Well it's been a few days since I last blogged and I'm positive that the burning question on your mind is "Did Matt and Dupree break the 2 hour barrier?" The answer is yes, yes we did friends!
Since my last post I have been on 3 rides all of which have not only been in excess of 2 hours but also in excess of 60km! (What a little champion!) Two of those rides I cycled east and used the wind to aid my return home, but most recently I headed north of Kingston to sample the hilly winding passage that heads into the Land'o'Lakes. Must say, the hills do make for a pretty grueling trip, though I believe that I am getting steadily stronger.
In other exciting news, I have found employment for the time being! Courtesy of my friend Emily, who recommended me to her boss, I am now a camp counsellor at a kids camp that is run out of a women's fitness studio. I'm only getting about 20 hours a week and the camp only runs for another 4 weeks (I have one week under my belt already) but it's giving me something to do, a little coin on the side and showing me that life does indeed start before 7am! And, not only am I working with kids in the camp, but for an hour a day on Mon, Wed and Fri I babysit infants 6 months to 3 years old as their mothers work-out in the studio. This is probably the most taxing element of my job...I have rather limited experience in this department and the little tykes really put me through my paces each day! However, as I am the only Y-chromosome in the building, there are usually plenty of women on hand to rescue me when necessary!
Anyway, that's all for now...off for a ride with Dupree soon!
Be Easy.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Bike, Bath and Beyond
Learning from my trials and tribulations from my prior ride I decided to head into the wind on the outward leg of my next journey and catch the tailwind on the way home (smart huh?). So I took Dupree out to Bath, a small hamlet that lies to the west of Kingston along the aptly named Bath Rd. Bath Rd is a busier road than Hwy 2, but as it tightly (like a toiger) hugs the shoreline as it winds around Lake Ontario, it is much flatter and therefore: fast. I cycled out for just over 50mins and turned around at a road named Sir John Johnson Rd. I'm not sure why, but I couldn't help but feel that this was a rather silly name (for a person or a road)- although clearly this man had done something worthy of having a road named after him, perhaps, merely overcoming the ridicule of his peers due to the lack of imagination of his parents was enough to earn him this honour. But I digress. On the way home, wind at my back, I found myself absolutely flying and decided that since I would probably make it home before 1:40 elapsed on the clock, I should tack on some extra miles to stretch the clock. I mean, apparently the best form of motivation is progress, and what sort of progression is two 1:40 rides in a row? If you don't believe me (and want a little motivation yourself), check out:
I believe that two of the guys mentioned in the video, Will Cruthers and Robby Gibson, are home-grown K-town boys. And the Canadian rowing team is pretty legit on the world stage....respect.
Anyway, to sum up: good ride - and 61km in under 2 hours is not too shabby. I hit up the pool today for 50mins and I'll be back laying tire to tarmac with Dupree tomorrow. Might try to break the 2 hour barrier. Time will tell.
Be Easy.
I believe that two of the guys mentioned in the video, Will Cruthers and Robby Gibson, are home-grown K-town boys. And the Canadian rowing team is pretty legit on the world stage....respect.
Anyway, to sum up: good ride - and 61km in under 2 hours is not too shabby. I hit up the pool today for 50mins and I'll be back laying tire to tarmac with Dupree tomorrow. Might try to break the 2 hour barrier. Time will tell.
Be Easy.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Ride the Wild Wind.
You will all be delighted to know that Dupree and I are really getting on quite magnificently, we have really bonded over some nice little rides over the past week. On Tuesday, I cycled from downtown Kingston out to my parent's place, a distance of 42km in about 1:20. I returned the next day in the rain in a similar time. (Question: Is cycling in the rain dangerous with such skinny tires?) I canvassed some more cycling-savvy friends about the quality of my ride and the feedback was encouraging yet unsatisfied: cycling at close to 30km/hr is semi-respectable, although I should be reaching speeds just over that mark and it would be nice if I could raise the duration of my rides to at least 2 hours. Can't please some people these days!
Today, I was considering a 2 hour ride, but I got out just over 45 minutes East along Hwy 2 towards Gananoque, and got thinking about how far I had come...and turned around. Turns out, it was probably for the best as there was a mega headwind on the way back (it's funny how you don't notice the wind when it is helping you!) and at some points on the return leg I was absolutely crawling. Give me hills over a headwind any day, I say! That said, cycling uphill into a headwind isn't much fun either, as I also found out today. I think I'll try head West along Hwy 2 next time, and capitalize on that wind on the way back when I'm tired. I would like to get out to Gananoque at some point....I might have to find a fat friend to cycle with and draft off! Speaking of which, a middle aged, rather heavy-set man blew by me today on his road bike just as I was leaving town. Not a fat man...he was obviously in shape, but I mean, while I'm not exactly a seasoned cyclist, I don't think I'm a slouch, and we're not going to blame it on the vintage of my steed (we all know it's not about the bike)...but flip bru, I wasn't impressed! Anyway, I covered just over 50km today in about 1:40 (it took me almost an extra 10 minutes to get home in that wind!). It's not two hours yet but I'm getting there....Devon Novakowski: beware!
Anyway, that's all for meow.
Be Easy.
Ps. just like to throw out a shout out to Miss D. Bentley - congratulating her for graduating from her masters program!
Today, I was considering a 2 hour ride, but I got out just over 45 minutes East along Hwy 2 towards Gananoque, and got thinking about how far I had come...and turned around. Turns out, it was probably for the best as there was a mega headwind on the way back (it's funny how you don't notice the wind when it is helping you!) and at some points on the return leg I was absolutely crawling. Give me hills over a headwind any day, I say! That said, cycling uphill into a headwind isn't much fun either, as I also found out today. I think I'll try head West along Hwy 2 next time, and capitalize on that wind on the way back when I'm tired. I would like to get out to Gananoque at some point....I might have to find a fat friend to cycle with and draft off! Speaking of which, a middle aged, rather heavy-set man blew by me today on his road bike just as I was leaving town. Not a fat man...he was obviously in shape, but I mean, while I'm not exactly a seasoned cyclist, I don't think I'm a slouch, and we're not going to blame it on the vintage of my steed (we all know it's not about the bike)...but flip bru, I wasn't impressed! Anyway, I covered just over 50km today in about 1:40 (it took me almost an extra 10 minutes to get home in that wind!). It's not two hours yet but I'm getting there....Devon Novakowski: beware!
Anyway, that's all for meow.
Be Easy.
Ps. just like to throw out a shout out to Miss D. Bentley - congratulating her for graduating from her masters program!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Plan 2.0
There may be a reason that I'm so indecisive about making major decisions: when I do make plans and set firm dates, events conspire against me and my plans inevitably fall apart, leaving me to undo all of the preparations made by myself and others around my original schedule. Perhaps it is best to remain secretive and fluid; although then one gets appears to be unorganized and last-minute.
Such is the case with the 2011 summer track season. I had a very nice season of racing planned out in the USA, Canada and Europe, as you will have read in my previous post. Yet the legacy of my injuries throughout the fall and winter season, a fresh achilles injury, and a dose of anemia, all combined to frustrate my efforts to return to (and better) my 2010 form. My knee injury in the fall, and hamstring issues in the winter, although now resolved, prevented me from putting in consecutive weeks of solid miles and as a result, I lack the base fitness to be able to chase fast times. Possibly, (and I'm speculating here because causation is often difficult to ascertain) in straining to get back to fitness in time for the summer season, I may have hurt the achilles. Throw in an iron deficiency (and who knows when that developed!) and all of a sudden we have a recipe for slow times!
Indeed, I went down to London two weekends past, and ran 4:00.00 in the 1500m. It's remarkable that I hit such a nice round number, but precision carries little comfort. I went through 800m in 2:04 feeling fairly comfortable (although shocked because 2:09 in practice a few days either had been a struggle), and then 3:09 through 1200m again feeling comfortable. Yet that was the problem: I couldn't make myself work, hurt, or shift out of 3rd gear into a final kick. That's not the Matt Hulse we know and love!
So, Kev and I have revised our previous plans and decided upon another. This one has few dates and only a rudimentary timeline. Yet, if we do it properly, it could well be the start of something that helps me to run long, and run strong, as well as avoid the chances of straining to push the body into a race schedule it's not ready for. The following points are the major elements of the plan:
1) Get healthy. That involves consulting a doctor about my iron levels (done) and resting the achilles (in progress). To that end, Kev brought his old road bike out of hibernation and we got it fitted to my lanky frame today. This blue and chrome steed is a stallion among ponies and I have named it Dupree.....see the movie You, Me and Dupree for reference. I still need to master the art of pedal clips, although I'm sure that my slow motion, sideways tumble at the stoplight today provided a laugh for many a motorist.
