Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon Race Report

Before The day of this race even arrived I was plagued with what I thought were allergies. After two days of sneezing, It turned to coughing. Four mornings before the race I woke up with yellow flem in my lungs and feeling right crusty. On this same morning, I noticed a pain in my LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament) just under my knee to the inside front of my right leg. I could feel a sharp pain there while climbing the stairs and lifting my leg quickly to a 90 degree position. "Oh, no!" I thought. It's one thing to be sick, it's another to be injured. You can run through a sickness, but try running through an injury and you're bound to wind up on the injured list. The reason I have come to for my body's rapid deterioration is that I was not taking proper care of my body while enduring such rigorous training. I enjoy the partying and being out on the beach with my friends. This more often than not involves a few wobbly pops and hours soaking in the sun. Add in a weakened immune system from lack of fruits and vegetables and rigorous training and you've got yourself a guaranteed recipe for disaster!

I have spent the last few days eating green smoothies and super foods to boost my immune system and replenish all of the essential vitamins and minerals that my body demands so much of. Also have been taking drops of oregano oil down my throat to combat this virus. It's important for every serious athlete to consider the demands they put on their body every day and to accommodate that by providing one's self with the proper ratio of carbs, fatty oils and protein. As well as maintaining the proper level of hydration and electrolytes. Hydration is key, but if you are sweating a lot in your training, you should consider adding some electrolytes to your drinks to keep your sodium and blood sugar levels safe. Especially if the weather is warm. To make sure I did not waist the months of training I have put into this event, I have also dedicated myself to extreme relaxation and time off my legs. I reluctantly (but thankfully) played a Saturday evening game of pitch and putt to loosen myself out before the big day.

Race morning has arrived and I wake up feeling calm and ready. The weather is cool and overcast with no sign of rain for the race. It's an early start so I must get my smoothie in me before 6am which is not easy for me. However, I enjoyed my liquid breakfast and was able to keep it and my oil of oregano down pre-race. I have finally got a hold on my pre-race anxiety!!! What a speed bump that was. I have learned so much about the mental part of my racing this season and am so excited to be out on course again. There is a mild traffic cluster but I found a spot in good time to get my bag checked. It is so exciting warming up with the likes of some of Canada's best runners. My knee feels fine through my warm up and the traffic enabled me to miss the pre-race down pour.

Today I will race a solid race! I know this as I stand next to my competitors and teammates and shake each others hands and get ready for the starting gun. I find Mark Sherman on the line and know I will have a solid start if I stick with him. Off we go!! After the first loop we cross the start line again and my splits are all perfect going past 4k. At this point I am extremely happy. All of the fears I have been having over the last few days about my health and leg are gone and I know now for sure that I will be able to finish the race. (And at this speed, in record time) We head down the hill for the second time toward SW Marine and Mark has pulled slightly away. My splits are still on and I feel comfortable at this pace, so I let our string snap. I know that Drew and one more fellow were behind me working together to close the gap on me through this windy false flat section through campus past to wreck beach. I can hear their footsteps behind me and increase my pace slightly. As they close the gap on me, I am right in Marks draft now as he runs through the wetness and kicks up water all over me. The man chasing us has now left my draft and is pushing through for the pass. I feel like I can go with him and I do, fearing that Drew is following too. As we pull away, I realise it is just the two of us and I know that if i can just hang on to this guy, my relaxed draft through campus will be my reward and I will be able to fend off Drew and Mark. His pace is about a second or two faster than mine per km and I can feel myself starting to fatigue for the first time in the race. We are now cruising through the tall cedars around 8km still on par for my splits when I decide to listen to my body and let him go. I appreciate the 2.5km draft and now prepare myself for the difficult but smooth descent.

