When the going gets tough

Hello my faithful group of fitness enthusiasts.
It's time for a bit of a personal blog entry.  I was feeling a little blah-say yesterday and because of my current lack of work I have copious amounts of time to reflect on my life.  Today I will share some of these reflections with you.  I am currently in a transitional period in my life.  I have come to the end of my season of full  time work at Sigge's.  This is always an exciting but also very challenging time for me. For one thing it gives me an immense sense of freedom but on the other hand, I am confined by my lack of income.  As you all may know, I own and operate a mobile Thai Massage business here in Vancouver.  This is a time where I seriously vamp up my marketing and push hard to get my name out there and gain new clients.  Last year was my first year here in Vancouver doing this.  It was a very difficult and somewhat depressing summer.  After weeks on end of hand delivering flyers and posting ads and posters and dropping off cards, I would have not one call.  Since then I have made a lot of new friends and contacts and there are some very exciting things on the horizon for Mind Body Mobile Thai Massage.  I plan on bringing my massage to the beaches of this fine city this summer and capitalizing on the vast amount of clients looking to relax even more as they enjoy the beautiful beaches of Vancouver.  This may be an idea that solidifies next summer as it will take some capitol to purchase a tent and a wireless Visa terminal.  So far I have a small client base.  I am looking forward to building that to a level where it starts working for itself.  Once people realize how effective my Thai massage is they will spread the good word to their friends and then business will really take off.  I am also getting a new number from my school which will be fully recognized by insurance companies here in the province of BC.  This is exciting because it means that people won't have to pay for the full amount of their massages if they have a health plan through their work. I'm hoping that this summer gives me enough growth to sustain myself fully by next year.  I plan on working at least one more season at Sigge's as I really enjoy letting them take the reigns for a few months so I can have a steady income.  Not to mention they are very kind and great to work for as they let me work my racing and training schedule into my work schedule.  So there goes my rant about work.

The next thing that has been on my mind has been my running career. (If you can call it that)  I some times wonder why I wasn't given the gift of some other sport which would pay me millions of dollars per year.  I feel like I have to sell my soul just to get a new pair of running shoes!  I have been trying pretty darn hard to train and excel at this sport in hopes of getting some company to recognize me. My first sponsor Monavie was a great experience but as it now seems has turned out to be a bit of a flop.  They were overly kind and supportive in the beginning and helped me out with running equipment and sent me lots of their wonderful products every month.  I really benefited from drinking that juice and having them supply me with my racing kit made it much easier for me to perform to my fullest without having the burden of the costs involved in constantly wearing through my equipment.  As time went on, their level of support completely dropped out from under me and communications ceased.  I think they were hoping that I was going to become a Monavie sales rep.  I did try to sell their product and attended several of their functions.  The feedback I received was that their product was rather expensive for the average person.  I am now certain that they are no longer supporting me as it has been a few months since I've received any product and I had no reply for my request for equipment assistance.  I did get official confirmation from Icebreaker that I am officially a sponsored Icebreaker athlete.  They were kind enough to send me a running singlet and shorts with a pair of socks.  I have sent them an email asking what kind of help they are willing to provide as my sponsor but to no prevail.  What the hell is wrong with these big companies?? I worship Icebreaker and have spent a lot of my own money and time trying to make them look good.  You think the least they could do to show some appreciation is reply to my god damn emails!  I try to be respectful and professional all the time but why is it that us runners are constantly getting the cold shoulders from these million dollar companies?  Throw me a friggin bone here please.  I may be a little assuming, but I have seen how well some of my running colleges have been taken care of by their sponsors.  I am fully attempting to make running my full time job, but currently it's a full time job trying to get any help from these large companies.  It seems as though they are only interested in runners who are setting world records and running on an international level.  They give you a morsel of hope and you get excited and therein promote them to no end and then what? No reply, no reply! Is that any way to treat your athletes?  In my opinion, the local age groupers and runners who are consistently at the top of their field and winning local races are viewed highly in the community and therefore should be well taken care of.  There are masses of runners who do this recreationally and support the industry by buying up all of the running products these companies have to offer.  The few at the top deserve support if needed in order to excel. At my current income I am a starving athlete and it still is my passion and my only real focus in life. I work so that I can eat well, have a roof over my head and support myself with the products I need to run competitively.  Recently I have been let down by the running community.  I am not talking about the local runners, but the companies who pretend to be there for us.  I understand fully the dynamics of the politics involved between local running stores and shoe companies, but seriously, have these reps or executives ever put there ass on the line for the sake of the sport, the brand or self excellence?  If they could see past the dollar signs and realize their support would directly create sales then we would have a system that works to create world class athletes.  I'm pretty sure Asics and Icebreaker aren't wondering if they will be able to scrape together enough money to pay rent or where their next meal will come from so why not give back to the community that supports you?

