Race Report

2011-09-11T18:04:00.001-05:00

Man I like this race! There's something about the Treherne Half Marathon that makes the world hum a sprightly tune. Maybe it's the sweet smell of manure wafting across the course, or the endless blue sky and golden fields, or maybe it's just the absence of pavement that makes it all seem, well, just about perfect. The town folk are as cheerful as they are plentiful. Smiles and grins abound and are contagious, no, more like uplifting. Yes, uplifting is the word... yeah, for sure, uplifting indeed.

I entered the race in a frump but my negativity was replaced with endorphins by the time I reached the house with the little old lady plunking out Chariots of Fire on an aging piano. One could see the notes as they drifted out the open windows and swirled around the runner's feet before they faded into the dusty road ( ok, ok, that last bit was embellishment, but you get my drift, call it blogger's licence).

It's a technical course in that the gravel roads change from step to step. Runners look for the sweet spot, that narrow swath well traveld by trucks and free of gravel. We glide along on the sweet spot until it fades only to be met with a another a few steps over. Always searching for the sweet spots. We avoid the sides because the slope of the roads will cause pain to the hips. The hills are everywhere, but there's one in particular, let's call it OH (insert expletive here...) _ _ _ _ HILL! It's a challenge at about 500 meters in length with a 5 or 6% grade and a rise of about 120 to 150 meters.... no small feat, or is that feet? After that that there's a series of small but long hills, a couple of dozen for sure. It's difficult to tell if you're running on flat, or a rise, some slopes are so gradual you're unaware until you start to slow and notice an increased heart rate. I suppose the word de jour is "rolling". My hill training this past summer paid in dividends today.

I bumped into Bob on the course and chatted along the way. He's the barefoot guy in the pictures below. He's run a couple of full marys and many halfs ala bare feet. I think he leans more toward trail running, but I'm not sure. I ran aside him at mile 8 and suggested he join us in Bismarck. He replied he'd have to think about it. He did, and by the time he crossed the line about an hour later he gave me the thumb's up. Bob's pretty organized, he had cold Samuel Adams at his vehicle... next time, memo to self, pack a bottle opener. We did mange to open them and, my oh my, it tasted good. We chatted, talked about Boon Burger, Bismarck, the winter run across Lake Winnipeg.. which I really want to try next year. It was good, nice way to end the race.

I wore my No Meat Athlete tee shirt for the first time (see below). It caused a bit of a stir. Many people, mostly young, loved it and asked where to get one. That was encouraging. One runner told me he admired my spunk wearing a No Meat tee in the middle of cattle country. I did get a couple of sneers or maybe I'm just sensitive, no matter. I ask because I don't know... can one call themselves an environmentalist and still eat meat? I think not, but what do I know.

I also took the opportunity to pass out about 50 Ted's Run Brochures.. my opening line, There's a new race in Winnipeg and it's flat! This, after the hills of Treherne, got a smile and opened the door for a little discussion about the cause. Many people said they were interested, but they all had endorphin heads so who knows how many will register? I chatted with a high school teacher from Treherne and she said she would like to bring her track team. That would be great; hope it pans out.

For the geeks.. time 2:01:51, av pace 9:20, heart rate (two hours after race) 70 bpm, blood pressure 96/67 (yes, I have a blood pressure monitor, what don't you!?), bmi 22.8.

Enough talk.. time for some pictures. Click 'em to make 'em big.

It was such a beautiful day to be alive, running through fields, chatting with friends, sipping a cold Samuel Adams, a blessing actually.

It is a beautiful day to be alive, you know that, check Bob's face at the finish line if you need confirmation

A 2-4 of Canadians

2011-08-29T19:08:00.002-05:00

A few things I've learned about the Bismarck Marathon...

I am one of 24 Canadians registered for the Bismarck Marathon.. make that a 2-4 of Canadians, appropriate don't you think?
The 2007 winner of The Bismarck Marathon was Bert Menoit of Winnipeg with a time of 2:48:38.
The winner of the 1993 and 1994 marathon was Manitoban Andrew Beer (coincidence?) with a time of 2:49:50 and 2:48:38.
The fastest recorded time for the Bismarck marathon was set by Joseph Mahoney from Minneapolis in 2009 with a time of 2:32:50.
The infamous hill at mile 5 and 18 is one mile in length with a 4 to 5% grade (that's a rise of 350 feet in 1 mile).
There are1300 hundred runners registered so far but the race director expect to top 1900 by race day.
This is the first year the course had to be reconfigured due to flooding.

I'm on the downside of my training. One more long, slow dance next weekend and then Treherne Half the following week, then Race Day! I plan to run Treherne slow.. please remind me.. the testosterone sometimes get the better of me... guy thing.

I ran a 22 miler this morning and I felt quite strong at the end aside from the rubbery legs. I enjoyed my secret post-run chilled concoction and had a lie-down (not a nap... that's for old folks, right?) to rest the legs. The secret concoction you ask?

It's a little something I discovered last year that's been very helpful. First I must explain that I have absolutely NO, zilch, nada appetite following a long run. I can go 5 or more hours without eating anything after 20+ miles and that's not healthy! I recognize my body needs to eat something, but food has no appeal until I discovered.. wait for it..

I drink it over lots of ice and topped off with soy or 1% milk. I know Boost is usually associated with old folk and retirement homes, but h***, it works and I can literally feel the positive effects within seconds. A certain person is trying to convince me to mix it into a smoothie with yogurt and fruit, but I'm not convinced. I'm of the mind 'if it-ain't broke don't fix it'. I only have this not-so-secret-anymore concoction after a long, hot run or following a long sweaty hill workout. I'll be packing a couple in my kit-bag for Bismarck. I understand that most runners are ravenous after a long run and can eat anything (I've seen you and I'm amazed), but for those of you with queasy stomachs like me, give it a try. Tell 'em Mikey sent you.

My other secret weapon is fig newtons on the course to replace gels. I have one every 4 to 6 miles and they really do provide energy. I have a sensitive stomach on long runs and they DO work well for me.

And finally, a running friend suggested I post this clip on SMR. It's shows a young Mike in training. Note the pace and form. Straight back, high turnover, and such focus. The rest is destiny!

It was a great day to be alive in 1959 as it is in 2011 (although the bones felt better in '59).

Mike

Seppo Osala collapses on course.

2011-08-25T11:27:00.001-05:00

Way to go Sandra. Your quick thinking saved Seppo.

It's a good day to be alive, right Seppo?

Mike

(click to enlarge)

Bismarck ND Marathon... 28 days and counting.

2011-08-19T13:09:00.007-05:00

I'm pleased with my training for the Bismarck Marathon. I've pretty well followed my schedule to a tee minus a couple of dropouts due to fatigue. I skipped one speed workout a few weeks back because it just didn't feel right and I cut this week's hill workout in half because of full-body fatigue. The heat's made things tough, but not unbearably so. I've also decided to take two consecutive rest days prior to the long run on Sunday. As I mentioned to a friend the other day, it's all fun and games until the training dips into the 20+ mile zone. This is when the body becomes weary and the potential for injury rises significantly. This coming Sunday calls for 22 miles. Last Sunday was 20. Funny, 22 is still daunting even after all these years of running. I still get a little anxious; go figure?

Interesting that I haven't had a GU or any other gell for many months. I've almost entirely switched over to Fig Newtons for my long run energy food. They're loaded with potassium, quick-burn carbohydrates, and they taste like real food (unlike the Frankenfood I used to consume on long runs). I pack a half-dozen in a baggy and down them with a slug of Power Aid every 30 minutes or so. Past symptoms of nausea have disappeared. In talking to an elite athlete friend of mine she tells me she packs sandwiches, gummy bears, chips, but no gels, on her 50 to 100 mile runs.

Back to the business of Bismarck....

The course has been reconfigured due to flooding in the area. Full marathoners runs the half-marathon course twice giving a whole new meaning to "twice the distance, half the fun." This requires the full marathoners to run the hill leading to University of Mary twice, at mile 5 and again at mile 18. Ouch. The hill is one mile in length with a 4% - 5% average grade. A couple of questions...Why is the spike higher in the second hill? Why is the profile of the two hills different? I thought it was the same hill. Not sure what's up here... or down for that matter. I hear that the view at the crest is amazing.

It's the same hill so why are the profiles different?

The fact that Bismarck is even holding this marathon in light of all that water is a testament to the spirt of the American mid-West. Kudos to the race director and the team for their courage, dedication, and especially their Joie de vivre. This will be a race to remember!

This is what your friends are really thinking when their eyes glaze over as you discuss your pace, your resting heart rate, your personal best, your personal worst, protein shakes, your blood pressure, minimalism vs traditional vs barefoot, tempo runs, lsd's, speed, intervals, Garmins, benefits of running, and all that other jargon that keeps us uptight and anxious. No wonder their eyes glaze. Non-runners just don't get do they? They don't understand, how could they?

No one understands an injury like the sidelined runner. To all you injured, I understand your frustration. I know how it hurts. I appreciate the ache inside that permeates. Been there. I get it.

I'll be seeing some of you on Sunday for a slow dance. Until then, it's a good day to be alive.

M

When You Can’t Stand, Run.

2011-08-03T18:43:00.001-05:00

It is an ordinary Tuesday afternoon as Tuesday afternoons tend to be, except that I am flying home from an extended visit to France, nearly ready to return a copy of the recently mentioned “The Memory of Running” book to Mike of SMR—nearly ready but not quite. Mike graciously invited a review of the book and because I enjoyed it so extravagantly, I’m happy to write.

As you might already know, “The Memory of Running” is a transformation story, told by its protagonist, Smithson “Smithy” Ide, a friendless, chain-smoking, forty-three-year-old drunk, to quote the book’s back cover. Smithy approaches one of those fork-in-the-road junctures where he has to take a few hard looks at his life and decide how to go on. The situation is unspeakably tragic; he has just learned of the death of both his parents and his younger sister, Bethany (“my Bethany,” he says) within the time span of a single week. What adds to the agony is that Smithy has spent much of his growing-up years literally running courageous searches for Bethany who’s intermittent psychotic episodes cause her to go missing and harm herself in astonishing and public ways.

Says Smithy, “A person doesn’t get over a family. Sometimes things happen that make a person feel like standing up is just too much...”

It’s one of those times and Smithy is evidently going down, increasingly dependent on the daily packs of Winston cigarettes, the Vodka, all those beers, the crappy food. He acts like an asshole. His body becomes sedentary, almost immobile, strangely a little like his sister in one of her motionless psychosis-induced poses.

At one point, we learn of a pivotal conversation between brother and sister during the time prior to her disappearance and death. Noticing the beginnings of her brother’s deterioration, Bethany—usually the subject of his concern—puts Smithy on the spot. “I’m not worried that I’m crazy, that I’m going to be crazy. Now I’m worried about you.” Smithy laughs a little, tires suddenly, and casually suggests the worry is unwarranted.

But she gently continues. “Can I tell you something, Hook? (her nickname for him) Can I?” He consents, sort of… “I think you’re turning into a fucking fat-ass slob,” she says. “Also, I think you’re drunk a lot. I think you’re drunk right now.”

Bethany asks if he remembers how he used to look for her and let her ride his bike home while he ran beside her. “I’m afraid you’ve stopped running, and I don’t want you to. I want you to stay a runner. I want you to remember running.”

Smithy listens, a tribute to the bond between them. Not easy for him, though. Looking back on the conversation he says, “I had this feeling of somewhere a mad scientist fooling around with his beakers and vials, and he had me strapped to a chair, and there was nothing I could do.” Well ok, sometimes a sister might get a little carried away.

When Bethany says she wants him to stay a runner, she’s saying a lot. ‘Running’ in the book, is a metaphor for hoping, taking action, for thriving and being fully alive, but the meaning of the word is not only abstract. Running, according to Bethany, literally requires the passionate and intense movement of the body, whether you are Norma, the Ides’ family friend, sitting tall and strong in a wheelchair, or whether you’re riding the maroon 3-speed Raleigh bike. Running is not just an approach to life; it’s the daily practice of moving one’s body to its fullest capacity, with abandon, and with discipline and determination.

In the new grief of his parents’ and sister’s deaths, Smithy makes a tenuous but irrevocable return to his running past. Just as he used to, he jumps on his old bike without plan or preparation in search of his sister for one last time. His destination is the Cheng Ho Funeral Home, many states away from his Rhode Island neighborhood.

And here begins one of my favorite things about the book. As Smithy begins to move his body again, we see other things in his life beginning to move as well. As he peddles long days through rain, sun, wind, on freeways and rural gravel roads, he slowly wakes up to himself, comes to his senses—he begins to taste, touch, see, hear. He experiences aching muscles, sweat, his heartbeat, and the deep sweet satisfaction of rest that follows intense exertion. He wakes up to his surroundings too, to the people he meets, some whom he has known for a very long time. He feels sadness, trust, desire.

We don’t ever get over a family. The book shows us how true this can be, how the people we love keep forming and shaping us profoundly, long after they pass on. Bethany’s words stay with Smithy, and maybe they resonate with all of us runners. “What are you going to do,” she asks, “… stay a runner… remember running.”