My cadence increases with the grade and I try to refrain from pounding the pavement. I am relaxed but extremely focused on my running form down this massive hill. Too much speed can wear me out for the long false flats to come. The next few kilometers are comfortable with a couple of strong hill efforts and at least two very difficult recoveries. As I reach Cornwall and descend into Kits Beach, I feel the lack of substance in my racing flats as my calf muscles ache. Once again I focus on my breathing and form and keep my pace as I prepare for the punch in the soul before the finish. It's as if the creator of this course wanted to test every one's mental and physical valour by throwing Burrard street bridge at us in the last couple of kms. I have been waiting for this moment since last year, and have since run countless times over that monster and it was still as nasty and ugly as ever on race day. I swing my arms and push hard up this seemingly endless bridge as it feels like someone is pouring sand into my gears. I see and hear familiar faces atop the bridge which enables me the power to push over the top. My legs burn and my body aches, but I know not to relax as the up turns to down. I return my cadence to normal and lean into the downhill towards downtown. The end is so near and I embrace it. By the end of the bridge I have recovered and I am feeling really good and strong now. I increase my tempo and stride strongly along pacific. Coming into English Bay, the cheers grow louder and more frequent. I have done it!! I put a smile on my face an speak my positive affirmation in my mind. "I love Running!". Passing through the 21K mark and I can hear Stephen King announce my name as I put all of my heart and soul into the last 100m. Goddamn it feels good to be done!!!!

I gasp cough and collapse amongst my fellow runners and teammates. What a feeling of complete elation and accomplishment. My chest burns and some helpful volunteers deliver us Gatorade. I am extremely happy to find out that I was across the line 1 minute faster than my fastest and ended up in 3rd place in my age group. I can't beleive that out of 14 people, there was only one person from M25-29 (Tristan Simpson 5th OA beating Scott Simpson) who was faster than me. Wow! This is a Major Canadian Running Series Event. I know I have reached an Elite Status, but I have always until now, felt like and impostor. I know I have the potential to be faster and to be as fast as a lot of these guys, but I will have to first, be patient and second, work very hard. At least I feel as though I have earned my right to stand next to the race leaders on that start line. What a feeling it is! I feel like I'm on top of the world, but in reality I'm just near it. Haha! Oh well, Keep on keepin' on I guess. So long as I keep getting faster, I will keep trying extra hard. So I guess I don't plan on slowing down! ( look out Gramps)

Speaking of gramps, One of our teammates Kevin O'Connor won the Masters in a time of 1:10:17 good enough for 10th overall and currently holds the Canadian masters record for half marathon!! Outstanding! Am ever lucky to have this guy to train with.

For the last two years, I have been working on becoming a great runner. It has been my dream to become pro and be sponsored by a shoe company. This dream is now becoming a reality. There are a few things one must do before they can be considered for a sponsorship. First, You have to race, Second, you have to be fast. And third, you have to maintain a posative involvement with the running community. This year I volunteered to be Vice President of VFAC and have also worked tirelessly to make a name for myself in the Vancouver running community. I enjoy volunteering at different races and creating a buzz and good vibe amongst all whom I meet at these events. Lately I have been checking out different companies and their athletes to see who has the best product and who treats their athletes the best. After much trial and tribulation, I have come to the board with two companies. The first choice (and this is not to jinx my chances, but just to send out good energy) would be Asics. (second Mizuno) The rep for this area seems to be very nice and said they might have room for me next year through forerunners on fourth. I am excited and look forward to reaching that level and representing my brand to the best of my ability. I hope to become a role model for other runners just like so many around me have for me and further ensure the enjoyment of this sport.

Things I Hate - Being weak and vulnerable.

Things I love - Going in the right direction with my life.

Paavo Nurmi Run

Hello Everyone!

I hope you are all feeling slightly worked out and ready to roll this Sunday! For those of you in BC anyway. For those who don't know, my teammates and fellow Vancouver runners have been preparing for the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon this Sunday June 27Th. It's been a sweat and effort filled journey and we can finally wait for it's arrival knowing that we have followed all the necessary steps to take us on that journey smoothly.

So why the heck are you racing two races in 24hrs the weekend before the big race?? You big dummy. Well there is a bit of a story as to why I might do such a crazy thing. The Longest Day was essential for series points. (Which I actually managed to scrounge up even with such an epic field) But as for this Paavo Nurmi run, I had made a promise to a wonderful person not long ago, but before I knew my race schedule. When I moved to Vancouver I took a job at a specialty Nordic ski shop on West 4th called Sigge's. Sigge's is owned and operated by Sigge's son Anders and his wife Jody. These people took me into their shop and made me feel like I was part of their family. Sigge is the Grandfather of cross country skiing in Canada and even has trails named after him at the local mountain Cypress. Sigge informed me of this race that he puts on some time ago and one other staff member and myself agreed to partake.