2) Run big miles. We're talking over 60 miles per week here. Maybe even into triple digits. Now, it will take a while for me to get there and it won't be easy; I will have to learn patience and slow down on my runs but this is what is necessary to make the transition from a boy to a man. Thus, I will have the base required to run fast, and the strength to handle a greater workload without injury.
Anyway, that's about it really. Sounds simple, and it is, but it is also quite difficult and will demand constant attention to the small details. However, many have done such mileage before me and will do it after me, so I have faith that I'll get it done.
And on the topic of faith...I'll do my best to be more faithful with my blogging. Thanks for sticking with me! Catch you on the flip side!
Be Easy.
Such is the case with the 2011 summer track season. I had a very nice season of racing planned out in the USA, Canada and Europe, as you will have read in my previous post. Yet the legacy of my injuries throughout the fall and winter season, a fresh achilles injury, and a dose of anemia, all combined to frustrate my efforts to return to (and better) my 2010 form. My knee injury in the fall, and hamstring issues in the winter, although now resolved, prevented me from putting in consecutive weeks of solid miles and as a result, I lack the base fitness to be able to chase fast times. Possibly, (and I'm speculating here because causation is often difficult to ascertain) in straining to get back to fitness in time for the summer season, I may have hurt the achilles. Throw in an iron deficiency (and who knows when that developed!) and all of a sudden we have a recipe for slow times!
Indeed, I went down to London two weekends past, and ran 4:00.00 in the 1500m. It's remarkable that I hit such a nice round number, but precision carries little comfort. I went through 800m in 2:04 feeling fairly comfortable (although shocked because 2:09 in practice a few days either had been a struggle), and then 3:09 through 1200m again feeling comfortable. Yet that was the problem: I couldn't make myself work, hurt, or shift out of 3rd gear into a final kick. That's not the Matt Hulse we know and love!
So, Kev and I have revised our previous plans and decided upon another. This one has few dates and only a rudimentary timeline. Yet, if we do it properly, it could well be the start of something that helps me to run long, and run strong, as well as avoid the chances of straining to push the body into a race schedule it's not ready for. The following points are the major elements of the plan:
1) Get healthy. That involves consulting a doctor about my iron levels (done) and resting the achilles (in progress). To that end, Kev brought his old road bike out of hibernation and we got it fitted to my lanky frame today. This blue and chrome steed is a stallion among ponies and I have named it Dupree.....see the movie You, Me and Dupree for reference. I still need to master the art of pedal clips, although I'm sure that my slow motion, sideways tumble at the stoplight today provided a laugh for many a motorist.
2) Run big miles. We're talking over 60 miles per week here. Maybe even into triple digits. Now, it will take a while for me to get there and it won't be easy; I will have to learn patience and slow down on my runs but this is what is necessary to make the transition from a boy to a man. Thus, I will have the base required to run fast, and the strength to handle a greater workload without injury.
Anyway, that's about it really. Sounds simple, and it is, but it is also quite difficult and will demand constant attention to the small details. However, many have done such mileage before me and will do it after me, so I have faith that I'll get it done.
And on the topic of faith...I'll do my best to be more faithful with my blogging. Thanks for sticking with me! Catch you on the flip side!
Be Easy.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
The plan.
The end of May is nigh and I am yet to race, and as many of my competitors have been in the thick of it already, some of you may be wondering when I will throw myself into the spike-shod mondo battle that we call middle distance racing. Verily I tell you, that day is near. Saturday, May 28th to be precise in which day I plan to race at the Speed River Inferno in Geulph. There is a 2km on offer, in which a Canadian record of 5:02 is looking to be broken, as well as a 1500m which is sure to be quite competitive also. Given the fact that this will be my first race in over 2 months, I'll probably jump into the 1500, with the hopes of running a solid, yet relaxed, rust-buster and try to blow out the cobwebs.
Following Guelph, I'm planning to head down to Indianapolis for a couple 1500m's at the American Miler's Club Series. I know some guys who have done it before and the races are supposed to be set up to qualify people for US Nationals (3:41ish) which should be a perfect pace for me to hang on to.
Then on to our own Nationals, in Calgary on June 22-25th. It's over a month earlier than last year in order to to get people accustomed to the schedule for next year, when Nationals will be the Olympic Trials. These will be held at the same time as this year and have to be that early so as to give qualifying athletes time to re-cycle before the Olympics in August.
After Nationals, I will stay out West and travel to Edmonton, Vancouver, and Victoria for races on June 29, July 1, and July 3, respectively. These are the first 3 stops in the inaugural Canadian National Track League, which also includes meets in Halifax (July 10) and Toronto (July 13). Exact travel details to be announced later, but friends and family in these cities, be forewarned - there might be a homeless, starving athlete looking for a place to stay for a night or two!
When I return from the West, I'll probably skip Halifax, but will hit up the meet in Toronto as it sounds like it might be shaping up to go super fast.
And then, just when it sounds like I might have done enough for season, we're planning the most audacious part of the summer....a racing tour of Europe. Plans are still in the works, but we may hit up the UK for the British Milers Club meets, as well as Belgium and Spain. This will be a big jump from last year, and fingers crossed that the Diamond League meets have a spot on the line reserved for me!
So, that's the plan for now....more details to follow as I figure them out!
Here's to a good one!
Be Easy.
Following Guelph, I'm planning to head down to Indianapolis for a couple 1500m's at the American Miler's Club Series. I know some guys who have done it before and the races are supposed to be set up to qualify people for US Nationals (3:41ish) which should be a perfect pace for me to hang on to.
Then on to our own Nationals, in Calgary on June 22-25th. It's over a month earlier than last year in order to to get people accustomed to the schedule for next year, when Nationals will be the Olympic Trials. These will be held at the same time as this year and have to be that early so as to give qualifying athletes time to re-cycle before the Olympics in August.
After Nationals, I will stay out West and travel to Edmonton, Vancouver, and Victoria for races on June 29, July 1, and July 3, respectively. These are the first 3 stops in the inaugural Canadian National Track League, which also includes meets in Halifax (July 10) and Toronto (July 13). Exact travel details to be announced later, but friends and family in these cities, be forewarned - there might be a homeless, starving athlete looking for a place to stay for a night or two!
When I return from the West, I'll probably skip Halifax, but will hit up the meet in Toronto as it sounds like it might be shaping up to go super fast.
And then, just when it sounds like I might have done enough for season, we're planning the most audacious part of the summer....a racing tour of Europe. Plans are still in the works, but we may hit up the UK for the British Milers Club meets, as well as Belgium and Spain. This will be a big jump from last year, and fingers crossed that the Diamond League meets have a spot on the line reserved for me!
So, that's the plan for now....more details to follow as I figure them out!
Here's to a good one!
Be Easy.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike....
When Queen sang about riding his bicycle, all that seemed to be necessary for a good time was a bell and some fat bottom girls. Well, Mr Freddie Murcury, my recent Tour de Farce will beg to differ.
Stage 1: My achilles has been pretty tight over the past few days so on Friday I decided to cross-train and cycle out to Lemoine's Point and back. It's about half and hour each way, so you will appreciate that at approximately 27 minutes into the ride, when I'm about as far from my house as I'll get, lo and behold, I blow out my back tire. I'm also at the furthest point away from my cell phone and a tire repair kit. However, I am fairly close to my Mum's high school, where she teaches, at at the time was about 2:10pm, I decided to run there and get her to drive me and my bike home when school ends at 2:35. Simple. With that plan in mind I lock my bike to a fence and run the 5ish k to the school. I reach the edge of the school grounds at 2:32 and realize that I'm about to hit rush hour when the the school hallways will be packed with kids as they leave class. Me, dressed in black spandex shorts and a rather sweaty t-shirt (it was a blazing hot day), would look decidedly out of place. I enter the school, and yes, it's packed. Brilliant. Acting like I own the place and have important business there, I make a beeline to my Mum's office. She's away at a meeting and has a soccer practice to coach after class anyway. Fortunately, another teacher who I know is about to leave and she offers me a lift home. I'm out of there.
Stage 2: The next morning I did 3 miles easy on the track and then hit the gym with Kev. In the afternoon I did a steady half hour again on the track with James. The achilles was alright...still a little tight though.
Stage 3: I did about 4 miles on the track with some strides and the achilles felt better, but still a little tight. I decided to hit the bike again that afternoon for a solid workout and give my achilles a proper rest at the same time. Unfortunately, mid-afternoon, I was overcome my fatigue and took a nap. A wonderful nap, but I slept past 4pm- the time at which the Queen's Athletic and Rec Centre (ARC) closes. Ok...now I guess I'll have to fix my bike tire. But I haven't the right tools (I broke the wrench in the bike kit the last time I tried to fix a tire). And neither do my housemates or friends. Dad's toolbox in the basement? Nothing there of use. Random drawer in the house after a long search? Bingo! Found an adjustable wrench.