I could never summarize a book like this, nor would I want to; it’s made of action and unrepeatable moments and its conclusions, if it has any, are modest, provisional, and open-ended. But maybe travelers and readers have something in common—we want to take something with us when the adventure is ending. If that impulse is ok, here’s something I’d gratefully carry with me from the book: Bethany’s wisdom, which becomes Smithy’s also: When things happen that make standing up feel it’s just too much, the thing to do—the only thing to do—is run. Stay a runner.

Hope I can remember that some day when I need to. Returning your book now, Mike, with a thousand thanks for the wonderful read.

Jan

"Plans just happen, I have found out. I was someone who never had a plan, so it shook me up to see how simple they were to make and how often they just made themselves. It was a tender kind of secret and I loved knowing it."
Smithson Ide

My Back Yard

2011-07-25T17:38:00.022-05:00

My running has taken on a life of its own. It goes like this...Monday rest, Tuesday hills, Wednesday 6-8 mile tempo, Thursday speed, Friday rest, Saturday 6 to 8 mile tempo, Sunday long-slow-distance. My current training has me running between 42 and 50 miles a week. I have two goal races; Treherne Half Marathon on September 10 and Bismark Full Marathon on September 17. I would be tempted to add Twins City Marathon to the list if a bib happened to fall on my lap. Beyond that... who knows?

Aside from the Sunday long runs, all my training has been solo leaving me oodles of time to reflect and take stock, to sort out family issues, to dream, to feel the cadence of my heart, to soak up the succulent coolness of a breeze or, to just be at peace. Mostly to be at peace. This is why we run, yes? To be at peace? To get away? We run for many reasons, no two alike, yet all are the same. We run in pursuit of serenity, we run for a glimpse of peace. We run to mask pain, to search for a truth, to ditch a bad relationship, to move forward, to dig ourselves out of a hole, to escape a memory, to reconcile a regret.

Initially we run to lose weight or to get fit, or to accomplish a life milestone, but over time we grow outward and beyond and the reasons for running become more subtle and more complicated, more individualistic. It becomes less about time and more about self, less about goals and more about serenity, less about achievement and more about being alive and being at one with your body, your mind, and your spirit.

A good run soothes the sharp edges of life. A good run brings contentment and peace within, it brings clarity of mind and it makes the body hum. A good run meanders through the back yard of our brains.

If you're interested in pursuing this theme a little deeper you might want to read The Memory of Running. It's a good read, sad and funny, sometimes in the same breath.

Me? I run because I'm afraid to stop.

Here's the back yard of my brain.

It's a good day to be alive, in the backyard of my brain.

Mike

Speed Workout #1

2011-07-14T12:35:00.005-05:00

Thursdays are speed workouts and today was my first in a long time. Whew, I had forgotten how tough they are!

I did a slow 1 mile run to Halter Park next to Olmand's Creek. While setting my watch for intervals I was approached by a woman -40ish- on a bicycle asking if I had seen a man sitting, a man with glassess she explained. I replied yes I had but he had left several minutes earlier. I pointed in the direction. She explained that she told him to wait while she fetched coffee. She looked distraught as she peddled off in the direction I pointed. Kinda weird, but still well within the whatever category.

I started my workout:

Part 1: 30 seconds sprint/ 30 seconds recovery x 6 sets
Part 2: 2 minutes hard run/ 2 minutes recovery run x 6 sets

My sprint pace maxed out at 5.08 m/m with an average of about 6 m/m and my recovery pace was a walk. After a few slugs of water I started part 2 of the speed work out; the harder of the two. I managed to maintain a sub 7 m/m for all 6 hard runs. My recovery pace was a walk for 1.5 minutes, then a 30 second slow run before the beeper signalled the start of the hard run.

These are tough workouts and, honestly, not my favourite. Dean Kriellaars says "Becoming a stronger runner is about getting rid of your weaknesses more than making your strengths stronger." Clearly, speed workouts are my weakness.

Total distance = 6 miles. i.e. 6 hard, sweaty, almost puked kinda miles. Satisfying though.

Oh, and the 40-ish women looking for her lost soul? She passed me on her bicycle sobbing mid-way through my workout. Another runner and I stopped and chatted about sobbing lady. We were wondering what to do. Just then the man with glasses appeared and they embraced, happy and snuggly. They sat down at the bench and had coffee. I continued my work out but when I left she was sobbing again, in his arms.

Weird.

It is a glorious day to be alive, sobbing lady aside.

:>)

Glory Be To Life

2011-07-06T12:24:00.003-05:00

Just because I've been a blogger-slacker for the past while doesn't mean I've been a runner-slacker. I managed a respectable sub-two at the MB half marathon a few weeks ago and I'm currently training for Kroll's Diner Bismark, North Dakota Full Marathon on September 17. It's an out and back course along the Missouri River Valley that's been reconfigured because of flood waters. I was intending to run Queen City but by the time I got around to registering it was sold out. A quick Google search later and I'm signed up for Bismark.

Come on down! It's a BQ, inexpensive, flat, scenic, and 1,643 feet above sea level (or about 900 feet higher than Winnipeg). That's nosebleed country for us flat-landers.

My training officially started on July 1, but I've been ramping up the miles ever since I ditched the sticks about a month ago. I had my first hill work out yesterday at our beloved Garbage Hill; 3 loops, 3 humps, and 3 lumps for a total distance of 7.5 miles. It's good to be back at it, strong and focussed.

I was driving my wife to the Art Gallery this morning and we stopped at a red light. A man, about 60 - 65 walked slowly across the 3 lanes. He was thin, very very thin. A strong gust would have knocked him over. His skin was that placid, grey putty colour of the perpetual sick, the dying. I felt for him as he shuffled by, slow and lost in thought, lost in life.

Glory be to life in the highest. Today I ran 7 sweaty, hard, fast, urban miles on pavement and trails and the epiphany -the high- washed over me and cleansed my heart and soul. I was, for a brief moment, a sliver of time, omnipotent. I am very happy for my health, very content in my skin. Glory be to life in the highest.

It is a stunningly beautiful day to be alive, to run, to be healthy, to just be at one with self.

Mike

New Kicks

2011-06-16T14:33:00.009-05:00

Asics GT - 2160

I've been wearing Asics GT - 2160's for about 3 years. They provide moderate pronation support and I like the fit and the way they feel straight out of the box. I started wearing orthotic inserts in 2009 to help mend a nagging calf problem in my right leg. The orthotic and the shoe combination seemed to work well and I've had no further calf issues or any other running related repetitive strain injuries so I am reluctant to give up the combination. I adopted the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy. Good plan, right?

Then I read Christopher McDougal's, Born To Run.

Enter the Barefooters and the general movement towards minimalist running footwear and I'm questioning the whole shoe issue. I have followed Jen's blog, Why I Run for years and have witnessed her transition from typical running kicks to Vibrams and now barefoot. I've also been following Winnipeg Barefoot Runner's blog and I become more intrigued. I'm not ready for barefoot, but I am very curious with minimalist running.

I dropped into City Park Runners and had a good consult with owner, Erick Oland. We talked shoes for about an hour. (He told me he may not remember faces, but he always remembers the shoes of his customers) He advised, and I concur, that a slow transition toward minimalism is probably a good way to go. He pointed out that the heel plate of my Aisics 2160 is about 25 mm thick which makes it pretty well impossible to avoid striking your heal on every step. The theory behind minimalism is that over time the energy from the repetitive heal strikes from traditional running shoes can cause significant injury. Gotta a sore neck? hamstring? calf? knee? I.T. band? Could be your shoes.

The minimalist shoe has a much lower profile with a heal plate measuring 10 to 12mm making it easier to land on the ball of your foot which is better able to absorb and dissipate energy. Think of the imprint of walking on wet sand. Where is the imprint deepest? (That's a redundant question.) With traditional shoes it's not possible to avoid heal striking unless you consciously make an effort and even then it feels weird. Don't believe me; try it on your next run. Try to land on the balls of your feet. Either you can't or it feels odd and you'll give up after a few steps.

So, what's my plan? Step one, ditch the orthotics. Step two, run in the Aisics for 4 to 6 weeks. Step three, purchase a pair of minimalist kicks. Step four, go back and forth beween the Aisics and the minimalist. Step five, I don't have a step five... but I will by the time step three rolls around.

Not saying I'm a convert.

Yet.

It's a good day, a really, really good day to be alive.

Yours,

Mike

For Sale

2011-05-29T13:59:00.007-05:00

Lightly used for 8 days while recuperating from grade 2 strain to left ankle. Features include: light, high-grade aluminum, adjustable to 5'2" to 5'10", ultra-cool rubberized pit cuffs with matching hand grips, adjustable arm length, grippy rubber thingies for firm footing, Mercedes-silver in colour, stylish design. Guaranteed sympathy magnet. Perfect for the runner-dad on your list that (thinks) he has everything! Paid $30.

Let's start the bidding at $1.00.

Stay tuned for next week's Sale; "Too Sexy" Ankle Aircast.

Also thinking of starting new blog and I've been tossing around a few names; See Mike Knit, See Mike Scrapbook, See Mike Collect Stamps, See Mike Sit, see Mike Commiserate....

All in all, it's a minor setback, but I do so get a deep pang whenever I see a runner. It's amazing how difficult it is to not run. I was telling a friend the other day that I've gained 2 or 3 pounds and it feels like 20 or 30. The force of running is strong. Crazy!

Mike

... yes, yes, yes, it's a good day to be alive... but I wish I was running.

The View From Here

2011-05-18T20:22:00.008-05:00

When I first blogged about "embracing the suck" I had images of sweat, road dirt, nausea, yucky gels and all the other fun stuff we endure on the marathon path. Turns out embracing the suck is a tricky little devil and has multiple meanings. Who would have figured that it can also mean eating chocolate on my deck while watching the river flow, with a warm sun and cooling breeze? Weird that!

The verdict is a grade 2 strain (there's 3, I asked) on my left ankle. Cast and sticks for two weeks. Fargo Marathon is definitely out and Manitoba Marathon is a long shot. The Spruce Woods 50 k in August is looking mighty sweet though.

Nuff of "woe is me". As my good running pal Jan says, it's like a bad country and western tune, best sung drunk, loud, out of tune, and off key. It's fun for a while but then you wake up with a hangover.

Moving forward.

Not trying to get all spiritual on you but I did receive this quote in a tweet that sorta left me speechless. The timing is all too amazing.

God (my editorial input: Buddha, Allah, Yahweh, Great Spirit, Creator) grant me the serenity to accept when I cannot run, the courage to run when I can, and the wisdom to understand the difference.

Wow! Puts my little mishap in perspective. "The wisdom to understand the difference". Now that's pure poetry.

To my Fargo Homeies, it has been such an honour and pleasure to run by your side. We ran through some of the toughest elements and yet we did so with grace and fortitude. Running with you through such conditions strengthened my character and brought me such indescribable pleasure. So often I would groan at the thought of another late evening run, desperately wanting to bail. And then, 5 minutes into the run, my life brightened, the chit chat and the laughs abounded. I became drunk in the happiness of just being. Just running along your side. Thank you.

Thank you for your company.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you for the gossip.

Thank your for the many, many, many laughs.

Thank you for the positive comments.

Thank you for your leadership.

Thank you for lifting my spirits.

Thank you for listening.

Thank you for laughing.

Thank you for trusting me to lead.

Thank you for telling me when to follow.

Thank you for your comments on SMR.

Thank you for the emails (so many today).

Thank you for running at 6 AM through dark streets.

Thank you for your respect.

Thank you for the talks about life, God, and politics.

Thank you for the talks about Homer Simpson, American Idle, and teenaged heart-throbs.

Thank you for making snow angels.

Thank you.

In gratitude I give you my mantra. At mile 18, or 20, or 22, or whenever you need it most. When your shoulders are slouched, when you feel like puking, when your legs are lead, when your brain fogs, when you lose sight of the finish line, when your spirits flickers say aloud "embrace the suck". Say it again and again. Louder. Say it to the poor slob running next to you who's dying. Yell it at the sun. Whisper it to your claves. Rap it. Rock it. Twang it. Use the suck to your advantage. Learn to laugh at the suck. Use the suck to dance across the line. Dance across the line.

Dance one for me. Make it a slow dance.

Now friends, run like the wind, while you can.

It IS a good day to be alive.

Mike

Down

2011-05-17T19:55:00.005-05:00

I joined my group of Fargo-heads for a 5 mile race-pace run this evening. We were running in tight formation as we approached an intersection. Some in the group stopped and others slowed. I lost my focus momentarily and rolled over on my left ankle. This was followed immediately by a searing bolt of pain. I grabbed Karen's shoulders for balance. The pain was level 7 on my pain threshold. The group stopped, frozen. They knew. I waved them on, but they didn't budge. I finally pointed and said "go, the light's going to change". They left reluctantly.

I walked the 1.5 miles back to my car. Tried a slow run, but that was foolish. The ankle was swelling up pretty big. By the time I got to my car it was triple normal size and the pain was intensifying.

I'm at home now, licking my wounds, and icing. I'm thinking the icing is more effective than the licking. The swelling has come down somewhat, but I can't walk. Not sure where to go from here. Fargo Marathon is 3 days hence. Stay tuned.

