First Week Completed

The first week of my new training program is complete. There was a little adjustment in my days/distances but the overall weekly total is bang on. I ran my long run today, Friday, so that I could get outdoors. Rather do that then run on the treadmill.

Also bought a pair of trail running shoes today and used them on the run. They are Nike Air Pegasus + 26 GTX. The GTX is for gortex and that was amazing. My feet were totally dry and warm. They weren't too heavy as a lot of trail shoes can be, they only weigh 10.1 oz. They were definitely more heavy then my regular running shoes though.



Overall they were not to bad, I did get a little foot pain in the ball of my foot so will look at getting an insert. I have custom orthotics for my regular running shoes so hopefully I can find something similar for these. Don't want to use my good orthotics in shoes that will probably get all wet and stinky.

I'm going to register for some of the 5 Peaks Trail Races this year and will look forward to running in these shoes.

Let the Training Begin

I started my 24 week training program last night, in preparation for my next marathon on May 30, 2011.

A lot of my training will be on the treadmill this time (unfortunately), so I'm going to try and vary the speeds and inclines to get a better workout. Last night I ran 4 miles. I did the first 3 miles at 6mph at 1%/2%/1% inclines and then did the last mile at 6.5mph at 1%.

Tonight will be rest night as I have my daughter's Christmas pagent at school, but then tomorrow I'll climb back on for 5 miles. This is a relatively light week with a long run of only 8 miles on the weekend.

I'm again using a Nike+ training program*. I've been using them since training for my first half marathon that I ran in May, 2009. I'll be again using the Marathon Intermediate 1 program but will incorporate more of the speedwork etc that is suggested.

*I don't use the new series of training programs as they are not flexible. I use the old training programs that are listed in the forums under Nike Coach.

So here we go again! Break over.

2011 Season is Approaching

I've registered for two races so far for 2011. The first is Around the Bay Road Race (30K) on March 27, 2011. This will be my second time running this event. Last year was my first, and it was my first race at a distance beyond the 1/2 marathon distance. In fact it was my first "run" of 18 miles (even in training).


The second is the Angus Glen Spring 10 Miler. This will be my third time running this event, and the third time they are holding it. I'm partial to this race. It was my first "longer" distance race (10 miles), and a warm up to my first half marathon (that I ran in May, 2009). It takes place on the golf cart paths and it is a little challenging as it's lots and lots of hills. This event is a little pricey (I think) at $95, however you do get a great jacket. The jacket from the first year (red) is my favourite and I wear it a lot. This may be one of those events that I run every year. It's nice to get a locker and have a shower afterwards, and there's always a great BBQ lunch.

I'm also trying to pick my spring marathon. I've considered running the Mississauga Marathon as this is where I ran my first in May of this year. I've also considered the Ottawa Marathon as a lot of people rave about it. I've also been looking to the south at the Cleveland Marathon (they have a great medal), but I'm seriously considering The Buffalo Marathon I've read the reviews and while there are some bad ones, most of them are good. I also have a friend who says he runs with a bunch of guys who do this one every year (and it's one of the only events they repeat). It's not too far from Toronto and it might be fun to try something new. Anyone have any comments on this one? I still have a month to decide, before my spring marathon training begins, so will continue to ponder. Oh the Buffalo Marathon does need to update their website though, as they are still advertising the 2010 event.