I could have not shown, but that wouldn't say much for my character now would it? Besides, If you could see the look on his face when he saw me. Amazing. And not to sound cliche or anything but when I came across that line as the winner, his face, priceless. He told me how proud he was of me and said "You're living a good life." It was worth every second to hear it from such a legend. Just before I get into the race report, I'd like to take this time to thank some of my heroes and inspirations of the moment. People that have in one way or another influenced my life for the greater good in the past few years. It's people like you that inspire others to be great whether you know it or not. This list is in no particular order and there are many more, but just a quick few for now.

My parents. Especially my Dad for his running and life experience. My friends and family, coach John Hill and The VFAC crew for kicking my butt so well. Special mentions going out to Jay, Kevin, Mark, Drew, Greame, Rick, Chris, Johnny A., Kate, and Katherine. Your dedication and heart are what inspire me through the hardest of times and without you, VFAC would not be what it is today! Willy Kimosop, out of all the Kenyans, I sure like this guy, not only fast but super friendly. Ryan Day and the list could go on for days but I'll stop there.

My alarm woke me up only three hours after my head had hit the pillow. (note to self, Do not take a 6hr energy shot at 7:45 at night. (longest day 5k)) After consuming 2 litres of beer, I rolled out of bed feeling quite groggy. The sun was shining and it promised to be a glorious day! I knew I would have some good company today as I was car pooling with some friends from Sigge's. I met them at Starbucks thank goodness because I sure needed the boost and they were sweet enough to bring me a banana. Off we went. I was sure before we got there that there probably wasn't going to be any competition so I would be able to cruise through to an easy finish. Sure enough, no prob! I did however bump into a fellow runner from the circuit who has been very fast but recently coming back from injury. He was doing the 5k. Lucky for me because he was right behind me right up to 2.5 km where he passed me. I was feeling slightly laboured. I burped and it tasted of beer coffee and banana. I let him go knowing that he was only running half the distance as I was. Gosh he was looking very smooth I and had a great couple of kms with him. I hadn't been to Burnaby Lake before So I had no idea where I was going. There were hand made signs curiously placed along the course that for the most part were keeping me on track. We came to the 3km mark and I started thinking "If that was 3k then he'd be running 6k so I'm not sure how he'd get back." and now I'm wondering if he's actually doing the 10k. Shortly after that we reached the 5k turnaround. What a relief, all alone now I can really relax. The trails were soft underfoot and most of the corners were banked slightly so I could really lean into them. I felt comfortable. Towards 5km I got lost. I wasn't sure where to turn at this one junction. I turned back and asked a hiker if they had seen any signs up ahead and they said I should go back the way I was going. After a brief spazz out I realized they were right and was on my way to the turn around.

I always enjoy a good out and back. It's always neat seeing all the people you are running against. The rest of the run was uneventful except for some fatigue around the 8.5 km mark. Into the finish for photos a beautiful medal and some alkaline water. Good times!

Things I hate - Uncomfortable tempo runs

Things I love - Teammates that make me feel like family

Longest Day 5k Race

Wow! Who'd have thought that the whole feild of BC eletes would show up to this blazing fast and very windy 5k race. My goodness the list is endless, please check the link to see results. Fastest VFACer of course being Jay coming in at a exceptional 15:13. 6th OA. Even more remarkable would most certainly be the outstanding VFAC master and my fellow training partner ( how lucky am I?!) Kevin O'! 15:32! 9thOA. This guy has outrun his humble shell that follows him around. In fact, he's out run almost every Brit in front of him not to mention almost everyone else out there today!! Placing 5Th in the all time records for Brits 5k road races I've been told. Also notable mentions go out to Mark Sherman (finally representing the VFAC jersey) Him and Kevin have so many different club jerseys! It's so cool to run with these guys you have no idea! I am surrounded by superstars. By the way my time was 16:21 and I was 15th OA. What eve! A medium race. Reallly looking forward to peaking next weekend.