It's a disappointing day, but in context, it's still a good day to be alive.

Mike

Fargo Marathon

2011-05-16T06:23:00.001-05:00

Calling for, what else, rain.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers and isolated thunderstorms. Highs 70 to 75.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers and isolated thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 50s.

One of my fondest marathon memories was Minneapolis where it rained sheet rain for about 10 miles. My time was off by about 10 minutes, but at least I wasn't sweaty.

Good day to be alive,

Mike

Homesick; A Guest Blog

2011-05-13T17:31:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Mike for the invitation to write as a guest at this outstanding blog. My topic is injury, and injured runners are like hurtin’ country western singers - hard to listen to. So double thanks.

I’ve been running for 12 years, moderate distance, extreme devotion. I ran ‘the loop’ in our neighborhood, usually the same direction, always the same four days of the week. My running habit began in response to a cheesy article that claimed 20 minutes of daily walking would change my life. Right they were; walking led quickly to running, and - you know what I’m going to say - running changed my life.

Running became a home of sorts, the kind where the phone doesn’t ring, where you can indulge in that strange kind of non-thinking thinking, hear your breathing, feel the elements (lots of these in wpg), sort out your crushes, lose time, gossip to yourself. I ran to celebrate, to mourn, to dissolve the perplexities of the day. I ran through the loneliest and most disappointing stretches of my dissertation. Mostly I just ran to run.

This past Fall I began running with my neighbor, Thursday mornings, 6 a.m., before work. Blizzards, minus 40, ice, unploughed streets and the darkest urban darkness never stopped us. Falling under the influence of his passion for distance running, I began to increase my miles and registered for the Cops half marathon at the start of May. He kindly wrote out a training schedule for me and I knew I was incredibly lucky. My craving to run kept increasing in direct proportion to the accumulating miles. It was a long exhilarating winter; so many new routes, conversations, tunes, stories.

Injury comes to runners in different ways, and mine showed up like a polite but uninvited guest, lingering quietly, awkwardly, at the start of an 11-mile group run. While I was watching the shin pain on my right leg, my left hamstring developed an uninteresting, ‘level one’ strain (coward). I observed a restless two-day rest, then took off for a determined tempo run, full of “now moments” – those riveting seconds of pain or pleasure that don’t allow for outside distraction. Tried another two-day rest. My very last run took me to the Forks but my car had to take me back. That was early April, just as we were heading into the euphoria of single-layer running weather.

The athletic therapist told me what I wanted to hear, “2 – 3 weeks tops,” but speaking like a pregnant woman, I’m in my fifth week. Of not-running. As I intensify my search for signs of improvement, the hamstring situation seems to worsen. No walking beyond 5 minutes. Cycling to and from work is painful.

Not-running is living with the continual presence of absence. I keep turning towards something that is no longer there. I fine-tune my eating and upper body routines, but I cannot go where I need to go, where I dream of going, where I used to go, which is, home.

Courage, fellow runners! Run well… rest well.

Jan

Ted's Run

2011-05-06T17:28:00.012-05:00

Ted Swain was an avid runner and as a teacher of English, was passionate about reading and literature. His passions inspired thousands of students and hundreds of runners. Tragically, Ted passed away on May 3rd, 2009 following his successful finish of the Police Half Marathon. In Ted’s memory we have established Ted’s Run for Literacy. The money generated from the run will be donated to Start2Finish, Empower Kids For Life, a charitable organization that supports reading and physical activity within Winnipeg’s central schools, a fitting legacy for Ted.

Ted's Run will include a 5 kilometer family-fun-run and a fully sanctioned, timed 10 kilometer run. The race is a looped course starting at Kildonan Park.

Many of us ran with Ted, indeed many of us were trained by Ted. He is remembered always for his patience, his love of running, and his huge welcoming grin. Shortly after he died I blogged a memorial post to which many of you contributed.

Please save the date and send this link to all your runner pals.

Ted liked it when I ended my blog posts with "It's a good day to be alive". This one's for him.

Race Director and old friend, Mike

Marathon Study of the heart on age 50+

2011-05-04T16:55:00.001-05:00

Hi,

I thought you might be interested in the following letter from Erin Karlstedt. If you do decide to participate I guarantee you'll get THE BEST medical attention our system has to offer. If there's something wrong with your heart they will find it. It's a great opportunity to rule out any concerns.

I blogged the experience here.

See ya.

Mike

Good Afternoon 2010 Marathon Study Participants,

Dr. Jassal and I are conducting another Marathon study at this year's upcoming marathon. We are hoping to acquire more data for your age group (50+) to strengthen our results before publishing our paper.

We are in desperate need of additional participants and are hoping that you can help. If you know of any friends or colleagues who might be interested in participating in our study this year we would greatly appreciate it. They can contact us at any time with information provided below.

I hope I find you all doing well. Thank you again for participating last year, it was a great success!

Sincerely,

Erin Karlstedt

Contact Information:

Paulette Devigne

PDEVIGNE@sbgh.mb.ca

Winnipeg Police Half Marathon 2011, Race Report

2011-05-01T17:15:00.008-05:00

I know it felt like the Hypothermic Half Mary, but really it was the Cop's Half. Conditions were less than ideal, but that aside the Cop's is still the premiere half marathon event in Winnipeg. The race crew worked all Saturday in solid rain, wind, and mud to get things in ship-shape for the 1500 runners and their families. Race Director, Nick Paulet, is to be commended again for pulling this year's race off without a hitch in extremely challenging conditions. It was superbly organized and the volunteers were plentiful and so very cheerful. Nick sent out an email late last night that warned of a possible race closure due to freezing rain and said he would call it at 5 AM. Fortunately, the rain stopped sometime last night and turned to snow making the course slippery in places, but not dangerous.

So the only question I have is when is Nick going to run for office? We could use him in Ottawa.

I met my 20 mile goal today by running to and from the start line from my home. It was a nice run to the start line, but pretty chilly on the return. My hands were numb and I had no speed so it took at least a mile to warm up and get into the running groove. I had numerous offers of rides home, which I truly appreciate, but I'm glad I met my 20 mile goal. It would have bugged me all week had I not. I had trouble removing my sopping shoes because my fingers weren't working so well. I did manage to kick them them off and then hit a very hot shower followed by tastiest cup of hot chocolate this side of Utah (hi Jen). Life is presently warm, dry, and so, so sweet!

We all yearn for happiness and for the runners I hang with, running helps fill that void. I guess this is why I hang with them. We run because it makes us happy. That's it... simple, honest, and to the point... the pursuit of happiness. When runners become injured the pursuit is put on hold. I'm not saying that running is the only source of happiness, but if one trains relentlessly for months in sub-zero weather for a race goal and then it's gone, it's gotta hurt. I feel for all of you.

Here's the story of the day. Melissa Budd and David Fielder ran a sub-4 hour marathon yesterday in sheet rain, drove home all night, were delayed at the Highway 59 closed border crossing, arrived home at 5 AM, slept for one hour, and made it to the Cop's start line by gun time. Both finished up right and smiling. Last I saw them they were huddled around a propane heater devouring a plateful of pancakes.

See Mike Run will start a new feature in the coming weeks. I plan to interview a different runner every month. I have a couple runners lined up, but I'm looking for others. I hope to feature a cross section of runners ranging from the elite sub-three hour marathon crew to the novice runners. I'm looking for interesting and inspirational stories. Pass on names to me of runners who might fit the bill; perhaps it's your story that needs airing? Don't be shy.

It was, and still is, a grand day to be alive... yes, chilly too!

Mike

PS Race Results are posted on Results Canada.

Corey and Mike neck and neck @ mile 5. Corey 1st place, Mike 2nd place. (photo credit David)

Sandra and some other dude. (photo credit, David)

Ted and that dude again. (photo credit David)

Mario, 2 weeks from China Marathon.

Jeff, Linda, and Wayne fresh from Boston 2011.

Cheryl and Jim at start corral.

Jo, moments from finishing.

Connie and Jo about to be arrested for looking so good!

Anita in the tent.

Melissa who ran a sub 4 hour marathon yesterday in the rain, travelled home, slept 1 hour, and ran the Cops!

I won!

Who's the crazy one?

2011-04-30T12:29:00.010-05:00

My wife, poor thing, has plans for Sunday that include sleeping in, cuddling with the cat by the fire, drinking coffee while reading the Globe and Mail, watching the Blue Jays, and other crazy, middle class pass-times Boring!

Me, my plans include running 3.5 miles to the start of the Police Half marathon, running the marathon, and then returning home for a total of 20 miles. That's fun, right?

Oh, did I mention the forecast?

Sunday Night

Rain changing to snow and blowing snow this evening.

Risk of freezing rain this evening. Snowfall amount 5 cm.

Wind northeast 20 km/h becoming northwest 60 gusting to 80 late this evening.

Low minus 7.

Sunday Morning

Snow ending in the morning then clearing. Amount 2 cm.

Blowing snow in the morning.

Wind northwest 60 km/h gusting to 80 diminishing to 40 gusting to 60

in the morning then

becoming north 20 early in the evening.

High minus 1.

My wife thinks I'm crazy to run the half marathon in such conditions, and REALLY crazy to add on another 7 miles. I think she just doesn't get it. Now I ask you, settle the argument, who's the crazy one?

Come on now, work with me!

Good luck to those of you running the Cops Half. It'll be one for the memory books. One of those what- doesn't-kill-you-makes-you stronger kind of runs. Smiling through your tears is a good strategy.

It's a good day to be alive, crazy or otherwise.

;>) Mike

Learning to Walk

2011-04-24T18:45:00.017-05:00

It's a beautiful day

Sky falls, you feel like

It's a beautiful day

Don't let it get away

It was a beautiful day from start to finish; from the beautiful text message from a friend waiting on my phone at 5:15 AM encouraging me to have a great run, to the pre-run meeting at U of M, to the run itself, to the post-run breakfast, to the many laughs along the trail, to the glorious sun-soaked nap with my cat purring at my side, to this full bodied Californian Paso Robles swirling over my tongue as I blog. Yes friends, it was a beautiful day.

To put the day in perspective I draw attention to the 50-ish man walking toward us this morning on Wellington Crescent. Clearly, he was learning to walk following a stroke. I noticed him from about a block away walking with all the tell-tale signs that indicate stroke recuperation. As we approached, all strong and healthy and confident, I felt him stand taller. His back straightened, his pace smoothed, his stride lengthened. His movement became visibly fluid as we closed the distance.

As we converged I felt him willing his muscles to fire smoothly. I felt him say damn it, walk as if to show us that he is one of us; that he too was strong and confident and proud. Our eyes locked as we flashed by on our own separate destinations, his a block or two, mine 23 miles. We returned a pitiful man-nod that says "hi-ya-buddy" but means nothing. I truly wanted to stop and and grab him by the shoulders and tell him that he's an amazing individual, a strong man, a model for us, a model for his children. But I didn't, the man-code forbids this behaviour. Instead, my thoughts turned to the preciousness of life and the will to be strong and viable. It was a beautiful moment textured gently into a beautiful day.

We departed from U of M at about 7:15 AM and ran the marathon route minus 3 miles. The weather was idyllic and the company, our little group of dreamers, continues to gell. The trust we show one another is evident of a strong and passionate group. The laughter comes freer and more honestly than weeks previous. We are focussed and we discuss strategy, but we're more about the moment, more about the journey (cliche alert), we are runners.

At mile 18 or 19 the muscles start to ache and the legs become leaden. If one is going to bonk this is usually the distance that it starts. This is where your brain becomes susceptible to negativity. This is where the race begins to suck and defeatist thoughts creep into the brain. Bill reminded us of the power of "embracing the suck". Yes, your body hurts. Yes, it would be nice to stop. Yes, life sucks here and now. The power in embracing the suck is to use all this negativity is a way that will help and not hinder. Thus, embrace the suck. Use it to propel yourself forward. Embrace it. Accept it. Understand that it's part of the life force of running a marathon.

Yes, the life force... it's all we have.

It was beautiful day.

Mike

PS The U2 song, Beautiful Day was played at the start of the 10.10.10 Chicago Marathon. So appropriate!

It's a good day to be alive, eh?

Police Half Marathon Bib For Sale

2011-04-21T17:54:00.002-05:00

SOLD

A friend of mine has injured herself and is not able to run the Police Half Marathon on May 1. Please contact me via comment section below if you're interested in purchasing the bib or if you know someone who might be interested.

The weekend weather looks promising! Got a 23 miler on Sunday. We leave from P lot at the U of M at 7 AM, Sunday.

Mike

Geoffrey Mutai wins Boston

2011-04-19T06:31:00.003-05:00

Kenyan, Geoffrey Mutai won the Boston Marathon with a time of 2 hours, 3 minutes, 2 seconds beating Hailie Gebrelassie's time by 57 seconds. A new world record?

No.

The International Governing body does not recognize Mutai's time as a world record because Boston is a net downhill course and there was a strong tail wind for much of the race. I expect we'll be hearing more from Mutai; he's tasted the victory and my guess is he found it, oh, so succulent.

