Blue Nose International Marathon

Donald Rankin 10 K

Age: 53

Lifestyle: I am employed as a Director of Human Resources. I am married with two grown children. With a bit of traveling outside of the province some strain is added to routines and disciplines.

Goal: Rededicate myself to a healthy lifestyle. Run the 10K Blue Nose race in 66 minutes or less and to do it weighing less than I did when I ran the 5K in 2006.

February 04, 2008

I am employed as a Director of Human Resources. I am married with two grown children. I sometimes have to do a bit of out of province traveling which can put a strain on routines and disciplines. Throughout my life I wasn't very active although I participated in all sports when younger, I could not be considered 'athletic'... I was never a thin person and certainly not a runner! When my weight increased to almost 300 lbs in 2005, I finally decided to eat properly and exercise resulting in a weight loss of 60 lbs. I was exercising regularly and running for 10 -15 minutes on a treadmill besides other regular cardio and strength exercises . In the fall of 2005 Gerry Walsh challenged me to run in the Bluenose the following May. Running was something Donald had never done in his life before, but I love a challenge so that's all it took and I started to prepare for Bluenose 2006! I joined the Learn to Run program in the spring and over the course of early 2006 lost another 24 lbs. I ran the 5K in the Bluenose in just over 29 minutes. I continued to train and run on a regular basis and felt great about myself and life in general. In January 2007 my father was diagnosed with cancer. It was a difficult and stressful time with lots of time away from home. He passed away in May 2007. Unfortunately, through it all I drifted back into my old habits. Although I participated in a couple of 10K races in late 2007, it was not a good fitness year and I did not pay attention to healthy eating and regular exercise. By the end of 2007 I had gained back almost 40 pounds of the weight I lost in 2005-06 and was not in any kind of a regular exercise routine. I didn't have that same confidence in my step and didn't feel as positive as I had back in 2006. In January I agreed to become part of Team Myles for the Bluenose Marathon and rededicate myself to a healthy lifestyle. I want that natural high - I want that feeling back.. My goal is to run the 10K Bluenose race in 66 minutes or less and to do it at a lower weight than when I ran the 5K in 2006. I started training back in mid January, 2008 and have been able to build up a bit if a base as well as drop a few pounds. Yesterday I did a 7K run with my Team Myles Life Coach Fred Aylward. I did it in 52:45 ( no easy task for a 247 pound 53 year old!) so I have some work ahead of me to reach my goal. I know I am really going to like working with Fred - he has given me some real helpful hints and some stuff to work on this week. Life is a journey not a destination and I am determined to change direction on this stage of the journey. I know from previous experience healthy eating and regular exercise can make the journey much more enjoyable as well as help ensure that I will be around to participate in the late stages of the journey ( when you hit your fifties that becomes important!). I look forward to sharing the next four months of the "trip" with you. Donald

February 10, 2008

A good week running wise, but not a great week weight wise. I got to the gym 4 days last week and ran on three occasions for a total of 16K for the week - for two of the runs I was able to get outside so that was enjoyable. I ran 5K on the treadmill on Thursday morning and I find running on a treadmill for anything over 20 minutes an onerous task. I tend to be a fair weather runner (although running in weather can be very empowering - more on that in a future blog) so if I am committed to building the base, the only other option is to tough it out in snow and cold. I find when I am on the treadmill when I let my mind wander to various spots in the 10K Bluenose run it motivates me. Given our Nova Scotia Februarys, I will likely be passing the Trade Mart Building on Brunswick St many times in my mind the next few weeks - LOL. My weight stayed the same this week and I know why - no sense being disappointed - I learned long ago, that if nothing changes nothing changes. This may be my biggest challenge for the next few weeks. I had my diagnostic run with Fred Aylward from Quest last Saturday and we are going to go over a plan this week to optimize my training leading up to the Bluenose. His initial assessment is there is more speed and endurance left in the engine of this old body, so that is very encouraging - my challenge is to take care of the tires as well as the other parts, fill it with the right fuel, and keep it well tuned. I have noticed the running is getting a little easier and already I am feeling better so that is all positive stuff. Till next week Donald