As we're warming up, I see Scott Simpson's doing his pre race routine. He was the winner from last weekend and has had a very impressive season as a Canadian whirlwind. To see more on him just google his race results, the list is endless. I approached him and his presence was infused with a zen like aura. He was glowing as if at any moment he might float off the ground. For all of us that moment was only 7 minutes away. Such graceful talented athletes, champions of the sport, champions of the speed. At some point soon I will be a champion of speed, but I crave track work now! I know this is my tool to make me fast. I can smell it and sometimes taste it. How sweet it is. I'm soon to embrace an up and coming track season after Scotiabank Half Marathon on July 27. http://www.canadarunningseries.com/svhm/index.html

So as far as the recount for this race here it is. I had a really easy minded feeling coming into this one. I usually freak out when there is such a deep field but this time was different. Running has become known to me on a more intimate and deep level and I have now come to an understanding that no matter what the circumstances, this is what I was meant to do and I am so lucky and privileged to have been given the means to do so. Off the line it seemed as though there was a giant surge forward. This is an all too familiar feeling in this race. Fortunately I had the comfort of knowing several of the runners around me and their capabilities. I ended up finding gramps to my right. He sped off on the heels of Tristan it seemed. I noticed Jay hanging out way in the back just as if he were jogging. I thought to myself and almost asked him WTF are you doing???? I knew he had it in him to keep up to that smelly bastard Willy(I think that was him in the red Harriers jersey) don't get me started on him, I'll get there. OK then, if Jay is chillin', so am I! We sit back on the pack but are still rolling along pretty quickly as we cruise down the hill toward SW Marine from 16Th. Tyler mentions a shout out to Jay as we round the bend and prevented me from commenting. Don't worry Jay, you had the best start out of anyone with your patience.

God we were scary fast at the first km and I was 2:52. I was surprised especially I wasn't overreacting at all but in control of my breathing, mentally and it would seem my body too. "Shit!" I thought, "This race is a lot more hilly than I remembered" those corners (and there are a lot inside UBC) take a lot of steam out of your stride! I haven't yet had the chance to tell him but Drew has made a wonderful recovery and put out a stellar fast first half. It's so easy to get caught up with the crowds that show up here. Its a similar field to the sun run or any other local major event. God he was strong and perhaps I was too relaxed because I know I want to be strong next weekend for the Half marathon, but I know I could have beat Sherman and am glad I had it in me to get Drew but in this race<>

I could see Drew since the start and knew that there was no way I was leaving the VFAC flock. We were approaching the 4km mark and I know he had gone out very strong. Based on his rate of recovery and recent workouts, I was certainly impressed by his stamina. Its great to have the strength of our team back! I hope we can maintain this performance through to Haney and Jay will be on board this time. At the same time, I was trying to play a some what conservative role Off the bat. I slowly closed the gap on him as I focused passed him on Mark. I could hear the guy behind us say to the guy he was running with "c'mon, they're teammates!" at that point, I knew they were teaming up on us. I surged forward to the wing of my man. "C'mon Drew!" I panted. But to no response I kept moving by him. At that point, I knew it was me against them and possibly Drew too. The scenery turned to a blur as frequent shouts from teammates and friends shone in from out of that blur.

I may not have come out with the time I was hoping for, but I know I put in a heart felt ( and leg/lung felt) effort! I surged when I needed to keep ole long legs off( and had to adjust my stride/cadence a couple of times to even run near him.) Glad to have the beautiful green way into the finish and the downhill to help with my severely fatigued and lactic acid saturated mussels. Coming to the bottom I was running on adrenaline alone knowing what a battle I had endured and that there was merely 150m to go. People cheering and the very last of the gasoline pours on as I embrace the new feeling of racing flats on the grass. Yayy another one bites the dust as all of my fellow compettitors and I collapse over one another and offer up congratulations for their current accomplishment.

A great apres day follow up to come but I'm fun racing tomorrow the Paavo Nurmi run for my Friend Sigge tomorrow morning at 9 its a 10k and as I am now realizing, it's now 3:23am . Sleepy time for me. I'll catch up soon and sorry for not editing this one!

Ciao peopes.