I remove the tire and patch it....but then realize that by the time the patch sets properly and I get the inner tube back on and the wheel mounted, it will be dark. So I ask to borrow my housemates bicycle.
Stage 4: My housemate, Theresa, kindly lent me her bicycle, however our 6 inch height differential meant I had to raise the seat. Not usually an issue except that the seat was locked to the bike frame to prevent people from stealing it. The lock consists of a metal fibre joined in a loop by a vice-type mechanism that is secured with couple of nuts and bolts. I reach for the wrench set (that my friend Clay brought around to my house - belatedly for removing my tire, but in time for this job) and opened it upside down....spilling the contents on the floor. I find the right sized wrench head and remove the lock....and then spend 10mins putting all the pieces back into the correct holes.
Stage 5: Finally out the door and into the wind and rain, at which point I realize that this bicycle it what I would refer to as a "picnic bicycle". That is to say: I'm sure that a young girl in a summer dress and a flower in her hair would love to ride this bicycle to a park to meet friends for an afternoon picnic. There is nothing wrong with that, but it doesn't quite fit the bill for an elite miler in progress looking for some good cardio by hammering out an hour on the road. I'm not too sure how to describe it but the handle bars were funky, the wheels and frame bulky and heavy, the seat in a strange position, and, in an ironic twist of fate, the tires were half flat. I made it about 1 mile before I decided to turn my ride into a 2 mile loop and get home as quick as I could.
Stage 6: Wanting to at least warm up my legs enough to be able to give them a good stretch, I headed back outside and ran to the track for a mile and a half of easy running. Then home, shower, stretch, dinner and onto the blogosphere to release my frustrations in the most creative way I could think of. The achilles was alright but I couldn't be bothered to do much more. Tomorrow I shall reassess the achilles and will be sure to get two good workouts of something in...thought I somehow doubt that I will be cycling any time soon.
Be Easy.
Stage 1: My achilles has been pretty tight over the past few days so on Friday I decided to cross-train and cycle out to Lemoine's Point and back. It's about half and hour each way, so you will appreciate that at approximately 27 minutes into the ride, when I'm about as far from my house as I'll get, lo and behold, I blow out my back tire. I'm also at the furthest point away from my cell phone and a tire repair kit. However, I am fairly close to my Mum's high school, where she teaches, at at the time was about 2:10pm, I decided to run there and get her to drive me and my bike home when school ends at 2:35. Simple. With that plan in mind I lock my bike to a fence and run the 5ish k to the school. I reach the edge of the school grounds at 2:32 and realize that I'm about to hit rush hour when the the school hallways will be packed with kids as they leave class. Me, dressed in black spandex shorts and a rather sweaty t-shirt (it was a blazing hot day), would look decidedly out of place. I enter the school, and yes, it's packed. Brilliant. Acting like I own the place and have important business there, I make a beeline to my Mum's office. She's away at a meeting and has a soccer practice to coach after class anyway. Fortunately, another teacher who I know is about to leave and she offers me a lift home. I'm out of there.
Stage 2: The next morning I did 3 miles easy on the track and then hit the gym with Kev. In the afternoon I did a steady half hour again on the track with James. The achilles was alright...still a little tight though.
Stage 3: I did about 4 miles on the track with some strides and the achilles felt better, but still a little tight. I decided to hit the bike again that afternoon for a solid workout and give my achilles a proper rest at the same time. Unfortunately, mid-afternoon, I was overcome my fatigue and took a nap. A wonderful nap, but I slept past 4pm- the time at which the Queen's Athletic and Rec Centre (ARC) closes. Ok...now I guess I'll have to fix my bike tire. But I haven't the right tools (I broke the wrench in the bike kit the last time I tried to fix a tire). And neither do my housemates or friends. Dad's toolbox in the basement? Nothing there of use. Random drawer in the house after a long search? Bingo! Found an adjustable wrench.
I remove the tire and patch it....but then realize that by the time the patch sets properly and I get the inner tube back on and the wheel mounted, it will be dark. So I ask to borrow my housemates bicycle.
Stage 4: My housemate, Theresa, kindly lent me her bicycle, however our 6 inch height differential meant I had to raise the seat. Not usually an issue except that the seat was locked to the bike frame to prevent people from stealing it. The lock consists of a metal fibre joined in a loop by a vice-type mechanism that is secured with couple of nuts and bolts. I reach for the wrench set (that my friend Clay brought around to my house - belatedly for removing my tire, but in time for this job) and opened it upside down....spilling the contents on the floor. I find the right sized wrench head and remove the lock....and then spend 10mins putting all the pieces back into the correct holes.
Stage 5: Finally out the door and into the wind and rain, at which point I realize that this bicycle it what I would refer to as a "picnic bicycle". That is to say: I'm sure that a young girl in a summer dress and a flower in her hair would love to ride this bicycle to a park to meet friends for an afternoon picnic. There is nothing wrong with that, but it doesn't quite fit the bill for an elite miler in progress looking for some good cardio by hammering out an hour on the road. I'm not too sure how to describe it but the handle bars were funky, the wheels and frame bulky and heavy, the seat in a strange position, and, in an ironic twist of fate, the tires were half flat. I made it about 1 mile before I decided to turn my ride into a 2 mile loop and get home as quick as I could.
Stage 6: Wanting to at least warm up my legs enough to be able to give them a good stretch, I headed back outside and ran to the track for a mile and a half of easy running. Then home, shower, stretch, dinner and onto the blogosphere to release my frustrations in the most creative way I could think of. The achilles was alright but I couldn't be bothered to do much more. Tomorrow I shall reassess the achilles and will be sure to get two good workouts of something in...thought I somehow doubt that I will be cycling any time soon.
Be Easy.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
I'm Back Baby!
Ok ok ok! I'm sorry! Once again, I find myself apologizing for my complete disappearance from the blogosphere. The reason for my absence is that I was giving everyone a chance to follow the Canadian elections...I knew that my riveting posts would distract everyone from the circus that is Canadian politics. Know that voting day has come, and that you have all completed your civic duty, you can get back to more interesting things...my blog!
I jest, my lack of posting was actually due to a hectic last few weeks of school and exam period. With 5 years of collegiate knowledge under my belt, one would think that I would have the organization capacity to figure my life out and coast through my final weeks at school. Not so! As it was in the beginning, so shall it be in the end: a mad scramble. However, I have survived to tell the tale and hopefully pick my diploma too! (just kidding Mum)
But onto my running...my academics once again failed to detract significantly from my athletics and my training has given me the form to win 2 rather prestigious races: the 3rd annual Highway 2 McDonald's Challenge in late March (2.5mi run from Queen's campus to McDonald's, eat a Big Mac, large coke and large fries and run home - my splits were 12:13, 13:41 (order and eat), 12:51) and then the Kingston Race Weekend 5k roadrace (15:21) just yesterday. Following my last post, I took a week off running and then put in 3 weeks of lower mileage easy running. I was also seeking treatment for my hamstring, which was continuing to give me some problems. I sought the help of an osteopath who treats the body in a system-function perspective, that is, the source of the pain may not be the actual site of the injury and that fixing the problem requires that all parts of the body, including skeletal, neural, visceral (organs) and muscular components, are able to express their natural capacity to move. A few treatments later along with the weeks of easy running and I'm back to feeling like the man I used to be...who/what was that man, you ask?.....hard to describe, but in a few words: I'm running well and enjoying myself again.
The last 2 weeks have seen an increase in mileage and a couple workouts. Having picked up a book by Peter Coe (Seb Coe's father and coach) I was happy to see that Kev's coaching philosophy was reaffirmed by a directive to "never stray far from one's speed", and so even in these early weeks of my base training, Kev and I have been mixing the fast with the slow. In the weeks ahead, my current occupation as a full-time runner gives me the opportunity to commit myself to training both morning and night while a even an intensive schedule of reading and blogging will allow for full rest in between. My mileage will continue to inch up and my coaching consultant, Shane, has devised a rather torturous strength program for me, so I'm also going to have that beach bod that I been yearning for all these years!
To wrap it up, with a little government assistance, continued support from Runner's Choice of Kingston and Mizuno, as well as the never ending support from my main sponsors (Mum and Dad) I have the luxury to be able to dedicate my summer to running. I'm going to keep my mind active with some stimulating literature (Hemingway & co.), my backyard garden (tomatoes and peppers- we're looking at you to actually deliver the goods this year!), and local volunteering (to be determined), but I will be sure to take full advantage of this opportunity to train and compete. I'm now officially living the dream baby!
Anyway, I must be off for now. I have a nap penciled in at 4:30....catch y'all later.
Be Easy.
