I worked a 12 hour day on Saturday got off work at 7pm drove 5 hours to Fredericton got to sleep at 00:30 up at 5am Sunday morning and was out the door for a 1/2 marathon finished the run - had a shower and drove 5 hrs back to Halifax
wow - not so bad for an old guy
the run was great exactly the same as last year minus the running partner it was cold - raining - windy the weather cleared up a little in the next hour and 46 minutes as I crossed the finish line it was not too bad for the walk back up to my little car
I was quite happy with 1:46 after what I put myself through
this year, well last year - I missed the qualifying time for the Boston Marathon by 32 seconds. No excuses - no long story I missed it
so this year there was some debate in my head about going down to Boston In the end, I decided to drive down for the 5K last year was the first ever 5K so I figured, I'd start a streak and do 2 in a row
I felt out of shape not in the running mood but I have been training with the Running Room to pace a 4rh Bluenose so I headed of to Beantown to jog the 5K
what a wonderful trip the new car was smooth - quiet - practically drove itself Sirus Radio said I could listen to the same station for all of the 12 hours of the drive
it was a simply wonderful week-end
the run well, I managed a better time than last year it was nice nice nice
also saw a Red Sox game and visited the aquarium the best part however - was no schedule - no goals - no worries just time for me and the run
this past week end was my 4th anniversary of the Moose Run a wonderful local 25 km race here in the Halifax area, Cow Bay to be exact. the race starts at "the lodge" and goes out and back out to the location where they film some of "the trailer park boys" and then back to the lodge
the route is fairly challenging lots of rolling hills with some rather steep ones tossed in for good measure
I've ran this race by myself, and with others the latest of "the others" was of course - this year
Ronna is gearing up with The Running Room to run a 4 hr marathon this year at Johnny Miles she met me at the start line and said "Hi" then asked if we could run together couldn't see a problem with it myself - heck, I actually saw some advantages so we set our Garmin's and off we went
it was a good run, we talked lots, shared running stories and experiences and I gave her some advice on reaching her goals, not that I'm an expert or anything, but 30 or so marathons gives me some base of experience to talk from
I had planned for a 2:22 Ronna had hoped for a 2:20 we finished together in 2:19
a very good run a most excellent race one to remember for sure no, I'll never forget
well, tomorrow is Feb. I've been trying to get in the head space that lets me train
for now - as I did last year, I will train to pace, not to race although the Nationals are coming up.... I have time - it'll be Ok it's hard to click over sometimes my running for the past few months has been good - always with a thought I've left that thought behind.... yup, it's nice to have dreams and to enjoy them in this moment in time but there comes a time when, this moment in time is all we have I've decided to live for today...
This week I took Wed and Sat off this week not cos I needed them or was doing the kind of running that deserved it I took them off to help me click over to help break the habit / head-space I was in...
It's time to move on I was stuck these past few months and these past few weeks have been bad for my running as some of you know, my running is tres important to me so I will now treat it with the respect it deserves
anyways: Today's Run:
the first one of my training for this summer's races just another in my "training for life"
18K - along the paths here in Palm Springs 18K - meeting other runners who were also enjoying the day 18K - yup, I am quite impressed with me 18K - 1:46 - not stellar, but it made me smile
"Running long and hard is an ideal antidepressant,
since it's hard to run and feel sorry for yourself at the same time. Also, there are those hours of clearheadedness that exist (during) and following a long run."
hey there - I just checked my blog and saw that it has been nearly a week since I have made an entry I'll try to sort that out double quick time
running running without a purpose with no goals, hopes or inspiration can be hard at times for me though - it's always a good thing to do
I have likened myself to Forest Gump at times he just seemed to wander though life with no purpose or goals he did well - very very well I do well, very very well my life is good - better than I had ever hoped or dreamed for and at some point in time - it's the dream - the hope that gives the motivation
I ramble
I am about to start training again the running I have been doing has been more like, something to do
training is going to happen, cos in 2010, I want things from my running I am going to ask something from it - as i always do and I am never disappointed or have any regrets of what I ask even when the goal is not achieved for me, it's about - one foot in front of the other moving forward even when there are no guarantees - and there never are in life
anyways The Moose Run The National Running Championships in May (5K / 10K and 1/2 marathon) the Bluenose Marathon as a pace bunny Johnny Miles a few others and this year - The New York Marathon I want all of these, at a minimum
I have a group from the running room waiting for me to return to Halifax.... I am ready to go back now (with 3 weeks to go) all this time away is growing short with me I want time to stand still - to sit and be me I need my quiet time
there are only 2% of the worlds population that has ever finished a marathon (congrats to us) one of the reasons for that - is that the training is hard - long it's a promise that one has to make to one's self and then carry thru despite the fact that life often gets in the way - there's always a reason to "not do the run" for a lot of people..