Things I Hate - Crazy bitches!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Things I love - My fantastic running community ( sorry for selling you out for a crazy bitch tonight) funny story to come stay tuned hahaha

Tuesday Night at Point Grey Track

Tuesday is usually reserved for a tempo run. I am usually forced to run these on my own because it is a Tuesday and most people are in the middle of their hustle and bustle already by the time I go out. Instead, a day before I received an email from teammate Kevin asking if Drew and I would like to join him and Jay at the track Tuesday evening instead. "What a treat!" I thought. Unfortunately Jay was having heel issues and decided to play it safe on his own instead. I was able to get a hold of Drew, so it was the three of us verses the clock.

Coach John Hill formulated a track recipe that would be a delicious appetizer for this Friday evening's 5k Longest Day race at UBC 7pm. When we arrived were greeted by some of Canada's Jr. National speed walkers. Interesting to watch them but I'm not sure I have the patience for it. It's always a pleasure to be around athletes of that stature though. Even if they are younger, I still feel slightly humbled by younger runners/athletes who compete at a national level. I sure wish I had some spikes that were the right size, because these are the shortest distancesI have run on the track in a long time and I'm sure I could have been slightly faster with more grip and responsiveness. However I did not and was saving my Asics Hyperspeed 4's for race day because of their rapid tread deterioration. This will probably not be a factor on the rubber track, so from now on I will not hesitate to bring them out to the track. (see photo) Until I geta decent pair of spikes. If you're out there Forerunners, I could use your help, All my shoes needed replacing this year and It's really expensive! Just for an added shout out, Forerunners is the best store in Vancouver for your running needs and have great prices too. Their staff (esp. Jerry Ziak) are extremely knowledgeable and helpful and always find me the right shoes.

Alright, enough with my shoe fetish already, back to the workout at hand. First off 400m warm up at 70secs. It felt definitely quick as the last time I was here, I was moving a lot slower. Straight into our 200m all out sprint the three of us shot! This is a fun one because just when I think I can't go any faster at 100m I find a little more inside to let out and push to the finish just behind Kevin in 27secs. Good thing we have 600m to rest because we are all breathing very heavily. Man, Bailey, Bolt and the rest of those Olympic sprinters make it look so easy! Trust me, without this type of training, your legs will only move so fast. Deep exhales as we come up to the start of our 800m and we're off again. We were moving so quickly through the first lap, it didn't feel much different than a 400 should to me. I wasn't sure if my legs would be able to carry me as I rounded the bend to the 600m mark. I dug deeper as Kevin pulled as hard as a Clydesdale up front and hung on with all my might. At this point it was my lungs that I could feel the resistance on. Perhaps it was that cider I had while paddling my neighbour's canoe around False Creek earlier in the day. In any event it was soon over, only to return to our recover jog around the track for a much needed 600m rest. We doubled back as to duplicate our first 200 exactly and we almost did just that! I could feel that we were slightly slower at the first 100, but at least I surprised myself by feeling refreshed enough to pour it on all the way from there. I almost passed Kevin and could feel Drew breathing down my neck on this one as we crossed the line one second slower in 28 secs. Not bad after such a demanding workout. Please note that Kevin (an Asics and Peninsula Runners pro runner) was wearing a brand new pair of Asics Hyperspeed 3's and Drew (a New Balance Pro) was wearing some New Balance spikes.

I'm super glad that Kevin and coach had the brains to create this workout and that Drew and Kev were able to join forces with me to knock this one off. Without them, my efforts would have been sub par. I am feeling ready for this weekend's 5k and even the Scotiabank Half Marathon on the 27th. Two new Personal Records to look forward to and two steps closer to the cream of the crop. Harvest season is this fall and my resume will be lookin' ripe for the pickin'!

Daddy needs a new pair of shoes and shorts and... and............

See all you speedsters at during and after the race. Stay tuned for the exciting outcome and always remember, good luck and HAVE FUN!

Things I dislike-Nothing right now:)

Things I love - People who are willing to lend a hand when needed.

Saturday Morning Track wokout. (Sorry I'm Late)

Hello World :)

I've been training, working and playing very hard lately. It's high time I get down to keeping this blog up! It's unlike me to sit down for any given length of time but I know this is good for me. Saturday morning was bright and sunny and I knew Iwas In for a warm workout. I was excited to get my new shoes out on the track for their first time. This was a perfect workout for these shoes. Mizuno Precision 7 was the first pair of these shoes My mom bought for me. They have changed slightly and I now have the 9's (not 10's) because I didn't like the colour layout. Hey, If you want to be fast, you have to feel and look fast. These baby's do it for me.