I jest, my lack of posting was actually due to a hectic last few weeks of school and exam period. With 5 years of collegiate knowledge under my belt, one would think that I would have the organization capacity to figure my life out and coast through my final weeks at school. Not so! As it was in the beginning, so shall it be in the end: a mad scramble. However, I have survived to tell the tale and hopefully pick my diploma too! (just kidding Mum)
But onto my running...my academics once again failed to detract significantly from my athletics and my training has given me the form to win 2 rather prestigious races: the 3rd annual Highway 2 McDonald's Challenge in late March (2.5mi run from Queen's campus to McDonald's, eat a Big Mac, large coke and large fries and run home - my splits were 12:13, 13:41 (order and eat), 12:51) and then the Kingston Race Weekend 5k roadrace (15:21) just yesterday. Following my last post, I took a week off running and then put in 3 weeks of lower mileage easy running. I was also seeking treatment for my hamstring, which was continuing to give me some problems. I sought the help of an osteopath who treats the body in a system-function perspective, that is, the source of the pain may not be the actual site of the injury and that fixing the problem requires that all parts of the body, including skeletal, neural, visceral (organs) and muscular components, are able to express their natural capacity to move. A few treatments later along with the weeks of easy running and I'm back to feeling like the man I used to be...who/what was that man, you ask?.....hard to describe, but in a few words: I'm running well and enjoying myself again.
The last 2 weeks have seen an increase in mileage and a couple workouts. Having picked up a book by Peter Coe (Seb Coe's father and coach) I was happy to see that Kev's coaching philosophy was reaffirmed by a directive to "never stray far from one's speed", and so even in these early weeks of my base training, Kev and I have been mixing the fast with the slow. In the weeks ahead, my current occupation as a full-time runner gives me the opportunity to commit myself to training both morning and night while a even an intensive schedule of reading and blogging will allow for full rest in between. My mileage will continue to inch up and my coaching consultant, Shane, has devised a rather torturous strength program for me, so I'm also going to have that beach bod that I been yearning for all these years!
To wrap it up, with a little government assistance, continued support from Runner's Choice of Kingston and Mizuno, as well as the never ending support from my main sponsors (Mum and Dad) I have the luxury to be able to dedicate my summer to running. I'm going to keep my mind active with some stimulating literature (Hemingway & co.), my backyard garden (tomatoes and peppers- we're looking at you to actually deliver the goods this year!), and local volunteering (to be determined), but I will be sure to take full advantage of this opportunity to train and compete. I'm now officially living the dream baby!
Anyway, I must be off for now. I have a nap penciled in at 4:30....catch y'all later.
Be Easy.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
5 More Reasons...
Well, I'm not sure how to start this....CIS was quite disappointing to be sure, although perhaps in light of what kind of season I had leading up to it, maybe not. The 4x800 was a debacle. Similar to last year's attempt, I'm quite sure that every man put in their best effort, unfortunately we came up short...quite short. I can only really speak to my own leg: seeing the deficit, I knew that we were out of any sort of medal hopes, but there was still a race in front of me. I stormed out of the gates and made good ground on the teams ahead of me. I slipped past 2 teams along the rail (very very sneaky!) and with Guelph in my sights I thought I was ready for a barn-burner. That's when the fat man jumped on my back and it all went pear-shaped. I must have misjudged my pace significantly because my legs became leaden and I waded through peanut butter for the final 350m to an ignominious finish.
Alas, the boys were shattered but what could we do? I had to shake it off for the 1500m the next day? This race went out much more comfortably. First of all, I got off the line without a hitch (minor personal victory) and then settled into 4th place. Boorsma got a jump on the rest of the pack right from the gun, but we were hitting 30sec laps nicely so I assumed he would come back to us. Well, Boorsma slowed down, but so did we in the chase pack, and I was trying to keep a good position as the pack mixed around me. And then we came to 1200m (myself in about 3:04-5) and I realized that my legs were stuck in the steady state they had been for the past 6 laps. I just didn't have that jump, that pop, that usually manifests itself in the final stages and takes me away from my competitors. I ended up 6th in 3:51.5. Boorsma won in 3:47. Now, it must be said that I ran alright; my time isn't all that bad. I was 2nd in 2008 and 2010 with times that were only 0.5-1.0 seconds faster than this time. But the competition had upped the ante and when the medals were up for grabs, I wasn't able to make my claim.
Disappointing to be sure, but when I consider that 3 weeks prior, I was contemplating packing in the season as I had been unable to train with any sort of intensity or consistency, I can't be all that upset. I got in the mix (in the 1500 anyway) and came away without doing any damage. What's more, I now have 5 more reasons to work a little harder, a little longer and a little smarter in training.
As we speak, I'm taking a week off completely from running to let my mind and body settle. Then I'll ease myself into running: building up the miles slowly and gradually adding new elements to my training. I'm not sure about the race schedule just yet, but I'm sure that once I'm fully fit and raring to go, Kevin will have something up his sleeve.
Be Easy.
Alas, the boys were shattered but what could we do? I had to shake it off for the 1500m the next day? This race went out much more comfortably. First of all, I got off the line without a hitch (minor personal victory) and then settled into 4th place. Boorsma got a jump on the rest of the pack right from the gun, but we were hitting 30sec laps nicely so I assumed he would come back to us. Well, Boorsma slowed down, but so did we in the chase pack, and I was trying to keep a good position as the pack mixed around me. And then we came to 1200m (myself in about 3:04-5) and I realized that my legs were stuck in the steady state they had been for the past 6 laps. I just didn't have that jump, that pop, that usually manifests itself in the final stages and takes me away from my competitors. I ended up 6th in 3:51.5. Boorsma won in 3:47. Now, it must be said that I ran alright; my time isn't all that bad. I was 2nd in 2008 and 2010 with times that were only 0.5-1.0 seconds faster than this time. But the competition had upped the ante and when the medals were up for grabs, I wasn't able to make my claim.
Disappointing to be sure, but when I consider that 3 weeks prior, I was contemplating packing in the season as I had been unable to train with any sort of intensity or consistency, I can't be all that upset. I got in the mix (in the 1500 anyway) and came away without doing any damage. What's more, I now have 5 more reasons to work a little harder, a little longer and a little smarter in training.
As we speak, I'm taking a week off completely from running to let my mind and body settle. Then I'll ease myself into running: building up the miles slowly and gradually adding new elements to my training. I'm not sure about the race schedule just yet, but I'm sure that once I'm fully fit and raring to go, Kevin will have something up his sleeve.
Be Easy.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Chillin at the Holiday Inn. (aka the Motel La Marquaise)
T-minus 4.5hours until race time and we're hanging out in our 70's styled motel room on the backwood buroughs of Sherbrooke jammin to "Childish Bambimo" (courtesy of M. Nish). So far the trip has been pretty good...the team is in good spirits and everyone is feeling ready to go.
We got into Sherbrooke on Wednesday night, after struggling through viscous Montreal traffic and hit the track. I threw down a couple of 200s, faster than I would have liked but the legs just wouldn't slow down for me. A good sign I hope! Yesterday Nish raced in the 600m....didn't go as well as he would have liked and he didn't process to the finals but it helped to shake the rust off and he's primed for tonight. Today, the 4x200 boys squeaked through to the final with a tough race. They finished last in their heat after some jostling on the corners but they were sufficiently hopped up on testosterone and adrenaline to still keep their noses in front of the other 6 teams.
Tonight we have Gordo in the 300m and Leah in the 3000m before we roll in the 4x800. Errbody will be sufficiently rested to throw down some fast times and we"re going in ranked 5th - we're right in the mix.
In other news of note, we built a snowman on the roof of a minivan and it survived two 15min trips from the track to the motel and back.
Will update afterwards.
Be Champions.
We got into Sherbrooke on Wednesday night, after struggling through viscous Montreal traffic and hit the track. I threw down a couple of 200s, faster than I would have liked but the legs just wouldn't slow down for me. A good sign I hope! Yesterday Nish raced in the 600m....didn't go as well as he would have liked and he didn't process to the finals but it helped to shake the rust off and he's primed for tonight. Today, the 4x200 boys squeaked through to the final with a tough race. They finished last in their heat after some jostling on the corners but they were sufficiently hopped up on testosterone and adrenaline to still keep their noses in front of the other 6 teams.
Tonight we have Gordo in the 300m and Leah in the 3000m before we roll in the 4x800. Errbody will be sufficiently rested to throw down some fast times and we"re going in ranked 5th - we're right in the mix.
In other news of note, we built a snowman on the roof of a minivan and it survived two 15min trips from the track to the motel and back.
Will update afterwards.