Another Kenyan, Caroline Kilel won the women's course with a time of 2 hours, 22 minutes, 36 seconds.

Kilel and Mutai each earn US$150,000 for the win, and Mutai gets $50,000 for the world best and another $25,000 for the course record.

It's a grand day to be alive.

Mike

Running Gracefully

2011-04-17T17:24:00.005-05:00

Canadian Ed Whitlock set a new 80 and over world marathon record with a time of 3:25:40 at the Rotterdam Marathon last Sunday. His world record annihilated the previous record set by Australian, Robert Horman in 1998 by over 14 minutes. Bill and I were talking about Ed on this morning's run. Bill has met Ed and had the opportunity to ask him about his training schedule. Ed replied (I paraphrase) "What schedule? I run around the cemetery. As long as I'm on top, the training is going well".

The image of Ed running amongst tombstones is such beautiful irony. It makes me smile and it makes we glow with pride for the potential of humanity. Mind, body, spirit all working in perfect harmony. There's a place for Ed in that old cemetery, but not yet, not by a long shot. I suggest we all do one extra hill repeat next week in honour of Ed.

Everyone is the age of their heart.

Guatemalan Proverb

We ran 15.5 chilly ones this morning. Bruce, Cheryl, and Jim added on another 6 to break 21 miles. Aside from the chill it was another very successful training run through Old Fort Garry, The University of Manitoba, Linden Woods and alongside Bishop Grandin Parkway. We got a little twisted around for the last part, but we were soon back on track. Upon Bill's lead we tried channelling the sun gods through pop songs with the word sun appearing in the title; Here Comes the Sun, Keep on the Sunny Side, Good Day Sunshine, California Sun, House of the Rising Sun,You are My Sunshine.. none of them really helped, but I did feel a little warm glow while singing ...

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine

You make me happy, when skies are gray

You'll never know dear, how much I love you

Please don't take my sunshine away

Speaking of warm glows and all things running, here's a clip that will leave you smiling. The connection to running? Does there really have to be a connection? If I stretched it I could draw parallels to fluidity of movement, the desire to achieve greatness, the triumph of success over fear, the fear of falling, the ability to pick your self up, dust your self off, start over again, the exhilaration of movement, the clarity of mind, the pride, the after glow, the confidence of achievement... but then again, it's just a kid on a swing in my neighbourhood filmed lovingly by a dad. Let's leave it at that.

Run hard, swing hard, become all that you can be. To those of you injured, take heart, this too will pass.

It's a good day to be alive, especially if your a kid on a swing.

Mike

PS A huge shout out to my friends Chris from Toronto and Vivian from Winnipeg who are both running the Boston marathon on Monday. Run like the wind!

Running Toward the White Light

2011-04-10T17:35:00.009-05:00

Haile Gebrselassie
Berlin Marathon
2008
2:03:59

In my previous post, Marathon by the Numbers, the photo suggests that another person achieved the world's fastest marathon time. The picture shows a Caucasian runner with Haile's name and time in the caption just below his feet suggesting he's the dude that shattered the 2 hour, 4 minute marathon. I'd like to clear up any misconception, after all Haile is my hero.

Here's the actual picture of Haile crossing the line in Berlin in 2008 with an astounding time of 2 hours, 3 minutes, 59 seconds.

Let's consider 2 hours, 3 minutes, 59 seconds to put in to perspective.

123 minutes, 59 seconds
7,439 seconds
283.93 seconds per mile

or, cut to the chase, Haile sustained an average pace of 4 minute, 43 second per mile for the full duration of the marathon. Next time you're trying a speed work out try to maintain that pace for 1 mile!

Go here for what it would take to smash the 2 hour marathon.

Go here for Haile's retirement announcement (bring tissues, it's sad).

We had an excellent 21 mile run today (our average pace was just slightly slower than Haile's ;>). All in all it was a great day, dry pavement, cloudy, cool, and a little humid. If only race day would have such favourable condition.

Quote of the day..

"We run toward the white light, the white light of enlightenment".

It was, and still is, a really great day to be alive.

Peace and strong legs to all of you.

Mike

Marathons by the Numbers

2011-04-09T10:23:00.000-05:00

Garbage Hill in pictures

2011-04-06T16:48:00.000-05:00

My first hill work out of the season. Blue sky, warm sun, strong legs, excellent friends, what more could a guy ask for. This series of pictures shows the Triangle Loop. It a 0.13 mile triangular loop that starts at the base and climbs the steepest portion of the hill. The path is well worn and muddy near the bottom, but dry just outside of the worn path. We did 3 Triangles plus an additioanl 5 (or more) Loops of the Cul de sac. Go here for a description of Garbage Hill's 7 trails. Enjoy the pictures (click 'em to enlarge 'em).

Yes friends, it's a good day to be alive!

Mike

PS If you look closely in the top left corner of picture # 5 you'll see some Canada Geese overhead... a sure sign of spring!

Check out those calves.

