Sunday, September 20, 2009

Back in the Saddle

It's been a long time since I've had the urge/time/desire/inclination to post something here but since we got back from our wonderful holiday in Sweden, it's just been too busy. I'm now back to work full time and this had contributed to a lack of free time but also has affected my energy levels and my running.

For the last month or so my running has been dismal at best and some of the blog titles that I had considered included 'Dead in the Water', 'All Washed Up' and even just plain 'Tired'. My weekly mileage since returning to Canada have been a measly 13, 27 and 25 which does not bode well for doing a marathon in just 4 weeks. Besides not putting in the miles, it has been a tremendous struggle just to get out the door and even the short 4-5 mile runs have been tiring and painful with elevated heartrate and no desire to keep going. But... all hope is not lost and this past weekend has seen a couple of runs that gave me encouragement and a new plan is emerging.

First, Andrew has pulled out of Vermont Green Mountain marathon because of work issues, saving me from pulling out first due to lack of training or commitment. I had warned Andrew of my possible drop out last week but he then beat me to the punch with his announcement during our Boyden 17 miler this morning. So, with no other Blind Moose participating I had little option but to cancel as well. However, today's long run went exceptionally well and gave me hope that I'll be able to run well again someday and so now I'm seriously considering doing the PEI marathon as my plan B. Surely 4 weeks is enough time to get back on track for the training enough to complete it in good shape? What do you think Thomas?? Also PEI will be a great chance to visit my daughter and I might even give Trevor a hand with his pacing for as long as I can keep up with him. Check out his tremendous improvement in his 10k race today.

So that's all I've got. Things are good, even looking up and all is not lost. Have a great week and keep on running!

8 comments:

Trevor said...

Welcome back to the blogging world Mike! I would be thrilled to have you join me in the PEI Marathon!

Jamie Anderson said...

Welcome back and best of luck at PEI! That looks like a really fun race.

Dawn - Pink Chick Tris said...

Ah PEI...wish I could join you. While my running is steadily improving, I'm sticking to shorter distances for a while longer.

Dubs said...

My guess is that your body just needed the break. Glad to see you on here - I'm trying to keep up my blog better too.

Michael said...

Hey, I'm glad you're back; August 15th, it had been a while. Four weeks until PEI, what are you thinking, Thomas would say you could squeeze in two marathons in that space:) Whatever you choose, all the best.

Thomas said...

And to think that you have to cheek to complain about my madness. Am I in danger of getting a bad reputation amongst Canadians or what?

Actually, with all the miles under your belt over the years I think that you would indeed be able to cover 26 miles in one go - just not at any great pace. If that's a good idea or not is totally up to you.

MB said...

good to see you again! ahem, 5 weeks is what I used for Boston in'09--you can do it!!!

Ewen said...

Great to hear from you Mike - thought you might have emigrated to Sweden.

I think you'll have a hard time keeping up with Trevor, but give it your best shot. I like these minimal marathon preps - they can end in one of two ways ;)

Thanks for your comment - I'll definitely be more in race mode for Melbourne.