Be Champions.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Sherbrooke Bound (again)
Just a quick note as I'm soon to bed, but the end of the indoor season is nigh as I'm off to Sherbrooke tomorrow as they are once again the hosts of the CIS National Champs. Queen's is sending up a small (but mighty) team of about 10 athletes, with 4 individual racers and 3 relay teams. Races start on Thursday but I race on Friday night in the 4x800m and then on Saturday in the 1500m. I'll use the preceeding days to reach a zen like state where I am able to focus all my energy on forward locomotion from a completely stable standing start!
Anyway, legs are feeling good and my pre-race beard is growing in nicely. Time for bed.
Be Easy.
Anyway, legs are feeling good and my pre-race beard is growing in nicely. Time for bed.
Be Easy.
Friday, March 4, 2011
I guess it's time for a post-OUA update...I've being dragging my feet with this one because I don't really have the best of news to tell. Such is life, though, that everything cannot be roses, so here goes:
1000m - I was initially not going to run this one in order to be fresh for the 4x800 and the 1500, so I indicated to the Queen's coaches to scratch me from the start list. However, this message was not received in time, so as of the day of the race I was still in the race. Rules dictate that you cannot scratch from a race the day on the day, so I had 3 options available to me: false start intentionally and get disqualified, start the race and then drop out, or run the race. Deciding that its not like me to shy away from a race and hating the idea of dropping out of anything, I took the third option and raced. And what a race it was! About 8 guys all running the same speed trying to squeeze themselves into the same lane. It wasn't an exceedingly fast race, but the pack dynamics made it very difficult. Myself, not having the race sharpness to dictate the race on my own terms, and seemingly having forgotten what it's like to be in the mix again, had a very frustrating outing. I was unable to settle in and find my stride; I was bumped around, made too many unnecessary moves, and ran too much of the race in lane 2 and 3. Thus it was not really surprising when I finished 6th in 2:27:67, about 2 seconds off the winner and .2 off what I race very comfortably last week.
4x800 - This was a much better race, I ran the anchor leg behind my teammates Clay, Nish and Bentley, who set me up right in the mix with the chase pack behind 1st place Windsor. I was better able to find a groove and I soon settled into 2nd place. 1st place Windsor was too far ahead for me to make a serious move on them, and though I may have gained some ground, it was more a case of just doing of holding onto the position. Not that it was that easy, the legs were tired from the 1000 and I had a couple guys on my tail-guys who I knew would have an absolute field day if they beat me. Not this time! I ran 1:54.7 to bring us home in 7:43....not bad times, but I know both myself and the team can do better.
1500 - This will be a quick segment, because this was my quickest race. The gun went and I was done. Actually, 2 guns went, the second one to let me know I had false started: disqualified for the 1st time in my life. I mean, who gets a DQ in a distance event? Honestly? For some reason I couldn't get myself steady on the line and I lifted my back foot and put it back down. There was no forward motion over the line nor did I trick any of the other runners into thinking it was time to go. By the letter of the law, I did false start, but its a ridiculous law when it is applied to distance events. All the same, its not that bad: I was absolutely furious afterwards, but I had already got two decent races out of me, the hamstring felt fine, and now I'm even more ready to go for CIS next weekend.
Oh yes, I'm still going to CIS. And you better believe I'm psyched up. I have already qualified for the 1500m (from my only other attempt this year in NYC) and the 4x8 team is going too, so I've got a nice little combo to keep me happy. Training has been going well this week, and while there is some lingering hamstring pain, its not preventing me from running. Plus, I got a couple nice pairs of shoes and a pair of spikes from Mizuno... more about them later.
But now I'm off to a massage, to keep those hamstrings in order. See you cats on the flip flop.
Be Easy.
1000m - I was initially not going to run this one in order to be fresh for the 4x800 and the 1500, so I indicated to the Queen's coaches to scratch me from the start list. However, this message was not received in time, so as of the day of the race I was still in the race. Rules dictate that you cannot scratch from a race the day on the day, so I had 3 options available to me: false start intentionally and get disqualified, start the race and then drop out, or run the race. Deciding that its not like me to shy away from a race and hating the idea of dropping out of anything, I took the third option and raced. And what a race it was! About 8 guys all running the same speed trying to squeeze themselves into the same lane. It wasn't an exceedingly fast race, but the pack dynamics made it very difficult. Myself, not having the race sharpness to dictate the race on my own terms, and seemingly having forgotten what it's like to be in the mix again, had a very frustrating outing. I was unable to settle in and find my stride; I was bumped around, made too many unnecessary moves, and ran too much of the race in lane 2 and 3. Thus it was not really surprising when I finished 6th in 2:27:67, about 2 seconds off the winner and .2 off what I race very comfortably last week.
4x800 - This was a much better race, I ran the anchor leg behind my teammates Clay, Nish and Bentley, who set me up right in the mix with the chase pack behind 1st place Windsor. I was better able to find a groove and I soon settled into 2nd place. 1st place Windsor was too far ahead for me to make a serious move on them, and though I may have gained some ground, it was more a case of just doing of holding onto the position. Not that it was that easy, the legs were tired from the 1000 and I had a couple guys on my tail-guys who I knew would have an absolute field day if they beat me. Not this time! I ran 1:54.7 to bring us home in 7:43....not bad times, but I know both myself and the team can do better.
1500 - This will be a quick segment, because this was my quickest race. The gun went and I was done. Actually, 2 guns went, the second one to let me know I had false started: disqualified for the 1st time in my life. I mean, who gets a DQ in a distance event? Honestly? For some reason I couldn't get myself steady on the line and I lifted my back foot and put it back down. There was no forward motion over the line nor did I trick any of the other runners into thinking it was time to go. By the letter of the law, I did false start, but its a ridiculous law when it is applied to distance events. All the same, its not that bad: I was absolutely furious afterwards, but I had already got two decent races out of me, the hamstring felt fine, and now I'm even more ready to go for CIS next weekend.
Oh yes, I'm still going to CIS. And you better believe I'm psyched up. I have already qualified for the 1500m (from my only other attempt this year in NYC) and the 4x8 team is going too, so I've got a nice little combo to keep me happy. Training has been going well this week, and while there is some lingering hamstring pain, its not preventing me from running. Plus, I got a couple nice pairs of shoes and a pair of spikes from Mizuno... more about them later.
But now I'm off to a massage, to keep those hamstrings in order. See you cats on the flip flop.
Be Easy.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
I come to race.
Gentlemen, please try always to remember: the track is a tempestuous mistress. Some might go further and dub her a saucy minx; she will pluck at your heart(ham)strings and drive you to despair, yet under the spell of a euphoric daze she will entice you with riches of gold and record-boards.
Such has been my plight over the past week. I had been easing myself back into more serious track workouts in an attempt to prepare for OUAs when my hamstring seemed to be acting up again. Frustrated, I began considering the prospect of canning the season in order to let the hamstrings completely rest so as not to jeopardize my summer season. With only a week before OUAs and 3 before CIS, I figured that it might be better to cut my losses now than try to limp on for the rest of the season and watch despairingly as races slip from my grasp. My coaches and advisers, urged against rash decisions and advocated a return to the basics: simplicity in training and racing. I heeded their words, yet opted to abstain from the weekend's track meet at McGill in order to preserve myself for OUA's the next weekend. A chance email informed me that I had no choice but to race at McGill, as I needed to have run twice during the season to compete in the championship events.
And so with slight foreboding I went to McGill and raced a 1000m. And won in 2:27.4. Without any inkling of hamstring trouble. In fact, it felt better after the race than it did beforehand.
Now I struggle to decide which races to run at OUAs. The 1500 is a given, but which of the 1000m or 4x800m do I compete in? Is it greedy of me to want to race them all, given that I was considering staying home as of 5 days ago? Alas, how the fickle heart can be swayed.
Regardless, for all of my rather melodramatic prose, I am glad to be back running and racing. I can still feel something in my hamstring, but it doesn't seem to limit my running. Any workouts that I am doing now take place on hills, in order to ensure proper muscle recruitment and running form, and I am maintaining my glute and core strengthening exercises.
When I toe the line at OUA's it will be a stress-free and enjoyable experience: I cannot change what has happened in the last few weeks, whether my hamstring injury was a figment of my fevered imagination I will never know, but I come to race. I come to race.
Be Easy.
Such has been my plight over the past week. I had been easing myself back into more serious track workouts in an attempt to prepare for OUAs when my hamstring seemed to be acting up again. Frustrated, I began considering the prospect of canning the season in order to let the hamstrings completely rest so as not to jeopardize my summer season. With only a week before OUAs and 3 before CIS, I figured that it might be better to cut my losses now than try to limp on for the rest of the season and watch despairingly as races slip from my grasp. My coaches and advisers, urged against rash decisions and advocated a return to the basics: simplicity in training and racing. I heeded their words, yet opted to abstain from the weekend's track meet at McGill in order to preserve myself for OUA's the next weekend. A chance email informed me that I had no choice but to race at McGill, as I needed to have run twice during the season to compete in the championship events.