Today was 4 x 1200m w 400m rest inbetween each. We started with our usual warm up around the beautiful Shaugnessy neighbourhood. After sorting out our times, we all lined up and got geared to go. The first couple laps felt nice and easy compared to our usual lung thrashing routine. Kev, Drew and I made it through the third and final lap a little slow, 4:05. Time for our rest lap @ 1:40 and then straight into the rest of our workout. The next two were perfectly on as we crossed the line together with the seasoned pacingfrom Kev and me on the second. Both 1200's were 3:55. For the last one, I decided to throw on some steam and the guys followed. Little did they know I had some extra incentive on this lap.... You see, our speedster and fellow running gay blogger Jay had brought out his sweet little girlfriend Kirsty. I'm not sure if everyone knows this so I'll give my point of view. It's sexy and hot to imagine (as a straight guy) the thought of being with a hot lesbian. To be that one man who is man enough to make a lesbian want to try a tasteof the other side. For women, I believe this to be true in the same way for their gay friends. That being said, we have gay Jay and his super hot straight friend. I think she may have been there just to show off to Jay, but none the less I enjoyed chasing her around the track. I guess she's a lot like Jay. It's one thing to be super fast, (which they both are) but they're both paired with good looks too. It just adds to their hotness. Now if only we can get him to bring Natasha Wodok I'll be volunteering for double workouts!!. I guess what I'm trying to say is I love running even more when there are beautiful women around. Hmmmm there usually always are..... Maybe I'm on to something here!

It would seem as though I've strayed away from the workout. Oops. After flying by Kristy I slumped across the line in 3:41! Only to realise that I was out of breath forthe warm down lap that I was supposed to follow through with. Sorry Kev and Drew for messing that one up. That's so my style, show off for the ladies and end up hurting my ass or something stupid.

I have decided Kev's would be a great post workout pre beach activity, but I am called away to a massage instead. Super great! I don't mind missing a world cup game for some money and to gain a new client. The massage went well and now it's off to the beach for a relaxing afternoon. Or so I thought.......

My friend Simon and I biked to Wreck Beach from my place at Burrard. We ride there on the 8Th Avenue bike route. We both had our tunes on and after the massage I felt really good. I always feel the need to push hard when cycling with anyone. The route to UBC is a net uphill so there was some serious excursion as I pushed myself hard to get up the hill.Then it's the wreck beach stair workout, a full day of drinking and Frisbee and swimming, stair workout, and the fun bike ride back home.

Before I left UBC, I was intrigued some details on one of the buildings. After thoroughly inspecting that building and several others, I came to the conclusion that I have never seen such a perfect marriage between mother nature and man. I looked around inawe and splendor as I was sure I had found myself in heaven on earth. I found myself inside the grounds of a very lavish mansion. I cycled quietly past the window of a room full of men in tuxedos. Their attention fixed on a center speaker. I'm sure someone was being praised for some great accomplishment based on the amount of white hair and lavish surroundings in the room. I continued through this magical world and felt like a scholar from a wealthy upbringing. This evening I am blessed. Not only do I have the seclusion of a sun soaked Sunday evening, But I am now following my ears to the sound of some graceful piano sounds. I peer through a window across a great room with a stunning view of West Van from across the ocean. In the middle sits a young woman in front of a grand piano. I watch her as she rocks back and forth, her fingers seemingly motionless. Her music is so very soothing as I long for my own hands to return to the keys. How nice it would be to sit in this room on such a beautiful piano in such a masterpiece of a home. It's things and times like these that remind me what I am to look forward to in life.Yes simple things such as beautiful sunsets, and complex things like mansions that hang on the edge of the world.