February 17, 2008

Not a great week - not a bad week. I was out of my routine and not eating right pizza, dinner at the Midtown, valentine chocolate etc. My son was home from Edmonton so lots of diversion excuses (He told me not to blame him in this blog for my indiscretions). My weight went up half a pound this week. I have to watch what I am eating and get in game shape. My wife is doing her best to support me and helping to plan the right things to eat when home. I ran three times this week, but all were at the end of the week. Three short runs 4.25 K, 5.5K and 4.5K. I was able to run outside today and yesterday (although yesterday it was very cold in the wind coldest day that I ever ventured out to run so thats progress). Today I felt a bit like Rosie Ruiz. I have a nice little 4.5K route from the Y along Young Ave to Point Pleasant Park Drive to Tower Rd and back to the Y. I ran that this morning and I forgot the Hypothermic Half Marathon was today. When I turned from Point Pleasant Park Drive on to Tower Road I was suddenly running with all these athletic-looking runners in this event! Even though I was on the sidewalk and they were on the road, I think some spectators thought I was in the event (and I do NOT look like a marathon runner!). Although the support from the spectators was motivating, I felt guilty and was glad when the real runners turned up Goorsebrook Ave. Fred Aylward of Quest Lifestyle Coaching, my Team Myles sponsored coach, suggested I get a heart monitor and run to that. He devised a program for me that has me running less distance now then gradually increasing distance to the Bluenose 10K. I am also to run to my heart rate and have low, moderate and hard runs interspersed in the week. I tried it this week quite an adjustment for me. I like to go full throttle and get things behind me and I also never follow recipes when I cook so I think you get the picture! This will really be a test for me to slow down and not go the big distances now. It was a pain to run to the heart rate watch, but I must admit, I did feel better at the end of the run. Fred really knows his stuff and I know he is devising the best thing for me. I used to be in the harness racing business and know a driver has to watch the race times and pace a horse to win a race. If it works for a horse why wont it work for Donald? When I was running this weekend I just kept thinking - same as at the track I have to back off the half mile after a tough quarter so I have some kick to come home. I also started my Team Myles training program at the Y and worked with my fitness trainer today. She was great and came up with a plan to improve my lower and upper body strength in preparation for the 10K. The support and encouragement for me as a Team Myles participant has been unbelievable. I am very grateful to the Bluenose folks for all the help. Till next week& Donald

February 24, 2008

I was not able to get outside for any runs this week, but was able to get three treadmill runs in this week. I am pleased with that as I was away for a couple of days this week as well. In all a total of 13.5 K. The longest run was on Saturday where I went 5.5K in 38 minutes. I am keeping it slow and steady as recommended. I ran the Blue Nose 5K in 29:06 so this is slower than I like to go, but likely better for the heart given my added weight. I was not able to use my heart monitor as the electronics in the treadmill distort the readings. Nevertheless, I tried to run to the heart rate levels that Fred recommended so I would turn the speed down to about 4.5 miles an hour for 30 seconds every 7 minutes or so to get a heart reading, and for the most part, I was able to keep the heart rate below 150. That is still too high. I know why - my weight remained the same this week. The food is the real challenge for me right now. Carbs for me are addictive and I really need a week of withdrawal to eliminate the cravings. I was not able to get outside to run today which was unfortunate, as it looked like a great day to run. I checked the 14 day forecast and it does not look too bad, so hopefully I can get some outside runs a few times the next couple of weeks Treadmill running is a pain! . I really hate winter. I am dying to get out and get over the MacDonald Bridge. That is part of our 10K Blue Nose route and I ran it a few times in 2006 training for the 5K. It can be a challenge, but is quite a buzz when you go over and back. The folks at the Y have been great and I am working hard with the weight program they designed for me. I must admit, the core stretching exercises did get easier this week (just as they promised) once the old body started to adjust. I should have a good gym week this week. As I said, I was away this week, yet still got up 5am and used the hotel gym. I was in a 250 room hotel and I heard them say at check in that the hotel was sold out. There were only about 5 of us in the gym. Amazing when you think that less than 2% (many rooms likely had more than one person in them) of the population in that hotel were exercising that morning. Most hotels have great exercise rooms and it really feels good when you exercise, but gosh it is hard to get out of bed on the road. Till next week& Donald