And so with slight foreboding I went to McGill and raced a 1000m. And won in 2:27.4. Without any inkling of hamstring trouble. In fact, it felt better after the race than it did beforehand.
Now I struggle to decide which races to run at OUAs. The 1500 is a given, but which of the 1000m or 4x800m do I compete in? Is it greedy of me to want to race them all, given that I was considering staying home as of 5 days ago? Alas, how the fickle heart can be swayed.
Regardless, for all of my rather melodramatic prose, I am glad to be back running and racing. I can still feel something in my hamstring, but it doesn't seem to limit my running. Any workouts that I am doing now take place on hills, in order to ensure proper muscle recruitment and running form, and I am maintaining my glute and core strengthening exercises.
When I toe the line at OUA's it will be a stress-free and enjoyable experience: I cannot change what has happened in the last few weeks, whether my hamstring injury was a figment of my fevered imagination I will never know, but I come to race. I come to race.
Be Easy.
Friday, February 11, 2011
I guess someone has to carry the flag!
In other news, my sister Steph just broke 10mins in the 3000m down in Boston. She ran 9:58.58, which is not only a new indoor pb (personal best), but equals her outdoor pb too, which is often difficult to do as the tighter turns on the indoor track slow things down. Not to mention the fact that she won her heat by a whopping 11 seconds, pretty much running the whole race alone.
Look out for more from this girl in the weeks to come!
Be Easy.
Look out for more from this girl in the weeks to come!
Be Easy.
Fartleking around
Well this has been an interesting and frustrating last week and a half. Lets start where I left off last time....I was a day out from a workout with the sprint team, to work on my "git down" speed. The practice went well, I worked on my form when running fast - we did some starts (Sprinters 1: Matt 0), then we ran a 350m which I approached rather tentatively and only ran a 44.9 (Sprinters 2: Matt 0) and then we finished with 3 x 200m about 25-26sec (Sprinters 2: Matt 3)...I just needed to tire them out a little bit first! My hamstring were good...at the time, for the next day I woke up with a localized pain in my left hamstring - a sure sign of a strain. Foolishly, I jogged 6 miles on it thinking I could run through it. Didn't help.
I took the next day off and then hit the bike and the pool for the next 3 days. In that time I tried to figure out what the cause of these recurring hamstring strains is and sought help to correct them. It seems to be a combination of overstriding when going fast and mis-firing glute muscles which causes added strain on the hamstring.
So, following a visit to a trainer for some strengthening exercises, some research by myself and Kev, and a trip to a masseur, I am now back running. I have just been fartleking and steady running this past week in order to reintroduce my legs to running with a little speed work thrown is as I feel. (Fartlek is a swedish term for "speedplay"). I was supposed to run York last weekend, and then Boston this weekend, but pulled out of both in order to let the h-strings recover as best as possible.
As we look ahead, I will ease into more strenuous, faster workouts and will race the 1000m at McGill next weekend. I just need to get a race in so I can run the 1000m at OUAs as the beginning of my championship push on the following weekend. In a scenario reminiscent of cross-country CIS last fall, I hope to build up from injury to peak at just the right time. I won't be pleased with a 13th place finish this time though!
Be champions.
I took the next day off and then hit the bike and the pool for the next 3 days. In that time I tried to figure out what the cause of these recurring hamstring strains is and sought help to correct them. It seems to be a combination of overstriding when going fast and mis-firing glute muscles which causes added strain on the hamstring.
So, following a visit to a trainer for some strengthening exercises, some research by myself and Kev, and a trip to a masseur, I am now back running. I have just been fartleking and steady running this past week in order to reintroduce my legs to running with a little speed work thrown is as I feel. (Fartlek is a swedish term for "speedplay"). I was supposed to run York last weekend, and then Boston this weekend, but pulled out of both in order to let the h-strings recover as best as possible.
As we look ahead, I will ease into more strenuous, faster workouts and will race the 1000m at McGill next weekend. I just need to get a race in so I can run the 1000m at OUAs as the beginning of my championship push on the following weekend. In a scenario reminiscent of cross-country CIS last fall, I hope to build up from injury to peak at just the right time. I won't be pleased with a 13th place finish this time though!
Be champions.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
A week in review
There are two things I love: a full stomach and a full night's sleep. So you know things are getting serious when forgo either of the two for any cause. Hence, 3 early morning and pre-breakfast runs (back to back no less) this week, is a rather significant occurrence.
Indeed, this has been a pretty solid week of training for me so far. With the luxury of not racing this weekend, Kev and I have been able to schedule some quality workouts that target every aspect of my fitness: endurance, power, strength, and speed, without having to worry too much about tiring me out. I'd done a 4mile tempo, hill repeats, 1km repeats, a med-ball workout, and a couple of steady runs in between. Still to come is an interval session tonight and then a training session with the Queen's sprint team on Tuesday. It's all part of a training block which will end with a mile attempt in Boston in 2 weeks time. I'll also have a 1000m race in York next weekend, although I (hopefully) won't be trying to kill myself to run a good time there: it will be an extension of my training, just another good workout.
So that's been my week; the consistency of the morning runs is something that I'm going to try to be consistent with. It will help add a little mileage and I can also throw in other workouts there too: plyometrics, weights, and medicine ball exercises, that will supplement my running.
It is tiring though - I often need a nap later in the day and also have to eat more. I feel like I am becoming rather mechanized: sleeping, eating and running at certain times and in specific amounts. I presume that I am looking at what it is like to live "like a clock", something I referred to in post in the XC season. I never quite achieved it then, but I think I just might be on the verge of it now. I feel healthy and am pleased with how my hamstrings are doing (knock on wood) so we'll see how this goes!
Be champions.
Indeed, this has been a pretty solid week of training for me so far. With the luxury of not racing this weekend, Kev and I have been able to schedule some quality workouts that target every aspect of my fitness: endurance, power, strength, and speed, without having to worry too much about tiring me out. I'd done a 4mile tempo, hill repeats, 1km repeats, a med-ball workout, and a couple of steady runs in between. Still to come is an interval session tonight and then a training session with the Queen's sprint team on Tuesday. It's all part of a training block which will end with a mile attempt in Boston in 2 weeks time. I'll also have a 1000m race in York next weekend, although I (hopefully) won't be trying to kill myself to run a good time there: it will be an extension of my training, just another good workout.
So that's been my week; the consistency of the morning runs is something that I'm going to try to be consistent with. It will help add a little mileage and I can also throw in other workouts there too: plyometrics, weights, and medicine ball exercises, that will supplement my running.
It is tiring though - I often need a nap later in the day and also have to eat more. I feel like I am becoming rather mechanized: sleeping, eating and running at certain times and in specific amounts. I presume that I am looking at what it is like to live "like a clock", something I referred to in post in the XC season. I never quite achieved it then, but I think I just might be on the verge of it now. I feel healthy and am pleased with how my hamstrings are doing (knock on wood) so we'll see how this goes!
Be champions.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Okay, I can't figure out how to get the race video on my blog and I am getting tres fatigue. Here is the link for meow. I'll post the video soon. I believe you have to scroll to 1:09.
http://video.discovervideo.com/vp/playindex.asp?id=026E3BAE-B119-4592-9F78-8A1550687569
http://video.discovervideo.com/vp/playindex.asp?id=026E3BAE-B119-4592-9F78-8A1550687569
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Season opener: 3:48.45
New York City baby - the city that never sleeps. And it's absolutely true! Flip that city is wild. I hadn't been there for a few years, and I'd forgotten what it was like. Sensory overload in every way!
First: the saga that was the journey from Ktown to NYC. My intrepid mother and I hit the road about 2:30pm on Friday afternoon, anticipating an ETA of about 9:30pm. Kevin left about an hour later in his own car. We had smooth passage through the border and were rocking out to Queen when a blizzard hit us - whiteout conditions! Not phased, my mother pressed on with caution and rightly so: we passed vehicles in the ditch and interestingly enough, a truck with its trailer on fire. However, once through Syracuse the weather cleared and roads were in much better condition so we continued on through Binghampton, Scranton, and then into Newark. There the fun continued as we searched for the elusive Lincoln Bridge to Manhattan Island. The search was not for the faint of heart and we required the (ultimately useless) advice of several of the local peoples. Understanding their strange dialects was trying, but we tried our best with those backwards settlers and eventually figured out how to get to our destination. Our time of arrival: 11:00pm. Kevin's time of arrival: 10:55pm. We met up with my dad (who was conveniently down working in NYC for the week) and headed to the bar for a stiff drink of rum and coke (hold the rum and coke and mix the ice with water), then, to bed.