Things I hate- Being impatient

Things I love- Exploring

MapMyRun.com - Regular Run: iMapMyRun: 2010-06-13 1:16 PM on 06/13/2010

MapMyRun.com - Regular Run: iMapMyRun: 2010-06-13 1:16 PM on 06/13/2010

Post Workout Report (thurs Brockton)

Alright, so tonight was definitely a different experience for me out there with the Falcons. I showed up as usual just before 6:30 with my tunes pumpin' and feeling fairly good but a little groggy after yesterday's massage and sitting all day today. I'm not used to this amount of sitting, but I'm glad to be working my brain out again, it feels satisfying. After a short but humorous razzing from the team about my sorry "ass"ed sight, it was off to the trails for a hilly 3k, 2k, 2k. It felt warm in the misty forest trails this evening and the air felt heavy and thick especially when gasping toward the end of the 3k, almost muggy. We stashed our gear and got into our performance gear. For me that usually means taking er down to the bare minimum, but I left my singlet on for the first one as I thought it was cooler in the mist. Kevin and I started out as expected. 3:45 seconds behind the pack, just behind Drew who started at 3:30 and in front of Veteran marathon Champion, Greame and VFAC's fastest Jay.

I was worried about my performance with Drew on a swift upswing and Kevin in such outstanding shape. I know I have definitely closed the gap on Greame and Jay our two speedsters over the last year! It feels good to be able to hang on to Jay for just a few more seconds each time he whizzes by me. I hate to say it too, But for months of chasing Drew down and being in his shadow, I am finally feeling like a very sound competitor and god it feels good to be blowing by him. Keeping in mind he is on his way back from injury, I'll take it when I can get it. But at the same time I wish he was in full health because I know I can beat him right now. In reality I reached the end of a small plateau and have a good few chunks of time to watch disappear off some of my races on my climb up.

For every runner there is a time when they realise, why it is that they endure through so much pain. Tonight I had one of those moments! In the first 3k lap I felt smooth going up that long steep hill until I realised how long it really was. "I haven't done this before." I thought. And before you know it I'm breathing like a vacuum cleaner. The hill evens out and I regain my breathing whilst on the heals of ole gramps. This workout is more a test of how well your body does when put into a virtual roller coaster. Or at best a test of how well my buttocks would hold up under extreme conditions. It wasn't plaguing me but for some reason I was still favoring my right leg and was paying for it dearly with an increasingly tight calf. However I learned Kevin's downhill secret, I will not indulge at this time, but it's a cadence thing and that's enough said. He cruised ahead at an unmatchable pace as I tried to remain calm while flailing wildly down the hill. It's too late, He's gone. I'm now amongst the middle of the VFAC pack as we careen through the forest mud splashing up on our shirts and arms and backs as I fly through the pack. Jay is now passing by as I try for a few strides just to match him and then, as he said so well in his blog, "let the string snap" His and my string aren't yet very strong and usually snap very quickly as he eases on by. But as I grow stronger, so does my string!! Tonight my string was especially strong with Greame! This is very exciting for me. I knew if Jay went by, then Greame wouldn't be far behind. I knew that if I could hold my pace and form and just cram enough air into my lungs, I might be able to fight him off for the last km. I checked twice, and was sure I could see him behind me. Not far to go I hope, because I'm really teetering on the edge of an explosion! I know Greame has just ran and won Calgary Marathon and came in third at Vancouver, but like we say amongst ourselves, I'll take it whenever I can. It's a battle field out there sometimes and I've been beat every single time by Greame. I GOT HIM. ( He was still faster but hadn't passed me) I still can hardly believe it.

Second lap, Nothing spectacular. Coach John had to pull some magic on my locked up calf with his technique which works every time. I'm not sure of the name but I'll get back to that some other time. It seems as though my mental isn't with it on this one but my physical doesnt care and is doing the workout any way. That's a good sign. Coach John agrees. Short and sweet and on point. GOT HIM AGAIN! This time I was faster.

Third lap was a mass start and Keven led out like a wild dog hungry for dinner. (At this point, I'm sure he probably was) It was super cool because Drew made a charge for it and then it was Greame, Jay and I running neck and neck behind them which has never happened before. It felt like I was flying. Jay eventually took me, then Kevin and Drew. Drew slipped behind me and was quickly swallowed up by his premature efforts. Just the four of us now as Jay and Kev pull away and its up to me to hold off Greame coming down the hill. He passes me along the bottom flats and amazingly I am able to match his pace. At the last junction he surges one last time once again I fight back and hold on. With 45 meters to go I throw it all on and take Greame. I can hear him congratulate me through his deep breath. Wow, That was a satisfying moment. I've worked so hard to get here and it's happening!

