Well as the title states, what lies ahead? Well other than me after I trip over that branch that I new was there but failed to lift my foot over. Just one of the realities of trail running and usually the highlight of your ultra stories. Better yet you might even have a battle wound to boast about!
Back to what this post is really about though is the challenges of planning your future running endeavors. There are many variables to these adventures and often options that can help solve them. Question is do they satisfy your need and are they really achievable. Also of course life is also capable of throwing a few curve balls. Injuries, loss/change of job, and illness are just a few of the variables.
In my family the first obstacle is just that...I have a family. Not a small family either. We are a family of six with three young daughters and one little guy. Trying to find the energy to deal with them, their own sports, and the inevitable meltdowns, kids take a lot of my time.
At best my training is completely relegated to early morning runs, this includes long runs. This is a fine option but the one side effect that I notice is fatigue. Not fatigue in training but around the house. Not ideal especially in such a large family as everyone has to do their share.
Fortunately their has been one change recently. My kids like to run trails. Yes they don't do big mileage but at least I can mix family time with running.
Another difficult decision as a runner is planning for the future and picking races. There is always many options but which one is right for me. Well for one I don't like standing around. Say no to mudhero and other obstacle races. Other is commitment at very early stage of the calendar year. Is my training going to be optimal, am I moving, is my wife going to"let" me race, lol. Because of this many road and top level Ultra races are of the list. Solution-well still working on this one.
Finally is the cost. Ultra running is expensive. I presume if you are reading this you already know that. Between registration, travel, shoes, clothing, kit, and food, race day blows through the budget. I was fortunate to race trails regularly in Nova Scotia. Races coordinated by Jodi Isenor and Nova Scotia trail running were fantastic affordable events. As an added bonus Salomon provided a lot of sweet swag.
Really this was just a bunch of rambling but really that was the point. As most of you know our lives as long distance runners is just nuts. Crazy pulled in all directions, yet we stick with it and enjoy the spectacular spirit of pure suffering in some of the most beautiful places in the world. All of which requires a great deal of planning, mental fortitude, luck, and finally a strong support system.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Hmm Running, Maybe Trail Partners
Yesterday was an interesting day in the sense it was great but also quite uneventful. Work was well just that work. Training yep usual, some speed work, little easy running, and cross training. Wow fun stuff (sarcasm). Come home, well always exciting, for kids with massive energy kind of does that!
I am sure you are all thinking sounds normal? Really it was but one part I look back on and reflect a little bit more. There was a couple opportunities to share my passion for running and trails at work and at home.
Firstly I will touch on my workplace interaction. For the first time since I became what others would call a "real" runner I have a peer who shares my ridiculous obsession of running. Trust me it is ridiculous, those if you who are as passionate will understand. Interestingly he is a road runner and race director who has just recently dabbled in trail running. Hook is in time for me to wheel him in and make him a convert. Let's see.... potential pacer? Eventually teach me about directing my own race?
Why his sudden interest in trails? I find there is usually a couple variables that help when persuading people to give it a try. Usually the easiest is individuals who have a background in mountain biking. Second is the individual is at a time in there life where they can appreciate the silence of the woods.
If you don't know or understand what I mean go into the forest find a nice spot to sit and just listen. Will touch more on this in the future as it deserves a post in if itself.
The other person who I had a conversation in regards to "training" and running was my wife. She has dabbled with the idea many times but never makes the plunge. As a whole she doesn't enjoy running but early on neither did I. There seems to be a difference this time. Health benefits being a major player, especially mental health.
We'll see where it goes with each but my hopes are that each realize the opportunity and benefits.
I am sure you are all thinking sounds normal? Really it was but one part I look back on and reflect a little bit more. There was a couple opportunities to share my passion for running and trails at work and at home.