Race Day: I arose about 8:30ish and headed down for breakie. The price of $28 for the continental was a bit steep but I took a big gulp of air which held me over until I got back to my room to utilize my emergency travel stash. I then went for a little shakeout in Central Park and topped up my confidence by blasting past a trail of middle aged folk straggling through the last few miles in of a half marathon race. Stretching, some more food, and a little television took me to 11:30 when I went over to the track with Kev and the some of Guelph team who were down there also.
The Armory: a madhouse. The New Balance Games is a highschool meet with approximately 2500 of the little whippersnappers milling around. I was taken to the elite athlete area to relax, but I really didn't have much time. Movement prep, warmup and a couple strides and before I knew it was 1:40 and I was toeing the line. The 200m track was slick: raised off the ground and banked at each end. No idea who most of the chaps are beside me but BANG: we're off! Watching the video (in the Videos section of my blog) will give you a better sense of the race, so I'll just give you a brief outline. The rabbit went out in 58-59ish and then 1:58-59ish but in the charged atmosphere we seemed to be absolutely flying around each bend. There was no time to settle but I think I made the right moves to get into 3rd by 400m. However, that's where this old boy started to fall apart. The race left me and I struggled home for 5th in 3:48.45. A great time, especially for an opener and considering my recent lack of continuity in training, but not how I generally like to finish my races. However, Kev was pleased: another manifestation of good coaching to open up what will be an exciting year!
A cooldown and chat with a good friend of mine Travis, who I met in Australia and lives in NYC, as we watched the elite men's and women's miles. Both excellent spectacles with Taylor Milne of Guelph grabbing second in 3:58.1.
Post race - dinner and a show with my parents was in order for the evening. We went to see an excellent production of Mama Mia, which really allowed me to let loose my vocal cords on the unsuspecting Yanks. Then a couple beers at a local watering hole, then off to bed. The next morning we headed to church at St Peter's cathedral on 5th Ave before breakfasting at a Seinfield-esque diner and then heading home. We left my dad in NYC as he had to stay for another few days, but ma mere et moi had no troubles on the way home. It was -32 C when we arrived home, and the house was an ice box, but what better a way to cool off following a rollicking weekend?
Be Easy.
First: the saga that was the journey from Ktown to NYC. My intrepid mother and I hit the road about 2:30pm on Friday afternoon, anticipating an ETA of about 9:30pm. Kevin left about an hour later in his own car. We had smooth passage through the border and were rocking out to Queen when a blizzard hit us - whiteout conditions! Not phased, my mother pressed on with caution and rightly so: we passed vehicles in the ditch and interestingly enough, a truck with its trailer on fire. However, once through Syracuse the weather cleared and roads were in much better condition so we continued on through Binghampton, Scranton, and then into Newark. There the fun continued as we searched for the elusive Lincoln Bridge to Manhattan Island. The search was not for the faint of heart and we required the (ultimately useless) advice of several of the local peoples. Understanding their strange dialects was trying, but we tried our best with those backwards settlers and eventually figured out how to get to our destination. Our time of arrival: 11:00pm. Kevin's time of arrival: 10:55pm. We met up with my dad (who was conveniently down working in NYC for the week) and headed to the bar for a stiff drink of rum and coke (hold the rum and coke and mix the ice with water), then, to bed.
Race Day: I arose about 8:30ish and headed down for breakie. The price of $28 for the continental was a bit steep but I took a big gulp of air which held me over until I got back to my room to utilize my emergency travel stash. I then went for a little shakeout in Central Park and topped up my confidence by blasting past a trail of middle aged folk straggling through the last few miles in of a half marathon race. Stretching, some more food, and a little television took me to 11:30 when I went over to the track with Kev and the some of Guelph team who were down there also.
The Armory: a madhouse. The New Balance Games is a highschool meet with approximately 2500 of the little whippersnappers milling around. I was taken to the elite athlete area to relax, but I really didn't have much time. Movement prep, warmup and a couple strides and before I knew it was 1:40 and I was toeing the line. The 200m track was slick: raised off the ground and banked at each end. No idea who most of the chaps are beside me but BANG: we're off! Watching the video (in the Videos section of my blog) will give you a better sense of the race, so I'll just give you a brief outline. The rabbit went out in 58-59ish and then 1:58-59ish but in the charged atmosphere we seemed to be absolutely flying around each bend. There was no time to settle but I think I made the right moves to get into 3rd by 400m. However, that's where this old boy started to fall apart. The race left me and I struggled home for 5th in 3:48.45. A great time, especially for an opener and considering my recent lack of continuity in training, but not how I generally like to finish my races. However, Kev was pleased: another manifestation of good coaching to open up what will be an exciting year!
A cooldown and chat with a good friend of mine Travis, who I met in Australia and lives in NYC, as we watched the elite men's and women's miles. Both excellent spectacles with Taylor Milne of Guelph grabbing second in 3:58.1.
Post race - dinner and a show with my parents was in order for the evening. We went to see an excellent production of Mama Mia, which really allowed me to let loose my vocal cords on the unsuspecting Yanks. Then a couple beers at a local watering hole, then off to bed. The next morning we headed to church at St Peter's cathedral on 5th Ave before breakfasting at a Seinfield-esque diner and then heading home. We left my dad in NYC as he had to stay for another few days, but ma mere et moi had no troubles on the way home. It was -32 C when we arrived home, and the house was an ice box, but what better a way to cool off following a rollicking weekend?
Be Easy.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Big Apple Bound!
Off to NYC in about 20mins! We're staying right downtown New York, only a few blocks from Central Park, so hopefully I don't get mugged when I'm on my morning shakeout tomorrow! I race at 2:45 (I believe) and then we're staying that evening for a night on the town. My parents are coming down, as is Kevin.....it's going to be just wild.
As to how I'm feeling....well my hamstrings kept acting up this past week. First my right, now my left, so hopefully they both cooperate tomorrow. All I need is 3:45 (hopefully less than) of good behaviour from them! Otherwise I'm feeling good: I did 5 miles easy on the t-mill this morning. No nerves yet, but I'm sure they will come. Right now I just need to recall the pain that I will be facing in that last 500m, and remind myself that it will be nothing new, nothing to trouble myself over. I have touched into that threshold during training in the past few weeks, but its always a little different in a race. Am I ready for it?
In any case, its just a race, with some familiar faces and some strange ones, but racing is what love to do.....flip bru I'm excited!
Be Easy.
As to how I'm feeling....well my hamstrings kept acting up this past week. First my right, now my left, so hopefully they both cooperate tomorrow. All I need is 3:45 (hopefully less than) of good behaviour from them! Otherwise I'm feeling good: I did 5 miles easy on the t-mill this morning. No nerves yet, but I'm sure they will come. Right now I just need to recall the pain that I will be facing in that last 500m, and remind myself that it will be nothing new, nothing to trouble myself over. I have touched into that threshold during training in the past few weeks, but its always a little different in a race. Am I ready for it?
In any case, its just a race, with some familiar faces and some strange ones, but racing is what love to do.....flip bru I'm excited!
Be Easy.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Shoes and housecats
Strange weather we're having these days.....minus 27 C yesterday and above zero today. Climate change my friends, I've been saying it for years. Yet, I'm never unprepared to face the elements when (get ready for a shameless plug) I'm wearing my Mizuno apparel and footwear!
In all seriousness though, I have been wearing Mizuno shoes for about 2 years now....initially I was drawn to them because they are flippin comfy. That was really the major sell for me. I put my foot in, wiggled my toes, jogged up and down the street (you have to ask permission from the salesperson before you do that though!) and I was hooked. Many pairs of shoes later (one of my greatest sorrows as an environmentalist is how many shoes I wear through) and I am yet to be let down. From the long and steady to speed intervals on the track. Mizuno has a shoe that fits the bill.
I currently I have a couple of pairs of Mizuno's on the go right now. I have just started wearing the Ronin, which is more of a minimalist shoe, meaning that there is less shoe between you and the ground. It is light, sleek and form fitting, yet seems to be a bit tougher than other shoes of its class, with decent treads and intelligently placed support around the heel and through the mid-foot - meaning I have no problem running fast over the shoddily (is that even a word?) plowed roads and sidewalks of Kingston. Plus it's bright yellow with dark blue and some nice sparkly bits in the laces....a fashion winner in my books!
One of the other Mizuno shoes that I have been wearing over the past few years is the Musha. This is also a minimalist shoe (also known as a racing flat) and while the Ronin is more rugged and outdoorsy, the Musha is more of a housecat. It will venture outside in nice weather and will carry me spryly over nice ground, but would much rather to be inside chasing the mice around the track.