Day 7, 54.6 miles

2011-04-03T13:07:00.004-05:00

Tough run today! More later... gotta lay down. :>) M

~~~~~~~~~~

Later that day sipping a very nice 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley ...

Yes, a tough run but a really, really good run. Depending upon who you speak to it will be remembered as the most miserable run ever or the most challenging, character building run of a life time. I choose the latter.

The coldness and the wetness and the icy north winds and the terrible footing tested the limits of endurance! There's sort of a machismo feeling one gets from completing such a run upright and smiling. Not sure what the female equivalent to machismo might be, but in this context I'm confident the word applies equally to the amazing women in our group.

Early in the run we gingerly skipped over and around puddles, but by mile 10 onward we didn't alter our course .. it was full bore, straight on plow through all puddles. It was actually kind-of liberating and childlike. I could have sworn I heard my mother chastising me Betty Draper style to get out of the puddles.

Our group leader, Bernie, nicknamed this run April Foolish run. At the corner of Waverly and Route 90 (mile 15-ish) while waiting for the light to change all 9 of us instinctively formed a group hug to protect ourselves from the elements. It was a moment I will cherish; 9 sopping wet, chilled to the bone adults came together in a most tender and supportive way. The warmth was short but so very sweet.

We soldiered on mostly in silence save the odd expletive from behind. As Bill pointed out there were many random acts of kindness along the route from cars slowing to avoid splashing, to silent hugs of support, from kind words to perk the dwindling spirits.

Yes friends, it was a good day, a good day to be alive, a good day to be out in the world, a good day to run. It reminds me of a line from a song by the Magnetic Fields, "I'm the luckiest guy on the lower east side.". Think irony.

We could have cried. We Laughed. We could have quit. We ran. I'm so glad it's over. I'm so blessed that I am able to accomplish what i jus did. Many can't. This run is for them.

Mike

Day 4: 36.6 miles down, 13.4 to go.

2011-03-31T12:25:00.000-05:00

Today's run was a repeat of yesterday's. Drop car # 2 off at Regent Toyota and retrace yesterday's 10 mile journey through River East, Transcona. The conditions were much the same as yesterday, minus the sun and the bad guys.

Today's run was immeasurably more enjoyable than yesterday's because I had the good company of running pal and neighbour, Jan. The miles slide by as the conversation flows from one topic to another. We talk kids, partners, politics, religion, and just about anything else that needs airing. These are good runs. Thanks Jan!

I'm going to take 2 consecutive rest days before Sunday's 20 miler so See Mike Run is going dark until Sunday. In the meantime here's a rule that your dear mother may have neglected to share:

Rinse your water bottle once a week with a bleach/ water mix. I think the general ratio is 10 parts water/ 1 part bleach. And if you have dark spots on the inside of your bottle that are almost impossible to remove, chuck the bottle. If there's an environmentally friendly alternative, I'd be pleased to hear about it, send it along.

Cheers friends,

Mike

PS. It's a good day to be alive.

Day 3: 26.6 miles down, 23.4 to go.

2011-03-30T13:22:00.005-05:00

Today's 10 mile run involved dropping my vehicle off at Regent Toyota for a tire change-over and an oil change. I was told this would take about 1 1/2 hours. Perfect, just enough time for a comfortable 10 mile run. The run was uneventful, cold, nasty wind, icy sidewalks, same-old-same-old. I'll be happy when this dirty season passes.

Actually there was an incident worth telling here. Two huge, rough looking dudes, and one equally rough looking and equally huge dudette didn't like it when I passed them on the sidewalk of a very lonely and wet portion of the run. As I approached them from behind I said my usual "excuse me, passing on the left" to which most people smile and make way. These three weren't "most people".

They turned to glower at me and didn't budge an inch so I had to tip toe past on the muddy boulevard. They mocked my 143 pound skinny-assed runners' frame with all sorts of comments which I really didn't understand and didn't hang around to decipher. Did I mention they were huge? Really huge. Apparently the dudette was very mad that I had splashed her when I passed. I wasn't about to stop and apologize. I could still hear the comments as I rounded the corner a block away.

I've been in similar situations and the saving grace is I can run and most of these guys can't. Nothing came of it, but it sets the tone that we runners are very vulnerable, especially when we run alone. It was unnerving. I can only imagine it's way worse for women runners. I've heard some scary stories of women being approached by some creepy guys while running.

So friends, if at all possible, run with a buddy. Failing that, run with a cell phone. And above all, if you get a feeling that something isn't quite right ahead, stop. Most of the time our intuition is correct.

Today's running rule that your mama never told you is:

Be wary of running alone. If you must run alone, always tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back. If no one is home, write it down. If you sense something's not right while running, alter your course and pull out your cell phone, pre-dial 9-1 and keep your finger on the last digit. Be SMART, carry a phone.

Run hard, run safe.

It's a good day to be alive,

Mike

Day 2: 16.6 miles down, 33.4 to go.

2011-03-29T15:46:00.004-05:00

I logged 10.6 miles today. There's still some nasty icy spots on the trails where the sun don't shine, but aside from that, the conditions are sublime. The sun actually has some warmth! I ran a slow 3 miles to the Formal Gardens for my 5 kilometer trial run. I estimated that I could keep a 5 minute/ kilometer pace for the full 5 k (i.e. 25 minutes for the full 5 k). When I arrived at the Formal Gardens I caught my breath and walked a bit, set my Garmin to kilometers, set the timer to zero, pressed start, and "KABOOM" (actually it was more like a lower case "kaboom") off I went!

Pacing is really important for time trials. If you set too fast a pace you'll bonk half way, too slow and you'll never meet your potential. I paced myself using my heart rate and my breathing as indicators. Both were high, but not uncomfortably so. I felt exhaustion creeping in at about 3.8 k, but it didn't appear to slow my pace. Each lap of the Formal Gardens is about 750 meters so I needed about 7 laps. The last lap was as you'd expect... pretty darn hard, but I kept a little in the tank for the last 100 meters and I turned it on and finished strong. Total time was 24 minutes, 52 seconds (8 seconds better than my prediction) with an average pace of 4 minutes, 58 seconds per kilometer (2 seconds better than my prediction per k pace). I'll repeat this trial in a few weeks time to see if I can improve it by several seconds.

5 K in 24 minutes, 52 seconds

Open water at Olmand's Creek.

The foot bridge will be flooded soon.

The detour to Portage Avenue adds about 0.8 mile.

The Formal Gardens.

Today's running rule that your momma never told you...

Running Rule # 3: Never carry more than two electronic devises on your run or you risk looking like this guy.

Several weeks ago I blogged a post called Running Eyes Wide Open that touches on this topic. Running is a minimalist activity; that's the beauty. Too much gadgetry takes away from the beauty of running. Enjoy it.

It's a good day to be alive,

Mike

Day 1: 6 miles down, 44 to go.

2011-03-28T16:23:00.002-05:00

Aside from some treacherous icy patches, a few huge puddles, and one irresponsible driver who splashed me at mile 5, it was a pleasant run. My legs are still a little plankish from yesterday's 18 miler so my form was rigid and lacked any hint of fluidity. Normally I take Monday's off following a long run on Sunday, but someone set a silly goal of running 50 miles in one week so what's a guy to do? I had actually planned on running 10 today, but wisely changed the plan before I left. I'm down to 2 thin layers, a ball cap, and thin gloves and still I was a little warm.

Today's running rule that your mama never told you is...

Running Rule 2: Unless you're an elite runner or you're going for a BQ, never blow past someone at the finish line of a marathon or half-marathon. Respect the guy in front of you and give him/ her some space to finish with dignity. The finish line can be highly emotional and for many, a life altering experience, especially for the virgin marathoner.

Be sensitive and be aware that you can steal that moment from someone by being inconsiderate. Two years ago at the finish line of The Toronto Marathon I was scooped by about a dozen relay runners 25 feet from the finish line. It was a hard race and I focussing all my energy on crossing the line when I was ambushed from behind by a mob of faux-runners in cotton! The moment was stolen!

So dear runner, resist the ninja moves at the finish line. Cross the line with grace and dignity and always respect your fellow runners. Give them a little room. They earned the finish line too!

It's a good day to be alive.

Mike

50 miles in 7 days

2011-03-27T20:13:00.002-05:00

My goal this week is to run 50+ miles between Monday, March 28 and Sunday April 3. I usually have at least one or two 50 miler-weeks per marathon. I started doing this several years ago because it just seemed like a natural thing to do and it's another milestone to anticipate. We have a 20 miler on April 3 so it's actually only an additional 30 miles. I also need to do a 5 k prediction run before Tuesday evening so I'll be on the busy side this week. I'll blog a daily update to let you know how things are proceeding.

I'll also post one "rule of running that your mother never taught you" as a teaser to keep you coming back. The first rule is a no brainer and comes from years of experience:

Rule # 1: Respect the pace guy. They know the route and the pace so by taking the lead you're throwing the whole group off. There's a little known rule of running physics called magnetic pull. Simply stated, the lead guy tends to pull the group. This is a good thing and pacers are chosen for their ability to keep a rock solid pace and pull a group along to the finish line. If a fast guy takes the lead they mess with magnetic pull and the whole group suffers. Faster runners should consider joining a faster group if they find the pace is too slow. The only exception to this rule is if the pace guy asks you to take the lead so they can fall back to check on the group.

Today's 18 miler was great. Sun shining, excellent chit-chat, dry-ish pavement, and -best of all- Bill dropped off caches of goodies along the route. How cool is orange slices and chocolate covered coffee beans strategically located throughout the course? Thanks Bill!

It's a good day to be alive.

Mike

Hypothermic Half 2011

2011-03-22T06:40:00.001-05:00

My friend, Guy, sent me this picture of Bernie and myself at mile 10 of the Hypo. I like the photo because it shows heat 1 homebound and heat 2 outbound. It's a bit of a shmozzle, but it all works.

On another note, the mileage for Fargo is creeping up; 18 miles this Sunday, then 18 the next, and then the big 20, 22... 26. I'll be seeing some of you tonight at 6.

It's a good day -albeit a wet day- to be alive.

:>) M

The Memory of Running

2011-03-20T18:38:00.013-05:00

I have read a dozen or more books on running, but this one stands out. It speaks to me of the journey of life, of broken dreams, and new beginnings. It's about an obese, sedentary, middle aged alcoholic man who, having recently lost both parents in a tragic car accident, is left alone. He is tormented by memories of his dead sister's decline into schizophrenic madness. She returns throughout the journey and speaks to him and comforts him and angers him. Smith Ide is a broken man. He embarks on a cycling journey initially to shed a few pounds, but the journey transforms into a a search for the meaning of life.

It takes me back to a hospital bed when my own father was laying in palliative care, days from death, each of us with a scotch in hand, contemplating life, talking and listening with reverence. It was and remains a holy experience. My dad asked my opinion of the purpose of life and I replied "It's about the pursuit of wisdom, nothing more, nothing less.". He replied, in a mock Irish accent "Ah, Mikey, your a smarter man than your father before ya.". Later I learned he had asked each of his children the same question and replied in much the same way. It was his way of showing us his love.

As Smithy sifts through his dead parents estate he finds a letter that informs him that his sister, who has been missing for many years, has been found dead in California. Smithy resurrects his old red Raleigh, and leaves his Rhode Island home to California to reclaim her ashes. This is his story. His life unfolds as the layers are peeled back. This is a good story, a sentimental story, but a good one.

It is a story of hope and truth. Smithy is an honest man and an uncomplicated man. Much like all of us. Like Smithy, we run. We run because it is the journey that reveals truth. We run to mask pain. We run to find joy. Simply, we run.

It is a good day to be alive, but you don't need me to tell you that, you already know it.

Mike

Skins Compression Wear

2011-03-18T19:33:00.002-05:00

Thought some of you might be interested in this event sponsored by City Park Runners. Tell Erick or Cheryl that Mike sent you!

Cheers, Mike

SKINS COMPRESSION WEAR EVENT

www.skins.net

WHEN - Thursday, March 24^th, 7:00 pm

WHERE - CITY PARK RUNNERS , 2091 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg

WHAT - The “SKINS” rep will be on hand to talk to us about the features and benefits of compressionwear and specifically how SKINS can improve performance and recovery. In addition, there will be an opportunity to purchase SKINS at a reduced cost just on that evening. For example….

Sport Tights – ( reg $149.99 ) / On event night only $75.00 plus S&H

Half Tights- ( reg $99.99 ) / On event night $50.00 plus S&H

Travel & Recovery Tights – ( reg $159.99 ) / On event night $80.00 plus S&H

Men’s and Women’s available.

IMPORTANT – Please RSVP by March 22^nd with a return email as to who is coming so we can prepare.

Hope to see you out next Thursday ! Why not come for a run at 6:00 before the event?

The Dysevolution of Man

2011-03-06T14:28:00.000-06:00

Great run today. Great run yesterday. Warm weather coming next week. Had a nap. Babysitting my niece's girls.

Ahhh, yes, it's a good day to be alive.

:>) Mike

Hill Training @ Garbage Hill

2011-03-05T18:15:00.019-06:00

It's hard to find a hill in this neck of the woods. Fortunately for us, our past city planners had the gob-stopper of an idea to build a garbage dump right smack-dab in the middle of our city. Clearly, present day environmental regulations are a blessing. When the dump reached its capacity it was capped, covered with grass, and prettified with a new name, Westview Park. Alas, the pretty name never caught on and it's known forever by the locals as "Garbage Hill", "Green Hill", or my personal favourite, "Make-out Hill".

Making out on Garbage Hill... now that's romantic!

I blogged about Garbage Hill about 2 years ago (go here). Since then I've come across these images of the different elements of the hill. There's 7 elements in total. Only the Lump and the Hump are used with regularity. That's a pity because the other 5 elements are more interesting, more challenging, and offer a rather stunning view of Winnipeg. Click on each image to enlarge.

I'll be starting hill training in April on Thursday evenings. Hope to see you humping and thumping along the trails. Join me?

And for heaven's sake, if you find yourself in a group that runs up the Loop and walks down 6 abreast, telling loud stories punctuated with loud laughter, give your head a shake, ditch 'em, and run, fast.

It's a good day to be alive.

Mike

#1. LOOP.

The most common element. It's a simple run up, loop around the cul de sac, and return for 0.5 mile. It may be the most common, but it's also the least exciting. To get an honest 0.5 you must start at the gate, run around the cul de sac and touch the gate on the return. No cheating now!

#2. The HUMP

The Hump starts off like the Loop but continues past the cul de sac at the crest of the hill, down the gravel trail to the chain link fence, and then return the same way, up the gravel trail, over the crest, past the cul de sac, down the paved road to the gate (1.0 mile from gate-to-gate). This is my favourite.

#3. The LUMP

Start at the main gate, approach steep hill past 3 yellow poles, ascend steep hill and continue up smaller hill on the gravel path to left, run along flat path towards the cul-de-sac, keep left and run on dirt single track toward toboggan slide at north end, descend toboggan slide and the up the small hill at the back fence, veer right back along gravel path and ascend gradual hill to cul-de-sac, then descend the roadway back to the gate. Round trip is 0.93 mile)

#4. The SNAKE

Start at main gate. ascend steep hill past 3 yellow poles, continue to top of smaler hill. Veer left down switchback trail and continue along the base of the hill. A series of switchbacks leading from the top of main steep hill to the north end along trails and return. This is the hardest element. Watch out for gopher holes. 0.53 miles.

#5. THUMP

