Mon 5 Mar 2007
OK, so week one of my Canadian death race training is done. You can see my training diary and times here. It went pretty well on the whole…all the runs were fine leading upto Sunday. I did 13km on Wednesday, probably the longest I’ve ever run before (remember I hate running and have never really done it before!). 
My time was obviously pretty slow, 1hr 24 mins or so. Sunday I then did 21km…just about a half-marathon. I very nearly chickened out of doing it that morning…my back has been really sore (tight hamstrings from all the running?) and I just did not feel in a good enoguh mood to do a half-marathon. By the afternoon I had perked up and plucked up the courage to go…and I loved it! Mainly because of the tunes on my Ipod, and because I got under two hours which was my goal. It was a crisp -13C out, -19C with the wind. It was also icy as hell, so with these disadvantages I was pleased I still got my time. In fact, my fastest 3km were the last 3 as I realised I wasn’t going to make my time unless I speeded up. Hopefully next time I can go out faster and holder a steadier pace now I know the sort of speed I’m capable of sustaining for that long. The soles of my feet are pretty sore today, I have a problem with my metatarsals that also get when i hike a long distance in one day. I can see this being a problem with more long runs coming up.
All my runs are done in the Edmonton river valley area…where I try to take trails that go up and down out of the valley as much as possible, so there are lots of hills. Which is obviously necessary for the EXTREMELY hilly death race. Its a gorgeous area with zero road running, but right now it’s still snowy and icy on all the trails. Will be nice and soft in spring/summer. I think the snow/ice and rough terrain will be good for my shape too…meaning my ankles are getting a good work out and strengthening each time.
Overall, I’m pleased with my times for my first week of training, I’m sure I will improve on them as time comes. The only problem is that my other sports are probably getting in the way of my training. Extra runs to and from climbing/badminton..and then the badminton itself are probably tiring me out and taking my focus away from my training somewhat. Oh well.
By the way.. I don’t actually have enough team members yet…so anyone interested? haha. I guess not after seeing my times! lol.
By the way…these two photos show the area where I train….nice huh? Shame there isn’t always a moon like that.