Firstly I will touch on my workplace interaction. For the first time since I became what others would call a "real" runner I have a peer who shares my ridiculous obsession of running. Trust me it is ridiculous, those if you who are as passionate will understand. Interestingly he is a road runner and race director who has just recently dabbled in trail running. Hook is in time for me to wheel him in and make him a convert. Let's see.... potential pacer? Eventually teach me about directing my own race?
Why his sudden interest in trails? I find there is usually a couple variables that help when persuading people to give it a try. Usually the easiest is individuals who have a background in mountain biking. Second is the individual is at a time in there life where they can appreciate the silence of the woods.
If you don't know or understand what I mean go into the forest find a nice spot to sit and just listen. Will touch more on this in the future as it deserves a post in if itself.
The other person who I had a conversation in regards to "training" and running was my wife. She has dabbled with the idea many times but never makes the plunge. As a whole she doesn't enjoy running but early on neither did I. There seems to be a difference this time. Health benefits being a major player, especially mental health.
We'll see where it goes with each but my hopes are that each realize the opportunity and benefits.
Monday, October 17, 2016
What is the Goal
Although I have been very quiet in posting here on my current running endeavors I have continued to get out and just run. Why so quiet? Well life can keep us all pretty busy, especially those crazy enough to have four little hooligans running a muck.
So what is up? Hmm....Well lots really, new city, new trails, new job. Wow no wonder it has been a challenge to keep up with everything. On top of that my six year old has became a vegetarian, four year old man has started school, nine year old turned fifteen. Finally my little girl is just so cool.
One thing is certain we have so much adventures ahead and life is going be one entertaining rollercoaster. Amazingly my motivation has returned for some big running adventures. Why? Well I want to show my kids anything is possible. Just have to work your you know what off.
So what is up? Hmm....Well lots really, new city, new trails, new job. Wow no wonder it has been a challenge to keep up with everything. On top of that my six year old has became a vegetarian, four year old man has started school, nine year old turned fifteen. Finally my little girl is just so cool.
One thing is certain we have so much adventures ahead and life is going be one entertaining rollercoaster. Amazingly my motivation has returned for some big running adventures. Why? Well I want to show my kids anything is possible. Just have to work your you know what off.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Chickadee Trail Run 2012
A couple of weeks ago Andrew Myatt put on a great race at Head of Chezzetcook, NS. The Chickadee trail run had two options an 11k or 25k race. The turnout was fantastic considering the time of year. 49 runners braved the chilly weather to hit the trails.
Originally my wife Jenny wanted me to sign up for the 11k and so I did. By 9PM the night before the race I was like "forget that" I am going on in. 25k can't be that hard, right? Well the next morning I got to find out what Andrew had in store for all of us. He was making sure that this was no walk in park, or I mean bush.
Right from the get go the race started with a good climb. Feeling great I pushed up and over the hump trailing only a couple of runners. Next time to go straight down, and not really on a trail but one made more specifically for this race, can't wait for my LaSportiva C-Lites to arrive. After this we ran through some single track and I started to pay the price for my fearless climb up the hill. Another few runners passed me as I battled through the trails. Now what could he through at us, wait for it.....an icy cold bog? At the time it felt like a cruel punishment but in retrospect it was kind of cool, literally. An then on to the race.
After the bog we the rest of the race was a cross between fire roads and single track. Nothing to crazy other than the last hill you had to walk. During this stretch I managed to push on several occasions at a good pace. Near the 8k mark I was running with the 7th place finisher and spotted two runners about 1k ahead. With my legs feeling strong I decided to throw it down and go get them. By about 11 or 12k I had them. For the next 7k we all ran together, but then my crazy effort to chase them down caught up to me, damn!
By the end I managed a 6th place finish which I was quite happy with. I really saw some progress on both my speed and endurance compared to the previous race. The runner immediately in front of myself for this race had beaten me by 45 minutes at the Cuddly Coyote. Well done to me! Hey I also had four cheerleaders at the end too! Congrats to all the other runners and Mark Robinson on the victory.