Sort of opposite to the Hump (above). Start at main entrance gate. Run up roadway, past cul de sac, over the crest of hill, down the gravel trail. At the bottom of gravel trail, veer left along the grass trail that runs alongside the fence. Run down small hill and ascend the tobogan hill. Run along single track trail (watch out for gopher holes), past the cul de sac, toward the switchback. Descend the switchback and exit hill by the main gate. Distance not known at this time.

#6. TRIANGLE

Approach steep hill past 3 yellow poles, ascend the steep hill and then continue up smaller hill and then veer right past the stone blocks, descend path at blocks and then turn right onto small dirt path to starting point to starting point. 0.13. miles

#7. BOWTIE (sorry, no image)

Approach steep hill past 3 yellow poles, ascend the steep hill and then veer right to stone blocks, descend path at blocks, turn left onto smaller dirt path, ascend next upward trail and return to stone blocks, descend path and then turn right on dirt path to yellow poles and ascend main steep hill.

Hypothermic Half Marathon Race Report 2011

2011-03-03T18:15:00.019-06:00

Sorry for being such a blogger slacker, but truly, after running 4 Hypos I've exhausted the superlatives to describe this race. Actually, I only completed 3 Hypos; I had one DNF due to a blown calf at mile two in 2009, but that's a whole other story. How many times can I describe the amazing breakfast, the stunning trails, and -of course- the wonderful Joie de vivre that permeates the ice and wind. Yes dear readers, this race soothes the soul and reminds us of life's sanctity. We are indeed fortunate for this event.

Aside from the world-class-vegetarian-friendly-carnivore-happy-breakfast there are two things that separate this race from the millions of other half-marathons; the temperature and the course.

First the temperature. It's cold. Nope, it's damn cold, and yet we love it. Nope, we don't love it, we EMBRACE it. It defines us. It makes us unique in a world of sameness. It's another challenge. It's another life-event that brings us together. Ah, the romantic Hypo, it's such a rush, such an affirmation of life and health and well-being.

Next the course. We're mere minutes from the downtown centre of a major Canadian city with a population of 800,000+ and 90% or more of this race is through bush, thick forest, and tall grass prairie. Aside from that 2 mile spit on Grant Avenue the course is entirely gorgeous and void of vehicular traffic. I've run in Toronto, Chicago, Minneapolis, Vancouver, Ottawa, Dublin, Paris, and Victoria and all are stunning in their own right, but let's not kid ourselves. Winnipeg is a runner's haven. We have stunning courses and trails in the heart of the city that rivals any of the aforementioned...(wel,, maybe not Paris, but the others for sure).

Kudos to race directors Rachel and Lorraine for again pulling out all the stops. From the course sweeps to the enthusiastic volunteers, to the food... I've said it before, the Winnipeg Hypothermic Half Marathon IS the premiere winter running event in Western Canada. I enjoy the uniqueness of this run, the course, the training, and of course the food. The best part of the run?

Well, the people of course! It's such an honor to run with the likes of Bernie, Vivian, Sandra, Eric, Gwen and Lorie. I dedicate this post to them. Here's their bios...

Vivian, currently training for Boston after qualifying last year. An amazing technical runner with tremendous focus and drive. She ran 5 miles in the frigid darkness BEFORE the Hypo just to meet her schedule. She comes from the School of Ted.

Bernie, quiet, intelligent, rock solid pacer. We're both in search of similar running goals. We ran Chicago together until I bonked at mile 16. He waited for me at the finish line while others waited at the beer tent... it was a long wait. I was crushed as I crossed the line. He knew it. No words were exchanged. There was no need for words, he got it.

Sandra has completed many, many half marathons and one full. We ran Chicago together. Her first half was the infamous Mashed Potato Hypo way back. It was dubbed the "mashed potato" run because of the 6 inches of brown slush for the entire course. I remember both of us cursing the last 2 miles! Sandra is such an interesting person. She's a story teller. The miles melt by as I fall into the rhythm of her voice. She comes from the school of Ted.

Eric has a couple of half-mary's under his belt. He used to be the water boy for Sandra, now he's stepping up to the plate and considering the full distance and he's entirely ready. Eric is full of stories and makes me laugh. I always light up when I see he's on the course. Thanks Eric.

Gwen was one of the first runners I hooked up with when I first took the plunge. She had a running setback a couple of years ago but is slowly working her way back to distance running. I had the pleasure of running with her when she broke the 2 hour half marathon a few years back at the Cops Run. She beamed. Gwen is a generous and kind soul. She taught me how to run. She comes from the school of Terry.

Lorie is a strong runner (perhaps stronger than she knows). We've run hundreds of miles side by side. We made snow angels (with Sandra and Gwen) one chilly night when the snow drifts were waist high. We shared teenaged heart throbs... mine was Melanie (still is) hers was .... ask her next time. Hint... something about a certain backstreet guy. ;>)

Together I've run thousands of miles with these folks and every step has been an honor and a pleasure. It's because of them -and you- that it's a good day to be alive.

Mike

Optimism

2011-02-26T15:12:00.001-06:00

Good luck to all you runners participating in the Winnipeg Hypothermic Half Marathon, 2011. You're all winners in your own right. Enjoy the endorphin high as it gushes through the brain. You trained for it. You dreamed about it. You believe it. You deserve it. Now, go do it!

Remember to maintain your optimism even if you don't get your time. After all, time is SO irrelevant in the big picture. Have fun. Be optimistic. Smile.

It's a good day to be alive.

Mike

Running Eyes Wide Open

2011-02-21T15:17:00.012-06:00

Runners are are a focussed lot. This is good, for focus brings sharp minds and disciplined schedules. Runners need to be focussed.

Today's run was not about focus. It was purely in search of beautiful images that abound when we take the time to look. I replaced the Garmin with a camera and the gel with a homemade oatmeal and raisin cookie (made 'em last night). I had the cookie on a trail in the middle of a winding frozen river. I munched while I scanned the horizon. Beauty personified.

Two hours and 8 miles later I had 52 pictures of what I perceived to be beauty. The one below shows the intrepid runner preparing for the journey. The rest are shapes and colours and bits of light that caught my eye. I hope you enjoy. And I hope you too will ditch the Garmin from time-to-time and focus on the beauty instead of running by, eyes wide closed.

It is such an amazing day to be alive.

Mike

(click 'em to make 'em bigger)

Frankenfood

2011-02-20T17:48:00.017-06:00

There's three possible reasons for you reading this blog; 1) you're bored and are trolling the net for untold reasons, 2) you're looking for Mike's Pastry joint, or 3) you're a runner. I suppose you could also be a perverted, bored runner with a pastry craving, but that would be a total coincidence. I'm gonna assume you're a runner. I'm going out on a limb here, but I'm also assuming you're a distance runner. If I'm correct, continue reading. If I'm totally off base and Mike's Pastry Joint sounds more inviting than a run around the block then click here.

Distance running is a beautiful thing. The downside is the liver can only hold so much glycogen and refueling enroute is a necessary part of the game. Without a constant source of glycogen our muscles simply run out of fuel, or to use the running vernacular, you bonk. To quote wiki ... the condition can usually be avoided by ensuring that glycogen levels are high when the exercise begins, maintaining glycogen levels during exercise by eating or drinking carbohydrate-rich substances, or by reducing exercise intensity.
I bonked in Chicago last October and it's not fun at all. Stop, run for three seconds, stop, run for 5 seconds, stop, run for 4 seconds stop.... with 6 miles to go this can seem like an eternity. The only solution is Frankenfood.

Trouble is -brace yourself for language warning- I hate the s*** (sheesh, I can't bring myself to say the "s" word online. I'm such a wimp.). I've tried it all, but I keep returning to GU gels (chocolate) and Gatorade. The GU's are disgusting (especially when they get heated up and run down your cheek, yuck ... and stick to your fingers, yuck) and the Gatorade is like sweetened battery acid and makes me retch. The combination of the two shaking about in my belly makes for a nauseous Mike. In Chicago I tried to vomit, but nothing was there... imagine craving vomit and not a drop to be seen! PowerBars work well, but again, the taste just doesn't sit well with me. I've written about nausea and running in a previous post. Go here.

My amazing niece and all time super vegan marathoner, Laura, sent me a package of Brendan Brazier's VEGA natural plant based performance drink. As a "no meat athlete" (see next week's blog) I'm intrigued with the plant based alternative energy drink. Here's hoping it'll do the trick!

Then again there's alway's Mike's Pastry Joint..... mmmm.....

By the way, if you haven't already, please drop by Connie's new blog, The Joy of Running. It's a great blog that all runners, especially those training for their first marathon, will enjoy.

It's a good day to be alive... cold but good. Unless your reading this in Mexico (right Jan :>)

Mike

Still haven't found what I'm looking for...

2011-02-15T19:21:00.003-06:00

... but this helps. Watch closely for the Canadian flag at minute 5.49 to 5.51. It's a good day. M

Hypothermic Half Marathon course

2011-02-14T17:06:00.002-06:00

Hypothermic Half Marathon

February 27, 2011

Click here for course.

Click here for a letter to the race directors.

Good luck everyone running the Hypo. Remember, there's nothing you can do at this point to train for this run and everything you do is potential for injury... chill... enjoy the taper... see you at breakfast!

... and a couple of pictures of See Mike Running the Hypo last year.

Mile 11 - ish

Mile 11- ish 'n-a-bit

finish... it's a good day to be alive!

Aren't we lucky?

2011-02-13T17:20:00.002-06:00

My new running partner Jan sent an email the other day after a gorgeous 8 mile run. She mused over how running is such a simple act and how it makes one feel centered and so damn good.
Today I ran 12.5 miles with Bruce, Joanne, Grant, Martial, Connie, and Wendy. We're training for the Hypo at the end of February. It was a perfect day. Lots of sun, warmth, strength, fluidity, laughs, and silence. I was in awe of the moment as I often am in times like these. The moments are fleeting and one must grab on to the image of this perfection before it fades. For those of you who run distance, no explanation needed. For those who don't, no explanation is possible. At that particular moment, at that particular mile marker, all was well in the world. I said "Aren't we lucky" to no one in particular.

Last week I posted a farewell. More people than I ever imagined have sent their regrets. Not sure why, but it appears that some enjoy reading See Mike Run. This is such an honour. Thank you for your kindness. I am becoming a wiser runner, more centred, still searching, but more centred. I hope the new See Mike Run will reflect some of this. Thanks for stopping by.

Yup, it's a good day to be alive.

Mike

The Last Post

2011-01-24T19:58:00.006-06:00

This blog has become tired. It was originally intended to chronicle a 6 month marathon training program starting on January 1, 2008. That original blog posts reads:

At one point I yelled to a large group "It's a great day for a run" to which one runner replied "It's a great day to be alive". Seconds behind him a middle-aged walker looked me straight in the eyes and said "Yes, it is a great day to be alive... I otta know, I wear a pace maker.

It was and it still is, a great day to be alive. To the man with the pace maker who planted the seed, I wish you health and I pray you are well. To the readers of this blog, I wish you all continued success in your search for well being and contentment. I wish for you success in meeting your goals and smashing PB's. I wish for you good health and many, many opportunities for laughter. I wish for you to model a positive lifestyle to your children. To the bare footers, you are such an admirable group, I wish for you the courage to follow your convictions and find what you are seeking. To Utah Jen, thank you for your kind spirit. To all of you I offer a heartfelt thanks for pointing your browser toward See Mike Run.

I will continue to run, but I have re-evaluated my running philosophy. It's no longer about speed, pace, strategy, technique, and disappointment. I will focus on peace, serenity, and success. I will run for the spirit, not for the ego. I will run with purpose. I will run for as long as I am able. In the words of slam poet Sam Skiest, I will run to get out of my mind and into my heart.

The proverb says, when you pray, move your feet. If there ever was a a proverb for runners, this is it. We get it. We understand the challenge of moving forward when the feet ache and the mind screams to stop. We feel such pain yet we continue to plod forward. I urge you to move your feet toward social justice, toward peace, toward compassion.

It's a good day to be alive. It was with these words See Mike Run was born and it is with these same words I bring this blog to a close.

Mike

Running in Ireland Post #1

2010-12-26T15:48:00.003-06:00

At last, I've finally found some time to post some Running in Ireland stories. This is one of many little videos I took of my adventures. I'll post morre over the next couple of days.

It's a good day to be alive!

Mike

26 Reasons to Run 26 Miles

2010-12-15T16:15:00.003-06:00

I'm thinking a few of you runners can relate to this slam
poem on all 26 levels. I share it with you as Heidi shared it with me.

You know it.

It's a good day.

Be alive!

Mike

-29 , feels like -41

2010-12-12T11:47:00.005-06:00

Brrr, back to cold weather running! Today's temperature at 8AM was a balmy -29 Celsius with a 17 k/h WNW wind making it feel like -41 Celsius.

Perfect! I love the challenge of running in these extreme temperatures. So, exactly what are those challenges?

First challenge... getting out of bed at 7AM. I know it's ungodly cold and my sheets are luxuriously toasty with Dexter, my cat wedged between me and my wife. The mind is screaming "Fool, stay in bed. You need the sleep. Don't be crazy." It would be so easy to listen, but I'd have to live with the guilt. I get up, slip into my neatly folded running gear and exit the house without waking Dexter or Jen.

Second challenge... getting into an ice-block car. The seat is hard as diamonds and cold as death. The frost permeates my butt and radiates down my thighs. The motor screams like a banshee as it rises from the dead. My breath fogs smoky on the windshield as I back out of the drive way on square wheels. My knuckles are frozen white in a death clutch as I slowly bring the car up to speed.

Third Challenge... I arrive at the Running Room with 5 minutes to spare. Should I remove an upper layer and risk freezing or keep all 4 layers and risk overheating? Think, think, think... I decide to keep it on.

Fourth challenge... The dreaded first mile. It's impossible to dress for the first mile. There's no way around the cold; it's simply insane! You can't risk overdressing or you'll sweat and chill quickly (sweating in these temperatures is dangerous). You know that you'll warm up in about 10 minutes, but sometimes that 10 minutes feels like an eternity. This morning my wrist was exposed and it felt like second degree burn. Sure enough, after a mile or so the body was warming nicely as we slipped into a nice chatty rhythm.

Fifth challenge... The eyes and face. The eyes tear from the cold causing huge icicle build up. It doesn't hurt, but it can cause vison issues. Many runners smear vaseline (right John?) around their eyes to reduce the icicles. This helps, but it doesn't completely eliminate the problem. It's difficult to fully protect the face. Most organic materials frost up quickly which reduces the insulation value significantly and makes them very uncomfortable. The best face protector is made from neoprene and covers the entire face with a "punch-out" for the nose and a wide slit for the eyes.

Sixth challenge... The roads can be very icy. You need to watch your footing carefully. One misstep and you're sitting on the sidelines fro the rest of the season. Some runners wear ice-grips, but I find them terribly uncomfortable. They work well on hard pack snow and ice, but often we transition from concrete to ice to gravel. Also, snow and ice builds up between the shoe and the gripper making it difficult to run. I tried them once and decide they weren't for me.

That's about it for the challenges. Once you've mastered the above, you've got it made. Winter running is not for the faint of heart. But if you're a diehard like me, you understand the why we do what we do. It's about another experience, it's running in the harshest of climates that reminds us of our good fortune.

It's a good day to be alive. Every day is a good day for a run, some are just better than others!

Mike