The power of perseverance prevailed this evening and the victor is me. By the way, In case anyone was worried, My new shoes came out of this ordeal not a shade less bright white! Amazing.

A good ten minute soak in the ocean over some good conversation and a pleasurable drive home. Brown rice with kale, red peppers spinach and sauteed Chicken breast seasoned and cooked to perfection with a glass of San Rafiel- Finca Los Primos, Malbec. Good day!

Things I love- I love Running

Things I hate- I hate the way my insides feel as though they've been in a paint can shaker.

Well I guess it's about time I figure out what the hell I'm doing with my life. I'm 27 and feel as though I am getting older but have yet to really make a name for myself yet. It seems at times I can grow a bit impatient. So long as I keep telling myself the most important thing I have learned in life thus far, "everything is going to be alright", it will. I have sincere belief that I was put here on earth to be great and have every intention of doing so. I have started a new and exciting chapter of my life by moving to Vancouver and am excited to share my adventures with everyone in my great network. It's kind of weird to be putting my thoughts down like this as I've never really kept a journal. but I myself think this will be worth the time invested and perhaps may help in keeping me focused on some of my goals.

What are my goals? Good question. For this year I have a lot of great things planned. One of my most important goals is my running. This year I want to win my age group in the www.lmrrs.com. More importantly, I am focussing on quality, not quantity. I am picking my races strategically this year and following my training schedule religiously. Except for yesterday, because I really bruised my ass bad and needed to recover. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! So long as Drew Nicholson doesn't catch up to me by the end of the series, I can take him out. But as for Tristan Simpson, He's going to be a slightly bigger (even though he's smaller) fish to fry. Maybe he wont enter enough races or I can just do more than him to beat him in points. We'll see how it goes.

As for this season, I'm super happy with how it's going. I finally got my PR for 10k at the Sandcastle 10k in White Rock on Sunday 33:02 and am fully confident I have what it takes to break that by the end of July. I Know I have what it takes to break 16:00 at the longest day 5k and am sure to throw down a solid PR at the Scotiabank Half Marathon as well.

Aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh, That was a sigh of relief as I peek out my beautiful window to see the torrential rain breaking apart and clouds lifting. This means I will be able to strut my stuff in my new Mizuno Prescision 9 Lightweight trainers generously discounted at Forerunners for being a VFACer. God I hate it when I get My new runners Muddy!!

Hey can you tell by how easily I get distracted that I have ADHD? What is that you ask? It's attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. WTF is that you ask? It means I'm hyper and have the attention span of a 6yr old on a sugar high. It can be tough some times, But I'm finding great ways to help focus myself and channel my energy correctly. I was told by my naturopathic doctor to begin meditating. Unfortunately for me, my brain is very busy and it wants to think all the time. Just not on one thing. So I recently discovered hot yoga. Thanks to Katherine Moore for the smooth entry into this fantastic workout which has at the same time forced me to meditate. I will be writing an ebook on coping with ADHD naturally. This is something I know I can conquer drug free and am adamant my work will help other to live free of any restrictions.

Next goal, Complete Victoria marathon this fall in 2:40 or better and hopefully place in the top ten overall. Specifics from that shall follow the Half. I am nervous to step up my mileage, but I am confident that I will have a solid performance come race day.

I am currently working on this huge social network to try and promote myself and get sponsored as a runner and help my massage business at the same time. I will work tirelessly on this until I have reached a platform on which I can build an empire for all runners and health freaks and ADHD sufferers alike to be able to seek refuge in. I'd like to share my thoughts and advice in hopes that people will enjoy and relate and be inspired to take life on with thier full abilities just as I am.

This will be all for now, as I have to get going shortly to Practice with my super awesome team The Vancouver Falcons Athletic Club. (to be known from now on as VFAC) I Love being a part of such a great group of people! It makes training so much better when you have a solid group of people to share the workload with. Alright so thats it for now, check back later to see how the workout went. Happy training to all and May the wind always be at your back.

Things I love- New shoes and great teammates

Things I hate- Getting my new shoes dirty, Bruising my entire ass cheek.