So now I begin the winter phase of training and working towards the Wascally Rabbit 50 miler in the spring. Till next time...
For more info, results and a photo album from the race check out http://chezzetcooktrailrunner.blogspot.ca/
Originally my wife Jenny wanted me to sign up for the 11k and so I did. By 9PM the night before the race I was like "forget that" I am going on in. 25k can't be that hard, right? Well the next morning I got to find out what Andrew had in store for all of us. He was making sure that this was no walk in park, or I mean bush.
Right from the get go the race started with a good climb. Feeling great I pushed up and over the hump trailing only a couple of runners. Next time to go straight down, and not really on a trail but one made more specifically for this race, can't wait for my LaSportiva C-Lites to arrive. After this we ran through some single track and I started to pay the price for my fearless climb up the hill. Another few runners passed me as I battled through the trails. Now what could he through at us, wait for it.....an icy cold bog? At the time it felt like a cruel punishment but in retrospect it was kind of cool, literally. An then on to the race.
After the bog we the rest of the race was a cross between fire roads and single track. Nothing to crazy other than the last hill you had to walk. During this stretch I managed to push on several occasions at a good pace. Near the 8k mark I was running with the 7th place finisher and spotted two runners about 1k ahead. With my legs feeling strong I decided to throw it down and go get them. By about 11 or 12k I had them. For the next 7k we all ran together, but then my crazy effort to chase them down caught up to me, damn!
By the end I managed a 6th place finish which I was quite happy with. I really saw some progress on both my speed and endurance compared to the previous race. The runner immediately in front of myself for this race had beaten me by 45 minutes at the Cuddly Coyote. Well done to me! Hey I also had four cheerleaders at the end too! Congrats to all the other runners and Mark Robinson on the victory.
So now I begin the winter phase of training and working towards the Wascally Rabbit 50 miler in the spring. Till next time...
For more info, results and a photo album from the race check out http://chezzetcooktrailrunner.blogspot.ca/
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Officially Made the Cuddly Coyote 27k Race Into 30k
Had a great time today at the Cuddly Coyote trail race. Officially I was the guy who they mention pre race about paying attention to the flags. By the end of the race I added about 3k to the course. Still had a great experience and feel good about the results.
More to come.
Hey everyone you can now check out the video of the race. I ended up in 28th place out of 50. Pretty happy about it as it was my first race. The quad has recovered now but man it was hurting from the 12k mark on.
For those interested the race was amazing. Great views, lots of technical single track, climbs that you would not expect on the east coast, and prizes beyond your imagination. Great job Jodi and crew. Looking forward to the Wascally Rabbit in the spring.
More to come.
Hey everyone you can now check out the video of the race. I ended up in 28th place out of 50. Pretty happy about it as it was my first race. The quad has recovered now but man it was hurting from the 12k mark on.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Cuddly Coyote 27km Trail Race
I have officially made the splurge and signed up for the Cuddly Coyote 27km trail race held on October 13th. 2012 marks the third running of this trail race starting at Black Point Nova Scotia. This race is looking like it will have a great turnout with 49 already registered for the 9 km race and 46 for the 27k race.
This race will actually make for a pretty good challenge as there is over 2200 feet of elevation change. Sure nothing like a race on the west coast but still lots of ups and downs. Check it out.
This race will actually make for a pretty good challenge as there is over 2200 feet of elevation change. Sure nothing like a race on the west coast but still lots of ups and downs. Check it out.
If your interested in signing up follow this link to Atlantic Chip
Going into this race I have no real expectations as this will be my first real race in 20 years but at the same time I feel relatively good. The big challenge will be adapting to such a long trail run rather than my usual mix of trail and roads. The good part is that I have covered the distance before and felt quite good still at the end. Also tomorrow and Saturday I am planning on doing back to back 2-3 hour trail runs to work up the endurance.
Reality is with this being the first race too I just really want to get out there and see what sort of competitive juices I have in this body.