today I start to prepare for what i want a 5K this morning and 15 this afternoon and yup, with the slow, short runs i have been doing, I know I am going to hurt but hurting is a part of life I am Ok with that, cos I know the hurt will go away in time
life is a gift enjoy the present laugh - love - run
this boy has everything he'd ever dreamed of having
Music:Sitting, Waiting, Wishing – Jack Johnson
sometimes time goes way too fast sometimes second seems like an eternity
there's about 2,592,000 seconds left before I come home I am hoping they go way too fast I'm going crazy with the countdown
life is good though this boy has everything he'd ever dreamed of having life is good
the job here is pretty boring doing medical coverage for the ranges they shoot, I watch
and after the ranges - time for John and that means either the gym or some time on the road
the runs have been consistent but I have been finding them hard these past few days then I learned we were at 2,000 meters
I didn't adapt to that very well in Afghanistan and I'm finding the same here but I keep putting one foot in front of the other a stride is about a second so it's a good way to pass the time
there's a few races coming up I may try one - just to say I did it
other than that sports fans not too much going on
this boy is enjoying life and waiting anxiously to get home
life is a gift enjoy the present laugh - love - run
my my my tis quite nice down here lots of sights to be seen - and I see a lot of them "on the run"
today was a beautiful day I smiled a lot and enjoyed the J-O-B
here's a wee picture of me just outside my room
I don't think there's gonna be a lot of news outta here I get up - run - go to work - work out and come back to the room could be quite boring in a lot of peoples eyes but I'm quite happy with it for now I enjoy my quiet time
Today's run:
along a path that goes by the gym 2 1/2 K out and probably close to 2 /12 K back...hahahha and right now, for now I'm happy with that it's all about getting out..... and doing what you love
life is a gift enjoy the present laugh - love - run
well, here I am, 4 days into my stay in Palm Springs it's good and all - but the reason i am here doesn't exist anymore as nice as it to be in 25 degree weather in the middle of January there's a rather large part of me that would rather be in good ole Nova Scotia
but the J-O-B is the J-O-B and I did say yes to this one
I have started back to the gym I hope I can stick with it long enough to make it a habit this time but be assured - the first few days hurt and boy-o-boy, do I hurt
25 degrees palm trees shorts and t-shirt weather a wonderful room that's probably bigger than my apartment everything is at my fingertips except for what I really want at my fingertips but yes, it's good - and I am enjoying it
these past few days have seen a few 5K runs some time working on a cross-fit program and like I said - back at the gym
I read my notes from Afghanistan tonight in them I talked about running for fun and closed that entry by saying I was going out to do sprints
"I need adult supervision" !!!! wanna be my adult supervision???
it's all good still on the road still enjoying life and all it has to offer
life is a gift enjoy the present laugh - love - run
running on the move is always hard there's no routine -
on the move these days means laving Halifax - Flying to Ottawa then to Toronto - Chicago - and finally Palm Springs...
Ahhh yes, Palm Springs in January warm - flowers - palm trees of course
I have managed the minimum 5K a day mostly at hotel exercise rooms on the treadmill
but now my friends wide open spaces running paths at my door short sleeved T-shirts and shorts
life is good an adventure sorta speak ya gotta live it gotta get up and do the thing sitting still is good - especially if there's good reason but getting out and seeing the world living the adventure..... well, that's what makes memories
Today's Run:
45 minutes - up and down a hill push ups at the top sit ups at the bottom
I've started training K's will come but time is the important thing right now cross training and time
life is a gift enjoy the present laugh - love - run
this is one of my last entries while I am in the Great White North I may get another from Ottawa tomorrow not going to Kingston, the army changed the plans today I'm spending the night in Ottawa and meeting the crew on the way down south
love life and it will love you back what a wonderful day I had today if I had a wish, I wouldn't have wished for any better than this a day filled with - talking - planning - living - laughing - running
today's run:
another 5K - gotta start stretching it out, gotta get in shape..... I signed up to be a pace bunny for the Blue Nose Marathon come with me - run for fun - chalk up another one
me at the last Blue Nose Marathon paced a 4:15 there had a blast
5K - another treadmill 5K - ran to the music 5K - gawd I love life
life is a gift enjoy the present laugh - love - run
another good day but then again, isn't every day that you wake up breathing - a good day !!!