Ugggghhhh if that rant hasn't tired you out it sure has me.  So when the going gets tough, the tough pull up their compression socks and dig deep to keep their heads above the raging waters of this stormy sea called life.  So back into the depths of this raging water I will plunge until someone notices my flailing arms and comes to my aid.  I'm not one to say "I can't" do this on my own, but I haven't been blessed with a sheltered life and haven't always made the best choices.  My choices now are to hold my head high and put in a whole hearted effort and present to the world that it can be done even if only by one man.  Perseverance will put me on top at some point and I will not stop trying until I am.  The frustrations of life can often get oneself down but I am glad to have outlets which enable me the strength needed to continue.  I was turned down for my request at getting travel assistance and accommodation at the TC 10k in Victoria. Therefore I will not be going. No fault but my own for leaving it fairly late. I was also turned down a complementary entry to this years BMO 8k race which I placed second in last year.  This was an upset to me because I had left plenty of time for that request.  Out of sheer rage I payed the outrageous price of $47.04 so that I can claim my victory and when I get up on stage to collect my puny trophy and my zero dollars prize money I will certainly ask for my money back.  I am pissed off that the largest marathon in Canada can not take the time or energy to accommodate a local elite.  I am certainly no superstar, but I try very hard and wear my heart on my sleeve asking only  for little in return.  As I read in the Canadian Running Magazine this month on how the Vancouver Marathon was started, it was never originally about making money but for the love of the sport.  I understand there are massive costs involved to organize and put on a race of this size, but between the three races their costs are more than covered.  If not why don't you just ask BMO to print some money and send over a couple wheelbarrows full? Lord knows I could sure use a couple bucks.  For the rest of you starving athletes out there, keep your head up, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  This sport has grown triumphantly over the years and I am certain that we will one day get a slice of the growing pie.  After all without us as one of the key ingredients, the pie would be nothing but a circus with no direction. Or is it already? We shall see.  Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.  I will be back in a few days to report the BMO experience.  Until then I wish all who are running their spring marathons the best of luck and the elites at the TC 10k smokin' fast times.

Things I hate: Empty promises             
Things I love: The constant ability to improve.

On your mark, get set, GO 2011!!

Good day my fantastic fitness friends,
Sorry to leave you without any reading for the last month.  It's been a great season at Sigge's and I have certainly been busy running around the shop more than I have been out running on the streets of this beautiful city.  All in all it's great to be productive and have a steady pay cheque.  Now that things are winding down a little bit, I am able to concentrate on which races I will be doing this season and how I plan on incorporating them into my training schedule.  It's important to choose your races wisely when you are competing at a high level.  I figure I will race the Timex BC Road Running Series in hopes of making the BC team.  This will give me the opportunity to represent BC which would make me proud.  I just completed race one of the Lower Mainland Road Race Series (LMRRS) which was also race two of the Timex BC road race series.  Here's how it all went down:

It was a crisp and clear morning on January 30th 2011 and it was looking like perfect running conditions for a flat and fast Steveston Icebreaker 8k put on by Kajaks.  I was excited for this one as I had set an unofficial personal record at our club race the week before and was sure I would be able to top that among such a speedy field.  There are always some big guns out at the provincial Timex races and great times follow if you can hang with the big dogs without blowing up.  It was great to see everyone again.  I love saying hello to all the different runners before and after the race, it makes it feel like a big running party.  It did seem like everyone was ready to battle this morning as I prepared for the race and readied myself for my warm up.  I laced up my Asics Pirranna's (the lightest racing flats in the world, first time racing them) and stripped down to my Monavie shorts and 200 Oasis Crewe  from Icebreaker.  I noticed Steve Osiduik approaching the start line and congratulated him on his talent then introduced my self.  Jerry Ziak was also up front today as well as David Jackson.   Not to mention the swarm of blue VFAC  jerseys surrounding me.  I could feel the the excitement building.    The sun felt amazing on my face as the gun went off and I ran towards its warm embrace. The first hundred meters were quick as I expected while everyone filed into position.  There was a young speedster who took the whole shot and was quickly swallowed up by  the lead pack.  I was surprised to see how close I was staying to what seemed to be an enormous lead pack.  At least 10 of us were together for the first 2km. I was right on the heels of Osiduik and Drew was hot on mine.  Shortly thereafter, I could see the lead few pulling away and I knew I would have to let up a bit to avoid spending too much too early.  As we approached the 3k mark Drew took the lead over me.  I settled into his draft and we pushed on into a slight headwind alongside the water.  I could see the runners ahead pulling away slightly and felt as though I had what it took to keep my rope taunt on them.  I pushed past Nicholson and focused on Geoff Reid from the Harriers.  As I approached the half way point, I could see the leaders turning back now for the final 4000 meters.  It was a battle between Ziak and Jackson and sure to be a good one.  Can't wait until I'm fast enough to battle with them!  I took a deep breath and relaxed as I rounded the turning point then surged out of the corner with a blast of power.  The wind was now at my back as was the sun.  I had flat asphalt and a mild tail wind to guide me home, it was time to boogie!   I kicked it into the next gear and clawed at the foot prints still hot from Reid.  Deep breaths and long powerful strides as I focused in on form and technique all the while concentrating on closing the gap.  I was closing in on my target, getting ever closer to the finish and running out of steam.  It was the 6th km and I was feeling the burn.  I was doing everything I could to stay strong.  Very tough km but once completed I knew the finish was only one last push away.  I had lost sight of Osiduik through the 5.5 and 6th km because there were several corners and turns in the route. As I rounded the final corner I could see Reid, and Osiduik was just finishing.  I was unable to catch Reid and his push to the finish was very strong, but I managed to keep the gap between him and I the same.  We all collapsed over ourselves at the finish as we gasped for air.  Hand shakes all around for the top ten.  Water and congrats to Nicholson who followed me in and kept me on my toes.  Shortly after it was time for the warm down jog.  It was a great race.  Unfortunately I didn't set the PB I was hoping to and ended up 8th overall and 3rd in my age group with a time of 26:09.  At least it's a certified personal best result.  There were some delicious and healthy bars called Maki Bars at the awards ceremony.  My friend and extremely talented runner Tristin Simpson had recommended them to me so I had to try them. To my delight they were fantastic. The woman who makes them, Maki gave me a bag of them to take home.  I was certainly happy about it because I went straight to work and they kept me from passing out from hunger.  You think I would learn how to nourish myself after so many post race work experiences.  All in all a fantastic day at the races!

Here's some photos from the event.

Things I hate: Writers Block
Things I love: The sun shining on my face

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