February 24, 2008

March 02, 2008

Here we are a month into training and I feel good about where we are from a training standpoint. Disappointed I am not lighter, but no one to blame for that but me. I was able to get to the gym 3 times last week and ran 3 times including 2 occasions outside. I am on week 3 of my 14 week race prep schedule my trainer Fred Aylward put together for me; we are still focused on getting me to run to my heart rate. I was supposed to run 9K in total 4 times but I did 12 in 3. The focus for me continues to be lower heart rate zones; yesterday I did a reasonable job running 5K at my moderate heart rate. As I have said before, running like that is totally against my personality, but I must admit although it took me longer, I felt much better after 5K in 40 minutes I felt like I could have run for another hour, but since I was only suppose to go 3K I shut it down after 5K. I was pleased with how I felt and it shows the conditioning is working although I am not dropping any weight (my food choices). I had to walk a few times to get the heart rate down but my whole focus on the run was heart rate not time a whole different kettle of fish for me! I actually went a different route since I have interval times I check on my regular route and I didnt want any temptations&..I know my competitive nature. I was experiencing minor knee and shin aches and Fred suggested I use the new shoes I was given (what a great deal new New Balance shoes plus other great New Balance stuff for sharing this blog with you!). This would be consistent with what others have suggested about shoe life. You have to understand, I have been known to have a propensity for thrift. I have been running in a two year old pair of New Balance shoes I love them theyre comfortable, broken in to my feet, and I have never had a problem with them. I know they told me when I was in a learn to run program a couple of years ago that a rule of thumb is about 500K-600K for a pair of shoes and depending how you run, maybe sooner. Well I thought that was a lot of marketing bunk designed to get me to spend my dollars on new shoes. I have been in these old shoes for over 700K now (I keep track of my monthly distance totals) but I never thought that could be the problem I just kept thinking of the marketing folks trying to drive the revenue numbers and you could likely add 200K to their number. Nor did I think as an overweight runner that strikes the ground hard, I might be putting more pressure on the shoes. Besides this was dirty weather season and I didnt want to get my new shoes dirty I was thinking I would wait till spring so they would look good longer. Well, I ran in the new shoes yesterday and guess what? - my knees and shins feel better today. I think the shoe maximums suggestions are correct (go figure!). I am lucky to have all these kind folks looking out for me and suggesting the proper way to do things, I should have known from previous experience the proper shoe is critical to pain-free running but again - the challenges of the personality. Interesting on my running journey I am discovering more about me that has nothing to do with running! I am looking forward to some good weather this week. Till next week

