Vancouver prep

Home page updated with Vancouver weather widget, it really is almost go time, #racetime

Vancouver Marathon Time

The BMO Vancouver Marathon is almost here, game time is the coming Sunday.  We fly out Friday and fly back Monday, should be an exciting time.  I'll try to blog as much as possible from the expo/race/etc.

Here is Mike in a big workout on his birthday.

Training for IM Cowtown 70.3 and BMO Vancouver Half Marathon

Another month has come, and Calgary 70.3 has posted another month's training program on their web site.  At the start of training I was trying to use this plan, but as time has gone on I have diverged and am just trying to do my own thing.  I've decided to give up on swimming until May after the half marathon and concentrate on running, though I am still doing 2 spin bike classes a week.  The running consists of 5 runs (if I hit them all...), one long, one race pace 4 miles or so, one partial race pace, one slow, and one transition run faster than race pace.  So far it seems to be working, I am definitely running a lot more at race pace than previous times and even my long runs are somewhat fast, but I guess we'll see...

On Sunday we ran long at Servus Place (10 miles/60 laps) because of unexpected snow.  Running long inside can be painful, but on a longer track, like Servus Place, it is not so bad.  I like it too because it is easy to tell exactly what pace you are running at all times (just time every lap).  Here is my pro/con list for Servus Place compared to the other new recreation centers in the greater Edmonton area:

Pros:
- long track is pretty nice
- lots of stuff to look at as you run, eg, indoor soccer games etc.
- 3 or so restaurants is somewhat useful
- equipment looks nice
- pool is quite decent, with a river ride and a waterslide

Cons
- $9.50 entrance fee = tres expensive...
- lockers aren't as good as the Y, and even more squishy than the Terwillegar ones I think
- pool isn't quite on par with Millenium Place and Terwillegar Recreation Center, in my opinion
- whole facility just feels a little older than those places, and darker.  But it is still very nice

Calgary 70.3 Registered, Locked, and Loaded

The decision has been made, we have signed up for Calgary 70.3 and IMAZ was long since discarded from the plans.

We have done this race before, in its inaugural year (2009) and it was a well organized event and great fun for all.  One cool feature of this race is they actually email you a training plan you can follow if you wish, here are the links for the archived issues and the current issue of the newsletter, which contains links to the training plan.  While not as detailed as the Multisports plan, it is pretty solid for a free training plan, in my opinion.

Registration for IMAZ now Open

Looks like registration is now available...

http://ironmanarizona.com/2011/11/register-now-for-2012/

Still trying to decide between IMAZ and just smaller 70.3 races next year...

Edmonton Fall Classic 10 Miler

On the 18th of October I (along with Alex and Mike) ran the final big race of the season, the Fall Classic 10 Miler.  I ran pretty well and was pleased with my time.  Here is a pic of  Alex and Mike before the race:

And here is my review of the race:

• the Course was pretty solid, it was in the north east of the city and left from Beverly Heights community center and was two loops.  Each loop was a figure eight with the second half of the figure eight being an out and back so lots of chances to see your friends/race leaders/other runners.  Also a good course for spectators because of this.  There were some okay views of the river valley and of course it was very flat.  You can see a map here.
• the race was in support the Mustard Seed which is nice as it is always great to support a good cause
• race package pickup was the main running room.  Maybe not an expo but it is big enough to make a somewhat interesting trip.
• post race food/breakfast was at the Beverly Heights Community Center and it was very good, pancakes, sausages, yogurt, etc.
• race shirt was a long sleeved cotton shirt, not gaudy and fairly comfortable, definitely good value

Conclusion: excellent small running race, lots of fun, friendly volunteers, and supports a good cause!

Animals I've Seen Training In Edmonton

Last night when running a coyote ran in front of me about 10 feet away (in the Hamptons near River Cree casino).  Thus I have decided to compile a list of animals that may be encountered (eg. I have encountered) while triathlon training in Edmonton!

• coyote
• deer - I've seen these guys quite a bit while biking and at least once while running
• squirrels
• porcupines
• rabbits - all over the place
• gophers - tons by our house in the west end
• birds/ducks/etc.
• bear tracks???  - one time while running we thought we saw some bear tracks, but could just be dog tracks...