By the way I will be shortly posting my all time favorite granola bar recipe. These rock!!!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Weekly Long Run
So yesterday I headed out about 6:45 for a long run. My intentions were to go for about 2:30 hours but not really stress about the time. This was going to be a great opportunity to test out my new hydration pack from MEC.
With no real plans on where I was going to run I started out heading towards Musquodoboit Harbour. Once I arrived there I decided that it was a nice cool morning with a little mist so a great opportunity to check out the trail while it would still be quiet. Usually on the trail I might see one or two deer at a time, but this time I saw a group of five! Ran up to the 2.5k mark and then turned around heading back towards town. On the way up I had decided that I did not feel like listening to any music so I pulled my head phones out. When heading back down the trail I ran into a couple and they asked me if I had lost a phone. What? Have you lost a phone? Could be mine I thought. The gentleman asked me what brand it was? Of course being half winded already I didn't have the slightest clue. Perhaps if I had a Galaxy or IPhone I would have remembered. But I mentioned that I knew the phones number ID on it. Sure enough it was my phone.
After that I tried out my first energy gel on a long run. It was a Cliff Bar Chocolate shot. Actually not bad. Popped it back and headed on down the road. Now I decided to take a little tour down West Petpeswick for a little morning stroll. The fog was pretty thick but the temperature was great. Headed down the road probably about four kilometers before turning back.
By this point I was getting a little hungry so I made a little quick stop at Dobbit's Bakery and had one of there absolutely fabulous spelt bars. These are great for those out on a hike or if your stomach can handle it on a run. Personally I am beginning to test my stomachs ability to eat food on the long runs for next year when I attempt my first 50 mile.
With the legs feeling good I ventured down the trail again. I can never get enough of the Musquodoboit trail system. If you haven't been there it is worth checking out. Ran down to the bridge and at this point I was very excited to see good old Johnny on the spot and stopped by for a quick visit.
With time ticking down it was time to head on home. Still the legs were moving well. Sure a couple pit stops but realistic they weren't required but the did make the run more enjoyable. When I got home I checked the clock it was 9:30. Pretty happy with the fact I managed to work my long run now up to 2:45. The best part is today my leg feels great. I feel no lingering pains from my IT band. Next week 3:15.
With no real plans on where I was going to run I started out heading towards Musquodoboit Harbour. Once I arrived there I decided that it was a nice cool morning with a little mist so a great opportunity to check out the trail while it would still be quiet. Usually on the trail I might see one or two deer at a time, but this time I saw a group of five! Ran up to the 2.5k mark and then turned around heading back towards town. On the way up I had decided that I did not feel like listening to any music so I pulled my head phones out. When heading back down the trail I ran into a couple and they asked me if I had lost a phone. What? Have you lost a phone? Could be mine I thought. The gentleman asked me what brand it was? Of course being half winded already I didn't have the slightest clue. Perhaps if I had a Galaxy or IPhone I would have remembered. But I mentioned that I knew the phones number ID on it. Sure enough it was my phone.
After that I tried out my first energy gel on a long run. It was a Cliff Bar Chocolate shot. Actually not bad. Popped it back and headed on down the road. Now I decided to take a little tour down West Petpeswick for a little morning stroll. The fog was pretty thick but the temperature was great. Headed down the road probably about four kilometers before turning back.
By this point I was getting a little hungry so I made a little quick stop at Dobbit's Bakery and had one of there absolutely fabulous spelt bars. These are great for those out on a hike or if your stomach can handle it on a run. Personally I am beginning to test my stomachs ability to eat food on the long runs for next year when I attempt my first 50 mile.
With the legs feeling good I ventured down the trail again. I can never get enough of the Musquodoboit trail system. If you haven't been there it is worth checking out. Ran down to the bridge and at this point I was very excited to see good old Johnny on the spot and stopped by for a quick visit.
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