March 09, 2008

Just 67 days until race day and I had my biggest weekly distance total so far. I was able to get 4 runs this week for a total of 16K (including two outside which were great.) I am still adjusting to the running schedule Fred Aylward, of Quest Lifestyle Coaching my Team Myles coach has outlined for me: shorter distances for now, and running to my heart rate. My schedule calls for one hard run, one moderate run, a low run and a jog. These are all based on my heart rate. I must admit I am finding it easier to do even the 5K hard run on Tuesday morning. I am almost feeling a bit addicted and I now look forward to the running. I really wanted to go again today, but I had been either running or been at the gym doing weights or cardio for the 5 previous days and although the mind said go, the body was telling me I needed a day of rest. Running is about mind, body, and spirit not just body. I was in Sydney over the weekend and there was a real strong cold wind. Speaking of being in Sydney, I was able to go to the YMCA in Sydney yesterday using my Team Myles YMCA membership from Halifax that was a real bonus! Fred also has me doing a series of stretching exercises to increase my core strength and I think they are helping as well. I was on his leg stretching machine on Thursday one of only 3 machines in Canada. I would have never thought I could stretch that far. As I said earlier, I have found running to be about the mind, body and spirit and the more running I do, the better I feel both mentally and physically as well as in spirit. Running can be a spiritually uplifting exercise as well. Last Tuesday morning at around 5:45 am I was running outside and the last part of my run was around the public gardens. It was just at daybreak it was a beautiful semi spring morning and I felt a real inner peace and serenity. There is something very special about that time of the morning and at 53 years old; I was feeling very grateful just to be able to be up at that time of the morning and to have the ability to be able to run. I felt very connected spiritually to two friends as I ran that morning and I could not help but think of them. My best buddy from university was a runner. We were friends for almost 30 years. I was his best man at his wedding. He passed away from cancer a couple of years ago. He was 50 years old. I think of Dave often when I run and although he is not here with me in body, he is definitely with me in spirit encouraging me all the way as he always did. My best buddy from high school is a runner. We have been friends for almost 40 years. I was his best man at his wedding too. He has been living with pancreatic cancer for two years and is not able to run right now. He is 52 years old. I think of Paul often when I run and I know he is with me in spirit as well. We have talked about it and although he lives 1500 miles away, we feel the spiritual connection when I run. I am really looking forward to the day he and I will be able to go for a run together&.sometime soon. Never did I imagine these spiritual rewards would come from running. Till next week

March 16, 2008

Not much to report this week. I picked up a nasty cold that I am still fighting and I was not able to get out all week. I went to the gym yesterday and did 3.5K on a treadmill, but I think it may have set me back. I am wondering if I may have an infection rather than just a cold as I still have a sore throat and hoarse voice. Interesting I was getting these cramps in my calfs in the middle of the night - I think they were saying - hey where is the exercise? Kind of disappointing that I had my best week yet the week before then this. I guess on the plus side better to have this now than later. Hopefully I will be able to get out on Tuesday and get back on schedule. Till next week.

March 23, 2008

I was able to get 3 runs in this week for a total of 14K and it felt good to get back into the swing of things after being sick last week. The schedule called for 4 runs for a total of 16K, so I am not quite on schedule, but I plan to be this week. I am learning to run to the heart monitor and it is not as big a chore as it was when I first started using it. In fact, I am getting accustomed to it and how to use it; I am recording my average heart rates on my runs. I do find that I am not as tired after I finish but I still need to get a lower heart rate over more distance with increased speed. It has been real tough to get going with the winter we are having. I wish John Baird would come down to try and train in the constant cold wind and snow, it might change his ideas about global warming! My real challenge is my weight not the winter. I had really hoped to be down about 20 pounds at this point, but I am actually up a few pounds since we started. It is really hard training and getting any kind consistency and rhythm when I am still not eating properly. It is starting to really bother me. I have a situation in my life right now that is causing me a great deal of anxiety and apprehension ? unfortunately the situation is the kind of thing that attacks self esteem, and when that happens to me, I crave carbohydrates. It is comfort food. I can?t get enough of them. The crazy thing is that self esteem increases when eating right and exercising and I also know that I would be in a better position to deal with this situation if I was eating right and exercising, so it is a real Catch 22! Fred, our coach, reminded us in an Easter e-mail that ?it's not too late for an overhaul to your schedule and mini-goals? I need to do that overhaul. I felt real good after my 5K run today, so maybe Donald?s resurrection can start today. It would be very fitting considering it is Easter Sunday. Till next week (and I promise to be lighter)

