Start Them Young

Today was my youngest son's second run with Dad (yesterday was his first). He is 3 months old, a sturdy 20+ lbs and he tagged along in the Chariot (Dad's favorite push toy).

So far, he is taking to the Chariot just like his older brother. All wrapped in blankets and a hat to keep him warm, he drifts off to sleep after about 5 minutes. Then sleeps for the entire run until we stop at the house, at the end of the run.

I had considered trading up from the single Chariot to the Dual Chariot so I could push both boys at once. For now though I will stay with the single. I am not sure I want the two boys in the stroller until our new addition is a little older. By then, our first may be ready for a tag-along for bike rides.

As for runs, I think I will stick to pushing just one of the boys at a time. That is resistance enough, thank you very much.

Priorities

Yes, I slipped off the wagon for almost 2 weeks. I took a decided break from running before I start the big step of planned runs as I train for the marathon.

What caused me to take a break? iPhone development. As most who know me can attest, I have lots of ideas and for iPhone apps I am not short of ideas; I'm just short of time. So, in place of running the past two weeks I was spending my time working on code.

So far, my first app is coming along well. I have a lot of the app laid out and ready for the hooks to be implemented for the buttons. Art work is a big issue and will slow down most development as I work on the icons, backgrounds, and for some apps, the sprites used. As well, I have a few ideas that will take some research to develop the text.

So, now I am trying to balance running with iPhone development while work is starting to ramp-up. Not to mention the daily demands that we all face (home maintenance, family time, etc).

Going to be a busy few months before I take parental leave in April and run the Marathon.

September Training Update

Well the year is shaping up pretty well. I am still ahead of my target mileage and feeling great. My plan to keep me on track with running is working!

Here is a graphic showing my progress so far this year. Compare that to the graphic from last year's running results.

2007 Nike+ Training Results:
As you can see, I am staying a little more steady this year. With a little lull due to Marathon recovery, injury recovery, and remotivation ;-)

Once training for the Paris Marathon kicks into gear in two weeks, the mileage will begin to increase again. I'm looking forward to it.

Paris Here I Run

I've just signed up for the 33rd Edition of the Paris Marathon!!!

I am runner number 22002 and just paid my $63 Euro (including $8 Euro of insurance such that if I drop out for some reason, up to 10 days before the race, I get my other $55 Euro back).

The training for the Marathon begins Oct 6.

Race is Sunday, April 5th, 2009.

Back on Track

Well, it's been a good couple weeks. I am back on track and currently logging 20-25 km per week.

At that rate I am back on track for the 1000 km goal for 2008. I've thought of some races for the fall, but so far I am figuring I will hold back, keep up the good work and start Marathon training in October.

So no races in the plans for now. I had planned to do the Army Half next weekend but since I have not been logging the miles, I figure best not to be stupid and run a half without serious training for it.

Train Like a Viking

Well I have a new (ok, call it a moth balled technique that has been brushed off) training technique. It's called "Train Like A Viking!!! Argh@!!!".

How's it work?

It goes like this. Go for a run. Part way through the run, run hard like you are a brave viking in battle, or a coward in armor (like Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-As-Sir-Lancelot <- Monty Python reference) running from battle. Once you are finished, you top it off with a fine bitter ale, such as Ole Speckled Hen.

Argh!!!! Run like a Viking!!!

Note: For a reference to why beer is good after a run see Beer Good After Run Recovery Drink

The 10 km Human Race

It is done!!  I just ran a 10 km (first one in a long time) which was part of the Nike 10km Human Race.  What is that you ask?

The Nike 10km Human Race was held today, August 31, 2008, around the world at select race venues and wherever Nike iPod+ runners run.  You see, their goal was to get as many people in the world to run 10km on the same day.  At last count, I saw that over 4 million kilometres had been run by runners all over the world, and I got to be 10 km of those.

They are hyping it as a historic event, but then for those that have no idea it is happening and who are not runners, it means nothing.  For me, it is a pretty cool idea and I am glad I was able to run it and be part of running history.

On another note about historic events; my buddy Ken just completed his ride across Canada from Vancouver to St. John's.  I think it is historic since how many people have ridden across Canada?  Each one should be named somewhere.  I think each person that does is a huge motivation to each of us that strive to reach for our dreams.

Congratulations Ken!!  I can't wait to hear the stories of hardship and "companionship" when you get back.