A Great Champion Retires

2010-11-13T18:36:00.003-06:00

Haile Gebrelassie announced his retirement after dropping out of the New York City Marathon last week. Haile pulled out of the race at mile 16 with a knee injury. He is the first and only person to smash the 2 hour, four minute barrier. If you have ever run a marathon you must watch this video. Bring your hankies... it's a sad one.

Haile Gebrelassie

2:03:59

For a related story on See Mike Run go here.

It's a good day to be alive.

Mike

Chicago Marathon; Race report

2010-10-31T18:42:00.010-05:00

Another marathon under my belt. It was a tough one, hot but enjoyable -kinda. 45,000 runners and 1.5 million spectators is a sight I won't soon forget. And Chicago is an absolutely gorgeous city. The best sign?

A marathon is 26.2 miles, not 26.3. Now THAT would be crazy!

It seemed funny at the time, as I approached mile 26. It doesn't have the same zing now as it did. I guess you had to be there drenched in blood, sweat, and tears, to get the gallows humour. Laughing between the tears so to speak.

I joined up with John, Bernie, Vivian, and Sandra at about 5:30 AM and, after several visits to the porta-potties, we had a strategy session. Because of the unexpected heat and humidity we decided not to run 12 and 1's and instead, run continuously and walk through water stations. I was nervous about changing strategies at this late stage, but what the heck, it's important to trust the wisdom of the group.

We started out strong, but perhaps a little faster than I wanted. By mile 10 I was really feeling the heat. Seriously feeling the heat. I could feel my heart working hard, too hard. My breathing was laboured. Negative thoughts were creeping into my brain. I stayed with the group for about another two miles and then, at a water break, I pulled out telling them I'm ok, I just need to dial it down a bit. I was alone among thousands, but confidant that alone, I would finish

I decided to revert back to the original 12 &1 strategy, but it was too late. I was bonking fast. I could feel the energy seep from my muscles, and my heart was working too hard. I hadn't bargained on the heat. I was letting negative energy creep in and when that happens, it's game over. I fought to choke it down, to remain positive, to accept that this one was for the experience. I started feeling better, my attitude was improving but by this time I was so close to hitting the wall it was scary. The 12 &1's turned to 10 & 1's, then to 8 & 1's, then to 5 & 1's.. and then the dreaded walks. Walk 1 minute, run 30 seconds. What happened! Forcing myself to run; remembering how I trained my students to run to one lamp post and walk to the next. this is what got me across the line, basic focusing, sheer determination, and stamina.

I saw the Eiffel Tower Man about 100 meters ahead of me. I remember thinking "I'll be dammed if I'll let a dude in an Eiffel Tower costume beat me and then laughing at the absurdity of running a marathon in that get-up. I picked up the pace and ran along side of him for a couple of kilometers. I passed him and told him what an inspiration he was. He smiled and said "bon chance". I never saw him again. I was hoping to thank him at the finish line. Hope he made it.

It wasn't pretty, I choked a bit as I crossed the line but I did it, and no one can ever take it away from me. I got the medal and tee-shirt to prove it! I RAN the Chicago Marathon on 10-10-10!

Another slow dance. Another good day to be alive.

Thank you all for your emails and phone calls. Your support has been inspiring and heartfelt. I am humbled and honoured to run in your company.
By the way. I just cracked 1000 miles today. I'm hoping to beat my record of 1260 by the end of December.

Run like no one is watching,

Happy face,

Mike

Chicago Bound

2010-10-06T20:38:00.008-05:00

Sorry for being such a blogger-slacker. I promise to post the Ireland pictures and tell the story. In the meantime, I'm Chicago bound. Not going for the Deep Dish or the Blues, that's boring; I can do that anytime. I'm going for another slow dance... slow dancing to the tune of U2's "Beautiful Day".

The Chicago marathon is this Sunday, start time @ 7:30 AM. There's 45,000 full marathon runners and 1.5 million spectators (or 57,000 per mile). My group is planning to be at the start by 6:30 to cue in for a good position. The race starts at 7:30 AM and we hope to cross the start line by 7:45 if we position ourselves properly. As usual, I'm a little anxious about race day. I've learned to always have a healthy fear of the marathon; respect the 26.2 and it might permit you to finish with honour. Disrespect it and it'll give you a wedgy, steal your lunch money, and spit you out at mile 20! Never diss the full-Mary!

My bib number is 23453 if you care to track my progress on race day. I believe there's 5 electronic check points with the times uploaded onto the net in real time. My goal time is to beat my 4:10 PB, but as usual I'll settle for a popsicle with friends in the shade before closing. My most tried and true race strategy is to start out slow, pull back, and then fade completely ;>).

I've been nursing a wicked head cold and slight fever for about 48 hours which has robbed my appetite so my pre-race, anal retentive diet is out the window. I took this afternoon off and slept from 1 to 4 PM. I managed to eat some pasta and juice and I'm presently feeling ok.

My wife is joining me on this one and her mom and brother from Toronto are also coming to cheer me on. The last I heard my mother-in-law was scouring the streets of Toronto looking for a cowbell! Now if that isn't sweetness defined I don't what is?!

Mile 24 through 25 is dedicated to mother, friend, teacher, breast cancer survivor, lovely Linda. Mile 25 through 26 is for the memory of my parents (and such good memories they are). Mile 26 through 26.2 is for me.

Run like no one is watching!

It's a good day to be alive.

Mike

Running in Ireland

2010-07-26T07:14:00.000-05:00

I've been running in Ireland for the last few days. The roads are frighteningly narrow. I ran 10 miles yetserday and at points I had to turn sideways to let the cars go by! I'm at an internet cafe so my time is limited. I have some amazing photos which I will post when I have more time. Cheers all, Mike
PS It's a good day to be alive!

A Run Through History

2010-07-18T16:37:00.001-05:00

Mark your calendars... the first annual Run Through History

September 26 @ The Forks.

Nature vs. Nike. Were we born to run barefoot?

2010-07-17T20:29:00.009-05:00

Here's an interesting article from one of my favourite Globe and Mail columnists, Leah McClaren. She recently ran her first marathon with expensive Nike's. She's planning to run her second marathon barefoot. She quotes Born To Run author, Christopher McDougall:

"We're not strong, we're not limber and we're certainly not fast – Usain Bolt is the fastest man on the planet, and he can get his butt kicked by a squirrel. ”

Leah makes a good case for running barefoot. No matter your opinion, keep an open mind and have a read. It makes good post-run coffee talk if nothing else. Be sure to read the comments following the article; they add a lot of contextual opinions.

It's a good day to be alive... barefoot or otherwise,

Mike

Fun Theory

2010-06-30T07:02:00.000-05:00

Good idea... make exercise fun!
It's a good day,
Mike

Manitoba Marathon Race Report # 2

2010-06-24T18:00:00.012-05:00

Wikipedia defines rubric as...

...a scoring tool for subjective assessments. It is a set of criteria and standards linked to learning objectives that is used to assess a student's performance on papers, projects, essays, and other assignments. Rubrics allow for standardised evaluation according to specified criteria, making grading simpler and more transparent. It allows teachers and students alike to assess criteria which are complex and subjective and also provide ground for self-evaluation, reflection and peer review. It is aimed at accurate and fair assessment, fostering understanding and indicating the way to proceed with subsequent learning/teaching.

Several weeks ago I blogged a request from Shel for some feedback on the Manitoba Marathon. I've designed a very simple rubric to frame my thinking in response to Shel's poll. Here's goes:

5 points: exceeds expectations

4 points: consistently meets expectations

3 points: usually meets expectations

2 points: rarely meets expectations.

1 point: unacceptable quality

0 points: not applicable/ not observed

On-line registration: (3 points) The online registration for the general public is excellent, but for school groups it's complicated and time consuming. This year I gave up after registering 10 students and ended up having to manually register the remaining ten. The system kept locking me out for 24 hours at a time due to some hyper-sensitive security issue with me registering children. I respect the issue of safe-guarding children, but man, it's not at all user friendly and many would have given up. I wasted approximately 3 to 4 hours. They gotta work the bugs out. It's presently a time waster.

Countdown 26 Program: (5 points). This is where the MB Marathon really shines! Their commitment to education and fighting childhood obesity is second to none. They provide incentives to student runners and teacher kits to school coaches. They offer subsidies for financially strapped families. Upon request they will send a team into the school to drum up some excitement. They provide the coaches (me) with prizes, tee-shirts, and coaching kits. The course is accurate in distant and appropriately challenging for the young people. Many of my students have participated in the 10 k run or 2.6 Super Run for many years. I have them track their chip time on the back of their bib to compare times from past years. They are always challenged to shave 10% (math) off their time. This helps them with setting achievable goals. I've had three 14 year old students run the half-marathon. The phone support is fabulous and the workers are always friendly, always cheerful. Of the 14,000 runners, I estimate at least half are under 18. A shout out to School Coordinator, Tiffany Cooke, for a job well done. The FUN RUN is fun and inclusive of all children.

Cost: (4 points) I just paid $125 for Chicago Marathon and about the same for Minneapolis so $70 for a running event of this calibre is affordable and more than reasonable (talk to me when it reaches $100). The trick is to get the early-bird price. Also, remember this is a charitable event to raise funds for Manitobans with Intellectual disabilities. It's a good cause!

Shuttle Transport: (5 points) This is the first year I tied the shuttle service and it ran like clockwork. I was completely impressed with the efficiency, the cheerful driver, the bus cleanliness, the on-site port-a-potties, and being waved past security barricades was cool. There's three shuttle locations all within a couple of miles of the start line. Combined wait-time and travel-time was about 20 minutes. As a reference I ran the Toronto Good-life Marathon last year and the shuttle service was inefficient, crowded, and just plain unpleasant. Combined wait time and driving time was well over an hour in Toronto.

Start Line: (3.5 Points) It's a little tired, but it works. I love the traditional Chariots of Fire theme song.. a little corny maybe, but it does set my skin a-tingle and my heart a-flutter! The start seems to be better organized than in previous years. I like the way the full and half marathons are separated to ease congestion. They seem to be moving toward corral starts, but they're not fully organized (shame). I love the the attention drawn to the mightiest of athletes; the wheel chair participants. In previous years there were dozens of walkers who seemed content in walking 5 or more abreast causing runners to go around. A little course etiquette is needed. I loved the singing of the National Anthem. I couldn't see the singer, but she sounded young. I hope it was a student. Most runners removed their hats. Personally, I'd like to hear a little more music at the start while we're all milling about... BTO's Taking Care of Business comes to mind, but I'm showing my age.

Port-a-potties: (3 points) This is a difficult one to mark fairly. There will never be enough port-a-potties at the start because there's way too many runners with nervous pee syndrome. At 6:45 the line-ups are 20 deep, at 7:15 you can have your choice of ten empty port-a-potties. I think the race committee does a good job in the port-a-potty department at the start line, but it would be very helpful to have more along the course. Would it be elite to designate some port-a-potties as "full marathon only"? I suppose it would be impossible to monitor, but the point being that most port-a-potties on the course are lined up 10 deep by relay runners and their parents. Some relay runners will give full marathoners cuts in line, but many won't. Any full marathoner with a time goal often will pass the port-a-potties because of the long line. Then they stop hydrating because they're bladder's full causing dehydration. Not pretty.

Manual: (5 points) I love it. It's the only race I've been to that gives all race information in a nice little booklet. It's detailed, interesting, and tracks the winners of the full and half (male and female) annually. It's also a nice keepsake for my student runners.

Web Page: (4 points) No complaint from me, but I have heard grumbling about it not being current. I have always been able to find everything I've need including answers to some of the more complicated issues around registering school groups. I'd be interested to hear your beefs if you have any.

The Course: (2.5 points) The course winds through some of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in the city; stately Wellington Crescent, Assiniboine Park, the foot bridge, Wolseley, Broadway, and River Road to name several. These neighbourhoods rival the best of Minneapolis, Chicago, and Toronto Marathons. Unfortunately, there are a few ugly bits that seem to fester a little deeper and grow a little longer with each passing year... Portage Avenue, Bishop Grandin Boulevard, and St Mary's are completely exposed to the elements and just plain buck-naked ugly. I appreciate there's only so many roads and setting the course is very complicated and challenging, but it's long overdue for a makeover. This is perhaps the most common complaint one hears about the MB Marathon.

Connection to Father's Day: (5 points) Many runners feel the date of the race should be changed to the fall when the weather is cooler. After all we train in some of the coldest weather on the planet and then, come race day, we're running in a tropical heatwave. Personally I like the connection to Father's Day; it's a wonderful family tradition that I would like to see continued for another 32 years. The Father's day connection attracts thousands of runners and their families. Let's not mess with this; it ain't broke, don't fix it. The weather is what it is... sometimes hot, sometimes really hot, and sometimes just ideal. We can't blame the weather on the race committee. Instead of changing the date I would like to see a second marathon in Winnipeg in the fall. Rumour has it that it's in the works. Be patient and keep your ear to the ground. You heard it here first.

Vibe/ fan support: (2 points) This is a difficult one for me because I love my city, but sadly our community has not embraced the marathon like Fargo, Regina, Minneapolis, Chicago, and other cities of similar populations. Heck, the entire community of Treherne (all 900 of 'em) shows up on race day! I don't think there's 900 fans along the entire marathon course in Winnipeg! There's pockets of community spirit (yeah Wolseley), but it's far and few between. Full Mary runners thrive on the vibe because it lifts our sinking spirits. When we see and hear a noisy crowd, or drums beating, or funny signs, we instinctively straighten our postures and slap on a goofy smile, it may be a fake smile, but it's a smile nonetheless. The vibe pulls the tired runner. It makes us forget the pain and focus on the good. The vibe is good for the community; it makes us one. I encourage the Race Committee to take leadership in this area, advertise, get on talk shows, drop off pamphlets on the route a week ahead of time, offer prizes for the best community spirit, encourage school groups to get involved, have a competition with Fargo and Regina (a little friendly trash talk between communities is fun and team building). We're a good community, a caring community, we all know that, but we just haven't yet learned how to embrace this amazing event and call it our own.

Medal: (3 points) It's a good medal... not outstanding, but it meets criteria: attractive, solid, heavy, with a sizeable lanyard. The half-marathon is similar, but smaller. Now Ottawa... there's a medal worth 5 points!

Tee-shirt: (3 points) I like it this year. It's technical quality and attractive. It's a little "potato-sack rough", but it a good one. Many people thought the sizing was small, but mine fits perfectly. In previous years the tee shirt has been on the boring side and the fit was large. I also like receiving the tee-shirt after the race. You really feel like you earned it.

The Volunteers: (5+ points) I can't say enough good about the volunteers. They were plentiful, cheerful, and very encouraging. We have the best volunteers ever... take that Fargo!