March 30, 2008

Finally a real good week! I was able to get 4 runs in for a total of 20.5K. I ate properly and lost 5 lbs. I finally feel like I have some traction now. Even though I lost a good part of a week with a cold a few weeks ago, I was able to run 54K this month and my training schedule called for 51K so I feel good about that. Fred our coach continues to work on the stretching with me and I really think it is having a positive effect. I have replaced time with heart rate as my running benchmark now and I am having progress on that front as well. I don?t feel as tired as I did previously after a 5K run. I am a convert to this heartbeat running! Once I get a few more pounds off, I am sure the speed will pick up without the corresponding increase in heart rate, so with 46 days to go till race day, I feel reasonably good about where I am in the training plan. Many thanks to Fred Aylward as well as Tony and Alison at the Y for that. I would have like to run 10K today, but I am going to listen to folks and follow the plan. I did run a 7K today and I wasn?t supposed to do that till next Sunday, but I miscalculated on my distance from the YMCA and ended up at 7K. It felt great though. I just slowed down when I had to and did the walks on the hills if needed when it was time to get the heart rate lower. I even did my 45 minute gym weight training routine after the run since I missed it yesterday. Looks like the weather has finally turned the corner so all in all a real upbeat week! Till next week.

April 06, 2008

Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, Mea Maxima Culpa. I got carried away today. I was going to do my 7K run as called for on my training schedule. I planned on following the Bluenose 10K route to the Dartmouth side of the the bridge turn around then back over the bridge to Brunswick Street to the Metro Centre. However, once I got to Dartmouth, I felt good so I ran the full 10K Bluenose route. For the first time since I started training I have a little stiffness in the legs but I will take it. It was likely a little too much for where I was in terms of conditioning but hey, I feel good tonight. The route is a little more challenging that I thought, but enjoyable. I will be glad I know where I am going come race day. I was labouring around the 7.5 -8 K mark and did say a bad word out loud when Cherry Dr was not Vanessa St as I expected ( I am from Halifax and like everyone else from this side I don?t know where I am in Dartmouth). It took me 1 hour and 23 minutes so I may have to readjust my goal. That?s 17 minutes longer than my goal but my goals have changed now that I am a heart rate runner rather than time runner. I am no speed demon, but who cares I am having fun and enjoying it ? that?s my new goal. Gosh, as I said in my first blog I am no athlete. Who would have thought in a million years I would be doing this and enjoying it? I hated running. I wish my grade 11 gym teacher could see me now. We use to be scheduled to run 2 miles in gym class (I was in high school before metric) and I would leave the school cut out at about 1000 ft then circle the block behind the school wait around for 20 minutes then run the last 1500 ft to the school. I think he knew what I was doing. He would not believe me now 35 years later ? running 6.25 miles (10K) and wanting to do more. I liked what fellow Team Myles member Calvin Clarke said in his blog a couple of weeks ago about this being our Olympics. He is so right. I am only going 10K but this is my Olympics. I remember the feeling at the end of the 5K two years ago The crowds cheering you on, encouraging you, I was almost in tears at the end of the race with the applause and cheers of the spectators, it is truly an indescribable experience. And I could relate to the feeling he talked about when you cross the finish line and see the proud look on the faces of loved ones. The support from them is also so important. The crowd is truly a big part of the Bluenose experience they really help us in our journey. When I ran up Brunswick Street today I was imagining what it is going to be like in 6 weeks. It is quite a high. But it is not just the support at the end, it is important all along the various routes. I will never forget the guy 2 years ago blasting AC DC on a boom box at the Armouries ? he doesn?t know what he did for me. My thanks to you. I run to AC DC, but left the tunes behind for the Bluenose, here I was a couple of kilometres in and slowing down when I hear the great opening riffs of Thunderstruck and away I went. So please come out where ever you can cheer on these runners. We really appreciate your support and you do make a difference. I ran 26.5K in total this week and lost 3 lbs so progress is good. Also making strides with the stretching exercises Fred mapped out for me. Enjoy the great spring weather this week and get out and get moving no matter what your status ? lots of spots open for the 5K walk/run and lots of time yet to train. Till next week