finished packing (I hate packing) for the trip down south yes, interesting that way back in Sep / Oct I wanted to plan a trip to somewhere warm this winter and here I go.... nope - not quite the trip I had imagined - but close enough for now
anyways, I hope to get into race shape while i am there shortly after I come back - it's nigh on race season this year I would like, at the very least a Boston qualifier and to do well at the CF Nationals
today's run:
after work another sort one 5K - just to be on the road 5K - smiling cos I'm not worried about my foot anymore 5K - did it - done good
life is a gift enjoy the present laugh - love - run
the holidays have come and gone the last couple days have seen a lot of snow in Halifax snow - rain - cold - yucky stuff
the past couple days have seen me retreat to the treadmill love love love that ole gym
to be perfectly honest the past week or two has been very hard on my running I've managed every day but managed is the key word there it's been hard I've felt the drive and the magic wain
it's just like everything else in life not always a bed of roses but with perseverance it can be had again and again
the silver lining is there all I have to do is look for it all I have to do is wait for it
my time at Hurricaine Katrina was wonderful but sometimes I had to look for the silver lining
today I stepped onto the treadmill expecting another hard run but I could tell right away, that it was not a slogging day
I jogged - danced - it was magic I shed a tear with a smile on my face I thought it was gone today I was reminded - it will always be mine
today's run:
5K - 5 of the bestest K I've ran in a long time 5K - light on my feet - knees up high 5K - waiting - wanting more
life is a gift enjoy the present laugh - love - run
am smiling the new year brings lots of promise it provides a clean slate for me to write anything I want my own story - my own success'
it's good and getting better
got my computer desk delivered and set-up looks good - cleans up the corner got my VDub it's repairs and check up done - nope not a belt.... didn't think so myself
work is GREAT... wow - if I had only known but like life and lots in it...... who knew????
I like my life - I like me
the holidays went quickly days from now - in a plane and on my way to the warmth of Palm Springs for six weeks if anyone wants to call while I'm down there - my number is 760 362 8866
the running seems I am still on the road it's a long and winding road - quite lonely without a running partner but - still on the road
12hr nights have made a new routine and my runs have been shorter - mostly 5K's but I'll sort that out when I get down south and find another new normal
there are days I don't wanna go out - but after the run - all good and feeling better about everything gotta like that !!!
today's run:
5K along the water 5K bloody cold 5K - loving today
life is a gift enjoy the present laugh - love - run
work work work work huvny worked a day in my life... hahahaha... gawd i love my life
I just finished 4 x 12 hr night shifts at the Halifax infirmary gettin back to bedside nursing
really I mean it - what a RUSH.... I loved every second of it this my friends I could do for a living in a heartbeat bloody wonderful thee best
"puredeadbrilliant"
Christmas has come and gone this year I treated myself to a few Paul McCartney concerts right now I'm watching "The Space Within Us" I've gotten up to dance a few times cried a few tears
when I hurt inside I listen to John Lennon he helps me to realize that the hurt I am feeling is not mine alone he sings songs that help me to process the agony inside
when I am happy - elated it's Paul - all the way !!!!
anyways - that's me part of me is my running this is my running blog and no - over the holidays it didny get updated every day
I did however run every day the goal has not yet been obtained.. yes, it's been hard some runs very very hard
The Runs:
5K a day even with the 12hr shifts one day was a 10 - gawd i love life I see the future screaming it's way towards me (it should be here Tuesday..... hahahaha) the future as I see it is a beautiful place to be
love life and it will love you back come here and i will love you too
life is life sometimes - most of the time, life should be wonderful
the wonderful part is my life
today was one of those brilliant days worked two jobs cooked a turkey entertained at my little apartment got a lot of personal business done - phone calls - mail - fax's etc etc
finished work early said I aint missen it and got a short run in the thoughts of missing it - were scaring me
today I was reminded how close Christmas is WOW -
the season should go fast for me I've got 8 shifts lined up between now and 02 Jan and then off to the deep south for a few weeks
It's getting better all the time
and just as a thought for yesterday one of the best things I saw this year was a bunch of yellow ribbons at my parents place when I came back from the war.... I don't think I thanked them enough for the ribbons - but they did bring a tear of happiness to my eyes - thank you Mom - thank you Dad xxx
don't get me wrong I saw many many many wonderful things this year it was one of those years that got better as it went along and it started off bloody wonderful
yep, had it's share of hard times but they're a part of life - no matter what
today's run
another one of those that almost didn't happen was tired - wet - cold, with a smile once I got going 3K probably 3 slow K 3 K none-the-less
life is a gift enjoy the present laugh - love - run
today worked out much better than yesterday for me anyways - for the way I was feeling I sat back at one point and took inventory of all that was in my life "cus" I have a good life
I finally got the rest of my running plaques on the wall re-arranged my "military wall" looked at stuff I had to take to Palm Springs on the 6th of Jan sorted thru some old paper work
yup yup yup - felt good all in all
best part was "the run"
Today's Run:
wanted a 1/2 - got 15 smiling
15K did that ole up hill route again 15K dressed for the cold 15K - enjoyed my new playlist
new insoles again foot is feeling better was scary for a little bit we talked about it - not stopping yet
life is a gift enjoy the present laugh - love - run
not ready for tomorrow not ready for the 2 half's that are coming up within the month not ready for Christmas although - everything is bought and gone I just don't feel ready
I got a call from the agency that let's me moon-light got 8 x 12 hours shifts over the holidays working general medicine in the Halifax Infirmary - should be fun should knock me out of this blahhh feeling that seems to be grabbing a hold of me
Today's Run:
a day off 5K - along the water 5K - dodging puddles 5K - good tunes sometimes i feel like I'm only half there better than not being there at all......