Now, I'm not sure how much that helps you if you are out shoe shopping, but let me tell you, kiddo, that Mizuno is producing some hot items these days and is establishing themselves as a definite market contender. A small caveat, to the average runner: to wear a minimalist shoe and/or to run barefoot, one must be running properly and efficiently. You can't go tromping around smashing your heels wearing little or no shoe and expect to keep your knee caps intact. You must be striking the ground with your midfoot with a cadence of approximately 180 steps (both feet) per minute. I would highly recommend anyone looking to stay injury free to look into improving their running technique. Good form running is not difficult to learn but (like anything) it takes practice and time: it took me about 3 months to be able to run correctly, and I'm still tweaking things years later.
Anyway, that's all for now. Training is going well and I'm getting excited for NYC....more on that later.
Shalom.
Be Easy.
In all seriousness though, I have been wearing Mizuno shoes for about 2 years now....initially I was drawn to them because they are flippin comfy. That was really the major sell for me. I put my foot in, wiggled my toes, jogged up and down the street (you have to ask permission from the salesperson before you do that though!) and I was hooked. Many pairs of shoes later (one of my greatest sorrows as an environmentalist is how many shoes I wear through) and I am yet to be let down. From the long and steady to speed intervals on the track. Mizuno has a shoe that fits the bill.
I currently I have a couple of pairs of Mizuno's on the go right now. I have just started wearing the Ronin, which is more of a minimalist shoe, meaning that there is less shoe between you and the ground. It is light, sleek and form fitting, yet seems to be a bit tougher than other shoes of its class, with decent treads and intelligently placed support around the heel and through the mid-foot - meaning I have no problem running fast over the shoddily (is that even a word?) plowed roads and sidewalks of Kingston. Plus it's bright yellow with dark blue and some nice sparkly bits in the laces....a fashion winner in my books!
One of the other Mizuno shoes that I have been wearing over the past few years is the Musha. This is also a minimalist shoe (also known as a racing flat) and while the Ronin is more rugged and outdoorsy, the Musha is more of a housecat. It will venture outside in nice weather and will carry me spryly over nice ground, but would much rather to be inside chasing the mice around the track.
Now, I'm not sure how much that helps you if you are out shoe shopping, but let me tell you, kiddo, that Mizuno is producing some hot items these days and is establishing themselves as a definite market contender. A small caveat, to the average runner: to wear a minimalist shoe and/or to run barefoot, one must be running properly and efficiently. You can't go tromping around smashing your heels wearing little or no shoe and expect to keep your knee caps intact. You must be striking the ground with your midfoot with a cadence of approximately 180 steps (both feet) per minute. I would highly recommend anyone looking to stay injury free to look into improving their running technique. Good form running is not difficult to learn but (like anything) it takes practice and time: it took me about 3 months to be able to run correctly, and I'm still tweaking things years later.
Anyway, that's all for now. Training is going well and I'm getting excited for NYC....more on that later.
Shalom.
Be Easy.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
A stuttering start...
Welcome back everyone....my apologies for keeping everyone waiting for what will be yet another scintilating description of my life!
Why the so long since the last post? Well, November and December were flippin hectic with the end of term assignments and exams, and I really wasn't doing too much of interest running-wise. Then, I realized that the first blog back would have to include some sort of lengthy description of the previous weeks and months as well as some sort of excuse as to why I had neglected my blogging for so long....it seemed to be an insurmountable task and I got scared.
But, I have addressed my inner demons and am back to blog; to continue the tale of my athletic pursuits, a tale that (I believe) is going to be decidedly more interesting than it was last year, if you can believe that!
So what has happened since the cross country CIS championships? Well, I continued to address my knee issue, a long and slow process during which a non-specific and dull ache would migrate back and forth across my knee throughout my runs. This lasted for quite some time, as the physio's had warned me, but I do believe that I am just about over it now. I did come to realize that wearing spikes (racing shoes) was not the best for the knee....there may be something about the added traction of the pins that locks my foot to the track increases the torque on my knee. I think I will have to break myself in slowly into wearing spikes so I will be able to race in them pain-free.
I wrote my LSAT (law school entrance exam) and scored well enough to put me in the mix for a few schools around Ontario and Canada. I will hear back in a few months time as to whether I have been accepted or not, but this now raises the dilemma as to what my priority will be in the coming years: school or running? Or can I continue to balance both and reach the heights that I aspire to?
Following a few days off after CIS, I began training for the track season. However, this has been fraught with some minor, but nagging injuries: hamstrings, knees, and achilles: hence the title of this blog. My training has been of good quality, and I am most likely at a higher level of fitness than I was at this time last year, but we haven't been very consistent due to my need to back off everynow and then either to stave off or recovery from injury. This is all part an parcel of this business, but its frustrating all the same. I am currently getting over a strain to my right hamstring and just got back to easy running today. I have a massage tomorrow to hopefully work out some kinks and I'm looking forward to starting afresh!
New Years, and the corresponding resolutions. I'm not sure how long this will last, but I plan to get to bed each night by 11:00pm. This is part of my committment to proper recovery. I can train as hard as I like/can (and I do) but I will not improve, and will most likely continue to get injured, unless I recover properly between workouts. Nutrition, stretching and strengthening exercises, icing all require attention, but sleep is one area where I often let myself down.
So, that's what I have been upto, and now what's next?
Well, Kev got me into a race in New York City on January 22nd. I am racing an elite 1500m in the New Balance Games. I was supposed to be in the elite mile, but there were so many entries, some of whom were faster than me (such as Olympians Allan Webb, Andy Badderly, and Taylor Milne) that the meet directors created an elite but slightly slower 1500m race. Regardless, for my first 1500 of the season, there will still be some excellent competition and I'm pretty excited to be racing in the Big Apple! (I'll try to pick up the New York accent to add to my repetoire of "fake" accents!)
Anyway, my new bedtime is approaching....cheerio for now and I'll catch you later! Thanks for stopping by the blog to check up on my developments. Happy New Years!
Be Easy.
Matt
Why the so long since the last post? Well, November and December were flippin hectic with the end of term assignments and exams, and I really wasn't doing too much of interest running-wise. Then, I realized that the first blog back would have to include some sort of lengthy description of the previous weeks and months as well as some sort of excuse as to why I had neglected my blogging for so long....it seemed to be an insurmountable task and I got scared.
But, I have addressed my inner demons and am back to blog; to continue the tale of my athletic pursuits, a tale that (I believe) is going to be decidedly more interesting than it was last year, if you can believe that!
So what has happened since the cross country CIS championships? Well, I continued to address my knee issue, a long and slow process during which a non-specific and dull ache would migrate back and forth across my knee throughout my runs. This lasted for quite some time, as the physio's had warned me, but I do believe that I am just about over it now. I did come to realize that wearing spikes (racing shoes) was not the best for the knee....there may be something about the added traction of the pins that locks my foot to the track increases the torque on my knee. I think I will have to break myself in slowly into wearing spikes so I will be able to race in them pain-free.
I wrote my LSAT (law school entrance exam) and scored well enough to put me in the mix for a few schools around Ontario and Canada. I will hear back in a few months time as to whether I have been accepted or not, but this now raises the dilemma as to what my priority will be in the coming years: school or running? Or can I continue to balance both and reach the heights that I aspire to?
Following a few days off after CIS, I began training for the track season. However, this has been fraught with some minor, but nagging injuries: hamstrings, knees, and achilles: hence the title of this blog. My training has been of good quality, and I am most likely at a higher level of fitness than I was at this time last year, but we haven't been very consistent due to my need to back off everynow and then either to stave off or recovery from injury. This is all part an parcel of this business, but its frustrating all the same. I am currently getting over a strain to my right hamstring and just got back to easy running today. I have a massage tomorrow to hopefully work out some kinks and I'm looking forward to starting afresh!
New Years, and the corresponding resolutions. I'm not sure how long this will last, but I plan to get to bed each night by 11:00pm. This is part of my committment to proper recovery. I can train as hard as I like/can (and I do) but I will not improve, and will most likely continue to get injured, unless I recover properly between workouts. Nutrition, stretching and strengthening exercises, icing all require attention, but sleep is one area where I often let myself down.
So, that's what I have been upto, and now what's next?
Well, Kev got me into a race in New York City on January 22nd. I am racing an elite 1500m in the New Balance Games. I was supposed to be in the elite mile, but there were so many entries, some of whom were faster than me (such as Olympians Allan Webb, Andy Badderly, and Taylor Milne) that the meet directors created an elite but slightly slower 1500m race. Regardless, for my first 1500 of the season, there will still be some excellent competition and I'm pretty excited to be racing in the Big Apple! (I'll try to pick up the New York accent to add to my repetoire of "fake" accents!)
Anyway, my new bedtime is approaching....cheerio for now and I'll catch you later! Thanks for stopping by the blog to check up on my developments. Happy New Years!
Be Easy.
Matt
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