April 13, 2008

Finally a week I was able to run outside for all four runs and I wore shorts for each of them. Total of 26.4 Kms for the week. I was suppose to do 8 K for my long run today, but I ran 8.8 Kms yesterday as the forecast was not that great for today, but it turned out to be a fine day. I didn?t feel too bad today so I went 7 Kms instead of the 5 Kms on my schedule and I don?t feel too bad at all tonight. I think the swim, whirlpool and steam room at the Y after the run really help the muscles. Thanks again to the committee for the Y membership - it has been great. I still continue with the stretching exercises coach Fred recommended and I find I am making progress with those as well as the core stuff. My weight went up a pound this week, so I was not pleased with that, but I am the guy that made the food choices. I am getting really excited about the run now. Every time I pass the Metro Centre I think of the run. I look forward to the training runs when the weather is as nice as it has been these past few days. I run primarily on Young Ave and around Point Pleasant Park. Even though I am an overweight old guy in frumpy running clothes I feel a real camaraderie with the runners. It is kind of neat that most smile and give a subtle wave of the hand when they pass me; just like the motorcycle folks do when they pass on the highway. You feel like part of a fraternity and you feel good about what you are doing. My wife says a lot of my conversation these days centers around running. I tend to get totally immersed in things. I am also really proud of my wife ? she has been going to the gym 4-5 days a week now for a couple of months and walking. She has entered the Blue Nose 5K walk so it will be a family event for us. She also got a call from her sister in Sydney and she has started walking this week. This exercise stuff is contagious. All of this comes out of the Blue Nose; tangible evidence of the positive influence which the Blue Nose Marathon event brings - the organizing committee deserve a lot of credit for making a healthier Nova Scotia. I think there is a lesson for government in all of this. Till next week Donald

April 21, 2008

Not a good week. I was right on schedule till about 5:50 on Wednesday morning that?s when I had a nasty fall on the St. Johns Nfld waterfront. It was a beautiful sunny morning so I had shorts on and I was about 1.5K into the run on Harbour Drive when I had to detour around a little construction project ? I obviously should have been more careful because I caught a pothole and down I went onto the pavement. The other problem was the concrete barrier. I fell to the right bagging up my knee but my right side fell into the barrier and my elbow jammed into my ribs. A couple of passing motorists stopped to see if I was alright ? both passed me, stopped and backed up I thanked them said I was fine and got and did anothe rkilometre trying to finish the run. (it is kind of a macho thing to do and since it is Stanley Cup play off time I said to myself you play hur)t. Running again was not a smart thing to do and when I hurt more and bled more as I went, I realized my situation and ran/walked back to the hotel. It was very nice of those good folks in Newfoundland to stop to see if I was ok. I was real sore Wednesday and Thursday but felt a little better by Saturday. I was taking Tylenol all week but still decided togive it a whirl on Saturday - this running gets into your system. I tried to run Saturday but had to shut it down ? I could not get any breath and my side was real sore everytime I came down on pavement. I decided if I could not run I would walk so I walked the 7K balance instead. I tried to run again on Sunday and again had to shut it down about a kilometre in so I walked for about half and hour and went back to the Y. I am not so sure the walking was smart either. Today my ribs feel better but the knee is real bothering me. I think the smart thing to do is maybe to rest everything for a couple of days and see where I am mid week. Very, very frustrating when you just get going good and get some momentum and then this. The important thing is I don?t want to do something real foolish and not be able to go the 18th. I have had cracked ribs before so I know it is not that, I am hoping the knee is not a joint issue and is all related to the loss of skin on the knee cap This is not the first time I have fallen (first this year) but it is the worst fall I have had. Till next week.