life is a gift enjoy the present laugh - love - run
just me - enjoying the day yup - I agree with one of my patients from last week end he said,
"life sucks, but it's still life and as long as we have life, we have hope"
I couldn't believe what I was hearing now here's a guy who has been beaten to the edge lost a leg - lost his soul mate he can't remember yesterday but sits in the dining room and plays the fiddle to cheer-up others
a lesson and an inspiration to all of us
so, there I was out for my run cold - wet feet - didn't want to be there
and I thought of him, his words and attitude basically
"love life, and it will love you back"
Today's Run:
not measured but I'm counting the hour on the road as 10K slow by any standard but I gotter done smiling at the end - always smiling at the end
life is a gift enjoy the present laugh - love - run
yes, the past week has been hard as far as running goes
but life - wow - nice nice there's a quote that says something like. "these are the days of our lives" not yesterday - not tomorrow today my friends - life is about today
and my today's have been wonderful
I was playing on the web today and found the "Bluenose" oage is up and running for 2010 in the next couple days I'm going in to register as a pace bunny for a 4hr marathon - wanna come with me?? register for the full at the BlueNose
then I found the Ottawa Race week-end I'll be talking to the army soon about running the 5K - 10K and 1/2 marathon it's gonna be great - seems like it's becoming a tradition for me traditions are nice something to work for - something to enjoy wanna come enjoy with me??
anyways - yes, running has been hard this week the runs themselves are not hard - 5K's for the most part
Today's run:
after work 5K - retreated to a treadmill 5K - smiled cos of the great day I had 5K - did it - gotter done
life is a gift enjoy the present laugh - love - run
I had a problem with internet in the apartment that's why - no updates
life wants to get in the way of my running I need to find a new routine - and fast....
I started a new job back in the hospital on base nice nice - woot woot
the civi job is also good - very good did an 8 hour evening then a 12 hour day on the week-end then back to the base on Monday to learn my new job so life has been busy
sometimes when life is this busy I take a break and slip into the past this week - the past has drawn me to a week in Scotland sitting on the beach - just gazing out to this island yes, the pretty town the train trip - I even looked at houses - yup, almost made Scotland my home again the call to move on, pulled me away - so I stood up and moved on...
I can stand still too... whatever needs done, in that moment in time anyways.
I missed my long run on Sunday and while the money is important - it's also tres important to enjoy life and to do that - I run another Sunday like that - will not happen
the last 5 runs have been short I gotta get a few longer ones in - SOON !!!
Palm Srings is weeks away and I got a line on a couple 1/2 marathons while I'm down there
Sat - Sun - Mon - Tues and today 5K runs a couple of them almost didny happen then I thought about the trek that I am on and did them sometimes in the cold and wet often in the dark but always enjoying the run
life is a gift enjoy the present laugh - love - run
seems today is two months of steady running - no days off the old body feels good - only complaint at this point in time is a sore right foot right on the ball of the foot I've had this pain before - kinda like a Morton's neuroma the last time it resolved on it's own this time, I'm continually changing shoes and insoles and waiting patiently.... waiting patiently
the two months have been good many memorable miles some celebrating moments in time some keeping time some long and lonely miles some absolutely fun - danced a lot - a lot of smiles
I start work in the hospitals with the civi agency this weekend it will be nice to have my foot in the door just in-case the military contract falls through the cracks again
I'm quite sure though, that this time it will work they have given me a hospital ID card and a name tag for my desk small details - but a positive indication that the job is mine
I was in to see the Commanding Officer this week we had a good talk I got some rather nice compliments
Today's run: gonna defer the run till lunch time kinda celebrate days gone by with a nooner run on my bridge again see the sights I once saw plan is: 8K plan is:
life is a gift enjoy the present laugh - love - run
)
well, I managed a better time than last year
New Years Eve 
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