Organization: (3 points) Any committee that can organize 14,000 + runners and another several thousand parents is ok in my books. Sure there's things that could be better, but nothing really comes to mind. Last year I had significant difficulties with 30 student chips not matching the bib numbers so the times were inaccurate. That was frustrating and no-one apologized for the error, but that was last year. This year things went off without a hitch.

Finish Line: (5 points): The finish line is exquisite. As you enter the stadium your name is bellowed over the p.a. system. As you approach the finish line there are volunteers every 40 or 50 feet monitoring the runners looking for signs of dehydration and exhaustion. As you approach the line all you can hear are hundreds (thousands?) of fans cheering from the grandstand. As you cross the line you're immediately embraced by one of a dozen or more smiling high school kids from Dakota Collegiate. They congratulate each runner and escort them down the shoot to the medal stand. The whole while they provide support and ask critical questions: how do you feel?, are you ok?. These amazing teenagers then pass you off to a waiting medical person who checks you out a little closer and asks a few more questions. You then enter the field which is reserved for full marathon runners only and, in my case, head directly for the popsicles! At the Toronto Marathon you cross the line and there is NO official person other than one lonely volunteer handing out medals. No medical, no volunteers directing traffic. No nothing. You empty out into Queens Park with thousands of others. I felt lost and confused after the Toronto Marathon and cared for and embraced after the Manitoba Marathon. A huge shout out to the Dakota teenagers!

Police Support: (5 points). Excellent, excellent, excellent! Some of them even smiled this year!

Medical Support: (4 points) Fortunately I've never needed the services but It's comforting to know that they're there if needed. Medical support is all over the course from para-medics on bicycles, to fire fighters, to ambulances, trained volunteers, and a full blown emergency hospital on site. Most of us have never seen the hospital because it's situated off the track behind the stadium. I had my echo-cardiogram taken there after the race (I'm participating in a research study on the effect of full marathons on the heart.).

Total Score: 70/90 or 77%

After Burn: Is there room for improvement? Yes. Is the Manitoba Marathon good for our community? Absolutely yes. Is it easy to be critical and focus on the negatives? Unfortunately, yes. I hope this rubric has presented an objective and fair assessment of the Manitoba Marathon. Did I miss anything? I'd be interested to hear you opinion.

It's a good day to be alive.

Mike

Letter to the Editor of the Winnipeg Free Press

2010-06-22T07:16:00.001-05:00

I agree with Kelly's letter to the editor below. The volunteers are awesome, the fans, although sparse, are enthusiastic, and those karaoke guys rocked! Mike

Dear Editor; As a participant in the 2010 Manitoba Marathon, I feel it is crucial to send out a huge thank you to, first, all of the hundred of volunteers who make this day such a great event, from handing out water, to making sure all participants are OK at the end of their races. These people are amazing.

Second, to all of the citizens of Winnipeg who get up at the crack of dawn to cheer on and encourage all runners, you truly make a difference.

Third, I want to say a huge thank you to the homeowner on Harrow Street, who, for the last two years has set up his karaoke machine and delighted the masses with his talent.

I look forward to seeing him each time I run and he does not disappoint.

KELLY ROCK

Oakbank

After the Marathon

2010-06-21T07:09:00.004-05:00

An old one, but a good one. :>) Mike

Manitoba Marathon Race Report # 1

2010-06-20T18:01:00.007-05:00

It was a good day to run my 5^th marathon. It was hot, but not too hot. It was humid, but not too humid. The cool breeze was soothing and helped keep the core temperature comfortable for the return. My time wasn’t anything to write home about, but I’m not at all disappointed. I’m just happy to be alive and kicking; alive with such an amazing family and group of friends supporting me every inch of the way. I am fortunate to be alive, and so well cared for. I am humbled with the love that embraces me.

My 22 year old son, his girlfriend, and my wife cycled the course from mile 14 to the finish. Every four miles they handed me fresh, ice cold Powerade and some gels mixed with cold water, and snapped some incredible photographs. My sister, her partner, and her daughter met me several times on the course to cheer me on. Many friends along the way shouted out good cheer at different points along the course. It was a day of positive energy and good vibe. I can’t thank you enough for your support.

I joined up with a 4:15 pace group led by and amazing young man named Oliver. He held a rock solid pace and kept us all safe and believing that we are capable of reaching our potential. I had to stop at mile 16 for a pee-break and I couldn't quite catch them after that point. I met up with Oliver after the race and thanked him. Oliver, if you're reading this, thanks!

I developed a serious stitch from mile 18 to about 24 which was uncomfortable and slowed my pace a tiny bit. I walked and stretched and did some self-massaging. It finally disappeared and I could refocus on the race. At mile 22 a runner joined my side and offered some grapes. I took three... they were unbelievably delicious. (Memo to self... bring some grapes to next marathon).

At about 120 feet from the finish line I noticed a young women runner wobbling on the track I ran to help stabilize her, but before I could reach her she stopped and vomited. Still thinking I could help her across the line I reached for her arm, but again she vomited and a couple of volunteers rushed to her aid. I stepped around the puddle and zoned in on the line. My family was in the stands and they yelled. I crossed the line happy, smiling, and on my own two feet. I went directly to the popsicle stand and devoured two popsicles. Then off to the bag check, and finally to the tee-shirt stand. It was a great day!

I'm participating in a cardiac study for age 50+ marathoners. The medical team was at the finish line and whisked me off to an onsite portable hospital where they took a second echocardiogram and then transported me and 15 other participants to the St. Boniface Hospital for another series of tests.

Stay tuned for the second race report and thanks for reading! It's a good day to be alive, but you already figured this out.

Cheers, Mike

Manitoba Marathon: Manic Thoughts as the Clock Ticks Down.

2010-06-18T10:29:00.011-05:00

Friday 10:30 AM

I'm taking a personal day from work to prepare myself and rest for the marathon on Sunday. Last night I had a nightmare... it was race morning, I'm behind schedule, can't find my running shorts, find an old bathing suit from the 70's, strap that on, it's SO tight, heart palpitating... I woke up feeling anxious and tired. I now have all my running gear neatly arranged on my desk. Whew, hope I sleep better tonight!

Friday 11:00 AM
Went for race day hair cut. Consider dying my hair. Smack my head with open palm. Instead decide on the same-old-same-old hair cut... #4 buzz, thin the brows. Feeling smart.

Bought a new ultra-white Saucony technical tee-shirt. It's very light weight, almost see-through. I'm anticipating high humidity on race day.

Headed down Route 90 to attend the Marathon trade show at the U of M. After crawling along for 20 minutes I decide to ditch that idea and go for lunch. Where the heck did all this traffic come from?

Went to the new long anticipated Boon Cafe in my neighbourhood. The menu looks simply amazing. At last! A vegetarian restaurant in Winnipeg with an interesting menu. It's the only restaurant that I know that has a drive through window for bicycles! Unfortunately it was closed because, as the sign read, "... after yesterday's hugely successful opening we have to restock our supplies...". They promise to reopen on Saturday. Opening day glitches. I will return!

1:00 PM:
Returned home for lunch... a big bowl of cold pasta with fete, baby tomatoes, two slices of bread with a little jam. Followed up with a big bowl of fresh strawberries. Yum... time for a nap.

1:30 to 2:15
zzzz

2:15

Continued reading Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. What an amazing book. It's a must read for any runner. Chapter 28 is my favourite. The first sentence reads... "Twenty years earlier, in a tiny basement lab, a young scientist stared into a corpse and saw his destiny staring back". Now that's literature! The study discovered that starting at age 19 runners get faster every year until about age 27. After age 27 they start to decline. The question posed is "how old are you when you're back to running the same speed you did at 19?". I won't tell you the answer, but I promise you will be surprised!

5:00 PM
Had a light supper (more of a snack): trail mix and a PC brand Ultra Shake. Watched the news. Read some more.

7:00 PM
Sipping a glass of perky Chilean red. At my computer writing this summary thinking "does anyone even read this?". Think I'll stop for supper # 2. My son's downstairs with his buddies watching Shakespeare. Jennifer's off to some retirement party. It's just me and Born To Run tonight!

It's a good day to be alive and all that stuff.

Do come back.

Mike

Embrace Life

2010-06-16T18:44:00.003-05:00

This is a good one to share. Buckle up on the way to the race! It's a good
day to be alive. Mike

Marathon Running and the Heart

2010-06-15T20:02:00.012-05:00

I am participating in a research study entitled The Impact of Full Marathon Running on Cardiovascular Function. Ok, ok, I lie... the study is really entitled The Impact of Full Marathon Running on Cardiovascular Function in the Elderly, but I struggle with the elderly reference. I don't feel elderly, don't look elderly, don't think elderly, but I suppose old Neil Young is right... rust never sleeps. Life doesn't run, it creeps along, slow like a snail.

The study examines the impact of endurance running on the heart in men and women, 50 years and older who have run at least two marathon in the last two years... that me! The opening paragraph in the 5-page waver form reads in part:

Full marathon running has become an immensely popular sport throughout the world. But can too much exercise be harmful to the heart? Physical fitness has been shown to be a long time predictor of reduced illness and death from cardiovascular causes. Although the cardiovascular benefits of moderate exercise is well known, the cardiovascular effects of prolonged physical exertion is less clear. Even though the risks of sudden death associated with participation in endurance sport is small, participation in such events consistently associated with biochemical evidence of heart damage and dysfunction.

Heart Damage? Dysfunction? Gulp! And I thought it was all good.

Don't get your shorts in a knot... don't panic, running is good for you, but like any overconsumption there are worries. So be smart, don't over do it, but don't stop running... now THAT would be bad for you.

One week before the marathon I give a blood sample and receive an Echocardiogram of the heart (basically, a real-time video of the heart with sound in action, tres cool). Tomorrow I get a Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI). On the day of the marathon I'm kidnapped from the finish line and driven to St. Boniface Hospital where I get more blood drawn and a second Echocardiogram. Later that week I go in for a second MRI and seven days after marathon day I go back for a 3rd blood sample, and a 3rd Echocardiogram. Finally, 6 months later, I return for a Cardiac Tomography.

Oh, and one more thing, I have to provide a very detailed food record for the three days leading up to the marathon. We're talking VERY detailed itemizing of everything I consume except water.

What's in it for me (besides the fame and glory)... nothing actually, other than if a irregularity is detected, I would get immediate access to medical professionals. Also, the food record is carefully analyzed and they will provide me with a list of what enzymes and vitamins my body lacks. I'll also have access to my results once the research study is completed.

Now if I could just convince them to pay for the parking I'd be one happy camper... errrr, make that runner. Stay tuned.

It's a good day to have a ticking heart.

Mike

City Park Runners Presents...The Theory of Barefoot Running

2010-06-09T19:01:00.001-05:00

Manitoba Marathon...the good, the bad, the "what the heck are they thinking?".

2010-06-05T18:38:00.009-05:00

The Manitoba Marathon race committee is looking for feedback from the running community (that's you) to improve their race. After 30+ years it's ripe for a change. Think... What's good about this race? How does it contribute to our local running community? What's tired and needs changing up? What makes you shake your head and say "What the heck!?". How can the committee make this annual running event even better.

Like you, I know this race is a little tired and needs new energy. Like you, I have opinions. Like you, I want this race to continue for another 30 years.

Please send your comments directly to Shelley T. by email and she will coordinate the ideas and forward them to the Race Committee. If you don't have Shelley's email address please leave your comments (below) and I will forward them to her.

On another note I logged 24 miles this morning... the last long one before the slow-dance on June 20. Feeling good, but I picked up a little Charlie Horse (Charles Horse for my friends in Tuxedo) which I'm nursing with Vitamin I (ibuprofen) and a glass of Pouilly Fume. Ahhhh....

It's a good day to be alive.

Mike

Air Force Run, Race Report, 2010

2010-05-30T18:41:00.039-05:00

This year's Air Force Run was a 100% improvement from last year's race. The race committee is to be commended for pulling out all stops to inch this race towards excellence. They listened to the running community (including See Mike Run) and fixed all the errors from last year. The Air Force Run is still in its infancy, but I predict it will be a premiere running event, on par with Cops For Cancer, within 5 years. The only thing missing were the runners... 246 registered Half-marathoners. Shame!
To be fair, the timing of the Air Force Run is challenging; one week after Fargo Marathon which draws a thousand or more Winnipeg runners, and three weeks before Manitoba Marathon which draws about 15,000 local runners.

Now for the the scores...

The Fly-by... didn't happen this year. I assume it was because of black clouds about 10 feet off the ground... too dangerous. Last year's score A+, this year n/a.

The SARS demonstration... again, didn't happen for the same reason... crummy conditions. Last year's score A+... this year n/a.

Running on the tarmac amongst Hercules aircraft, a variety of smaller military aircraft, and a huge hanger door wide open... simply AMAZING! This is a real treat and makes this race unique. This is an absolute MUST for future races. This year we did two laps of the tarmac, last year only one... last year's score B+... this year A+.

Volunteers were plentiful, helpful, and very cheerful. There seemed to be way more volunteers this year than last. The atmosphere was positive and vibrant despite the grey skies. The Jazz band and pipers added to the vibe. Last year's score A... this year, A+.

Port-a-potties like last year were clean and plentiful. I also noticed a few more on the course which is always handy for those in need (Cop's Run take note). Last year's score A, this year A.

The Indoor Facilities were much better organized than last year. There was a bag drop-off, ore volunteers directing traffic, and a much better flow of traffic. Last year's score A, this year A+.

The Course was the biggest improvement from last year. No more nasty gravel trails, no more lonely turn-around points, no more 13.5 miles. Two laps on the tarmac was a GREAT touch. There were a lot of twists and turn so keeping tangent lines on track was a challenge. The course felt like a serious race. Last year's score F, this year B+.

The Medal is excellent! Good weight, good size, cool design, sharp lanyard. Last year's score C-, this year A+.

The Food was plentiful and of a good variety (love the chocolate milk). There was even a pork-in-a-bun barbecue for all runners (hmm, make that all meat eating runners, not a vegi-burgers in sight). A hot cup of coffee would have been very tasty especially on such a cold day. Last year's score C, this year A.

The Half-way Turn Around Point was improved. There was a crowd of friendly volunteers at a water station exactly at the half way point which was nice and a huge improvement from last year's single volunteer and a lonely pylon in the middle of nowhere. The trouble was I couldn't tell where to turn around. I rounded what I thought was the turn-around point only to be yelled back by about a dozen volunteers. It turns out the designated pylon was an additional 5 meters beyond. I did a quick turn back and rounded the correct pylon. I politely mentioned to one of the dozen or more volunteers that the turn-around point isn't clearly marked. I received a negative reply from one volunteer which was intended to shift the blame to me. Not nice. The volunteers should have directed runners. Last year's score C, this year's B.

The After Burn... Congratulations to the race committee and the volunteers. this was a superbly organized run with good spirit abounding. I will return next year and I'll bring as many runners with me as possible.

Overall Score... last year B, this year A.

It was, and still is, a good day to be alive.
Mike