April 26, 2008

I finally got back on track today. I only went 6.5K, but it was my first real time out since my fall last week so I was pleased. I kept the pace slow and watched the heart rate monitor. When I went to the gym after the run I was able to do my some of my stretching exercises but not others, so that was progress too. I was not able to do anything with the weights with the upper body It was just too much stress on the rib cage muscles, but I got back into all the leg stuff. I went for physiotherapy this week for my ailing knee and side and it really made a differnece. I also got a real lesson on the anatomy of the ligaments and muscles around the ribs from my physiotherapist. I didn't even know that stuff was there. She explained how they absorb shock and although I didn't break anything, I stressed a lot of things with the fall. She was amazing the way she was able to locate and isolate the problems. I thank her for the help. I had never been for physiotherapy in my life until a couple of years ago (ironically when I started to get active) but I am a firm believer in it now. They have really helped me twice before after falls (I know what you are likely thinking about my balance) and last year when I did something to my back trying to adjust my golf swing. The knee is bothering me after the run today, but not enough that I am not going to run. It's funny, but I think my psychological and physical need to get out and get going today was far greater than any physical deterrents from my aches and pains and I would have gone no matter what. I would be good to continue to go for physio as I think it really helped, but unfortunately I am travelling this week. It will also be a tough week to get any outside runs until the end of the week because of the travel/hotel schedule as well. This has been a set back and no doubt I won't be in the condition I could have been in for Blue Nose weekend, but as of today it is still all systems go and that is the most important thing to me right now. Till next week?

May 04, 2008

Hard to believe we are only 2 weeks race from race day. Gosh, the past 12 weeks have just flown by! Ever since I turned 50 it seems all the weeks and months go by faster, but it seems especially so on this Team Myles journey. Maybe it is because I do not want it to come to an end. I was able to get back in the saddle this week although not on the schedule that Fred our trainer had put together for me. I was travelling for 4 days in the early part of the week and just got to run one day on a treadmill due to rain/snow, early flights and spending 2 days at the Sheraton Hotel at Pearson Airport. I did not even attempt to run outside there as there is nowhere to run except on the concrete ramps that wind around the airport and there are no sidewalks. I made up for it once I got home as I did 7K yesterday and ran the Blue Nose 10K route today. Considering I missed almost 2 weeks with my fall, I feel pretty good about where I am right now. I remember Fred telling me that we were building the base and what we did a few weeks ago would help us now. I was able to run the 10K route in a minute faster with a lower average heart rate than when I did it on April 6th so all things considered, I was pleased with that. I did not labour at all and did not have as much difficulty with the Nantucket hill as in April. I had bigger heart rate challenges coming out of the Park and up the Point Pleasant Drive hill yesterday. I was about 5K into the run there yesterday and about 4.5K into the run today on Nantucket so about the same point into the run. I went for physio again last Friday and was able to run without any discomfort yesterday and today. I was also able to do my stretching and core exercises again so that made me feel good too. I still can?t do any upper body stuff and I am not going to risk it at this stage of the game. My weight is no where near where it should be, but as I have said before, I am the guy putting the food in my mouth. I find it really hard to eat properly when travelling. I gained back all the weight I had lost in the 3 weeks before my fall during the 2 weeks after the fall when my activity level was reduced. I may be on the road again next week, but I am going to try and get 10 lbs off before race day I am getting real excited about race day. There were lots of runners out the last two days as the weather was great. There were tons of people in Point Pleasant Park running (including a pile of kids running in some event who were likely training for the Blue Nose Youth Run). It would be great to have a carbon copy weekend on May 17th and 18th and especially on the 17th for the kids. We adults can deal with the weather better than the young. The bad weather has become a bit of a Blue Nose tradition and I have heard the stories about the first two years. I am not sure I could do what those folks did. It was windy and rainy at start of the Fiddlers Run last year in Sydney (but it was warm and no where the same weather as here in the first two years) and it was the first time I had run in anything like that. I remember folks saying that when you run in those conditions it becomes empowering and I had to experience it to understand what that meant. So today, I don?t worry about the weather for May 18th I just want to be safe and have fun (I wish the same for everyone else as well). As I indicated at the start of the blog I am also sad to see all this come to an end. Being a part of Team Myles has been a terrific experience and all the wonderful people that have been supportive and helpful. I cannot thank you enough. I have also really enjoyed doing this blog every Sunday night (except last week when I did it Saturday night because of travel) and sharing my experiences with you. It has been motivational for me. I have been awful long winded tonight so I think I better sign off now. Till next week,

May 11, 2008

Here we are in the last week, now all the hard work and training for all the folks entered in the Blue Nose is going to payoff. I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable race. I was able to get 4 runs in for a total of 22K this week so I am ready to go. I ran 5K on a treadmill today and it was kind of neat for a change. I am not where I wanted to be today (both weight and conditioning wise) when I started this journey in January, but here I am. I can come up with every excuse in the world but it is what it is. No doubt the two weeks I lost with the fall set me back as I had already 55K in the bank in April when that happened but I know myself I did not have the training/food discipline I had 2 years ago. My heart rate numbers were lower a month ago as well but I was also 10 lbs lighter so it all makes a difference. I am actually two pounds heavier than when we started training but I have run 227 kilometres since I started training in late January and that is almost the distance from Halifax to the Causeway. My only problem was stopping at all the Big Stops along the way! I am travelling again this week with full days so getting my running in will be a challenge. Coach Fred indicated frequency is more important than distance this week so I will have to work hard to find the time. My US weather website is predicting decent weather for next Sunday. These guys are amazingly accurate, almost right down to the hour. They give hourly forecasts for Halifax and I have used it successfully numerous times to beat the rain. A couple of years ago they accurately predicted the weather for my 10 day vacation in Florida a week before so I have faith. The typical Blue Nose Marathon weather was today! I will try and blog in again sometime this week just before race weekend. I am really looking forward to the energy and excitement of next weekend. Donald

May 18, 2008

Well a great day and a great event! Yesterday I looked at all those kids oblivious to the rain. All learning a valuable life lesson about setting a goal, working hard to achieve it, and seeing it through no matter what gets in your way. I stood up on Citadel Hill at 9 am this morning and marvelled at the number of runners in the marathon and half marathon. Awesome! I was again amazed at the number of runners in our 10K. My wife indicated it was the same in her event the 5K walk/run (and congrats to her I was proud of her doing the 5K walk) People of all shapes, sizes, and ages setting a goal and reaching that goal today. Maybe a few of us feeling a little worse for wear physically, but feeling good about ourselves mentally for accomplishing what we set out to do. As I heard the announcer say many times as folks crossed the finish line today you started and finished and no matter what the event, that is quite an accomplishment My congratulations to all 8000 of you! Even though my time was a long way away from my original goal I was happy to finish smiling and standing straight up. For whatever reason, I found it very tough slugging today. My average heart rate was 10 bpm higher today than 2 weeks ago when I ran the route. My time was 1:17:58 today only a couple minutes faster than my time when I ran the route on May 4. When I came back over the bridge a strong wind was in our face. Still the thrill at the finish with all those cheering people made it all worthwhile. My congrats also go out to my cousin Donalda Cody who ran her first marathon today and finished in 4:07:19 and was 3rd in her age category. Great to see her and her husband Kevin cross the finish line together. In many ways they were symbolic of the great family event this has become. If you are thinking of doing it next year, just do it. If an out of shape, 50+ overweight guy like me can run 10K any one can. It truly is an event for the average Joe. I would like to thank Fred Aylward from Quest for all his help, coaching, support and kindness. I would like to thank Alison at the Y for all her help and encouragement. I would also like to thank all the spectators as your cheering and support today was appreciated. Your presence adds to the excitement of the day. I would like to thank all those volunteers that allowed people like me to have the great day I did. Without you it would not have been possible. Thanks for your gift of time. I would also like to thank the organizers, you do a fantastic job. It is a well organized professional event that the province and city can be proud of. I would like to thank Gerry Walsh one of the cofounders of the Blue Nose for asking me to be part of TEAM MYLES. I really enjoyed the experience. And finally I would like to thank all of you for reading my blog. You all helped me today. Hoping to see you all on race day next year. Donald