Martin Parnell Finish the Race Attitude

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #054
• Date: Thursday April 1st  2010
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 53min 31sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 102 BPM
• Temperature C: -9C
• Distance covered to date: 2278.8km (1414.8m)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Springfield, Illinois, USA
• Total number of runners: 1

I've finally established a good marathon route in Cochrane. After my injury on marathon #028, I decided that I had had enough of the Cochrane Foothills Marathon course for a while. It's very hilly and there are no coffee shops. I may go back one day but, in the meantime, this new route will work well. I head up the 1A  for 13kms, to the Ghost Station for a pit stop. Then, on for a couple more kms before turning around and heading back home. The only issue is the wind. If it's at your back when you start then it's going to be a long day. If it's a headwind to start at least you get it over with in the first two hours. I arrived back at the house with 30km in the bag. Time for a quick bite then into Cochrane. I worked my way along the river pathways then through town before finishing off the marathon.

The votes have been pouring in all week as to what I should do with the "Bad Karma" runners who's manufacturer rhymes with "Bike". It was a close race but the results are in:

• Flower Pots (38%)
• Viking Funeral (37%)
• Charity (24%)
• Shoe tree (3%)

Please check out the Flickr Gallery on the Home Page to see the final resting place of these runners.

Llama facts (This is no Joke)

The yearly wool harvest per llama will produce a grease free fleece weighing three to eight pounds with a fibre length of four to seven inches.

Research Assistant Level II Karen

Quote of the Day

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #055
• Date: Sunday April 4th  2010
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 45min 43sec (See Garmin Connect)
• Aver. Heart Rate: 105 BPM
• Temperature C: -7C
• Distance covered to date: 2321.0km (1441.0m)
• Marathon run in the World Today: Sycamore Canyon, CA, USA
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: St louis, Missouri, USA
• Total number of runners: 1

The mornings are getting lighter and lighter and the sun was blazing through the windows at 7.30am. I checked the thermometer outside the front door, as I do every morning. It read -9C and the wind was blowing from the West, at least I'd have the wind on my back on the return trip from Ghost Station. I made good time to the station, where I had a coffee and Snickers bar. As I left the parking lot, I spotted an Imperial Stormtrooper toy in the gravel, by the kerb. I couldn't leave him there so I popped him into my backpack. I made it back into Cochrane at 1.30pm and decided I needed an ice cream. We have the top ice cream makers in Alberta, Mackays. I ordered a single scoop double chocolate with fudge chunks in a chocolate waffle cone. As I was about to pay, Ice Cream Maker Robbin came by and said that the cone was on the house. Many thanks Robbin.

People have asked me who in the sports world has inspired me and over the next couple of weeks I'll share some of them with you. My first inspiration came when I was reading comics as a kid. His name was Alf Tupper and he was a runner. Alf  was a fictional, working class, 'hard as nails' runner,   whose adventures under the title 'Tough of the Track', appeared first in the 'Rover' & then the 'Victor' British boys comics. Alf's most endearing characteristic was his love of fish & chips, and he won many a race after his favourite feed the night before. Alf worked as a plumber and was the eternal underdog. Regarded as a 'Guttersnipe' by the posh blokes from the AAA's, he was at his best following the previous night on late shift, lifting heavy objects & getting little sleep. He had many obstacles to overcome but he usually came through in the end.

Llama Facts(This is no Joke)

The only living creature to ever defeat Chuck Norris was a Llama.

Research Assistant Level II Karen

Quote of the Day

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall"

Confucius

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #056
• Date: Monday April 5th  2010
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 56min 03sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 96 BPM
• Temperature C: -7C
• Distance covered to date: 2363.2km (1467.2m)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Urbana, Illinois, USA
• Total number of runners: 1

Back to Calgary today for a jaunt along the pathways. As usual, I was fully bundled up for the start of the run, but it was not long before the jacket and running tights were off. There are more and more geese along the banks of the Bow and they're not getting any quieter. I almost ran into one but at the last second it headed off over the river. Along the way, I met Cindy Bronconnier, wife of Dave Bronconnier, Mayor of Calgary. We had a good chat and then I was on my way. After a coffee and muffin at the Good Earth cafe, I headed north up the Nose Creek pathways system. I had to go through the zoo and I could hear some kids talking about the bears and deer. 5km up the path was a sign "Pathways Closed", as usual I ignored it and continued. I managed to get another 4km on the route but then a massive fence blocked the way. Time to head back.

Another of my running inspirations was Cliff Young. He grew up on a farm in Beech Forest in south-western Victoria, Australia. In 1983, the 61-year-old potato farmer won the first Sydney to Melbourne Ultra Marathon (875 kilometers, 544 miles). The race was run between what were then Australia's two largest shopping centres: Westfield Parramatta, in Sydney, and Westfield Doncaster, in Melbourne. Cliff arrived at the start line with overalls and gumboots. He ran at a slow loping pace and trailed the leaders for most of the course, but by denying himself sleep and running while the others slept he slowly gained on them and eventually won by a large margin. In 1984 Cliff married Mary Howell, a women 39 years his junior. Mary Howell is my 1st cousin.

Llama facts (This is no Joke)

Llamas were domesticated from guanacos in the Andean highlands of Peru 4,000-5,000 years ago and are among the oldest domesticated animals in the world.

Research Assistant Level II Karen

Quote Of the Day

"Oh, I might as well give it a go."

Alf Tupper, UK track star

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #057
• Date: Tuesday April 6th  2010
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 5hr53min 59sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 95 BPM
• Temperature C: -8C
• Distance covered to date: 2405.4km (1493.4m)
• Total number of runners: 2

The wind from the west is getting stronger each time I head out along the 1A. It comes howling over the mountains and down the Bow River valley. All I keep thinking about, as I trudge towards the Ghost Station, is that, after 2hrs, I can turn around and the wind will blow me home. My friend, John, had emailed me to say that his son Luke would join me for the final 12km of my marathon, no problem. Luke turned up at 1.30pm and we headed off. Luke is 13 and in grade 7, he's lived in Canada for 3 years, originally coming from Middlesborough, in England. At the 37km mark we popped into Mackays ice cream store and head ice cream maker, Robbin, gave us two complimentary cones, "Fueling up" she said. Luke and I had a far reaching conversation. Topics included; British football, a whale that got stuck in the Thames and an injection that can be given to new borns to make them glow in the dark.

Avatar "Marathon Martin" has made good time around the north shores of Lake Superior, on his virtual route across Canada. He has just passed through the town of White River, Ontario, the original home of a bear called Winnie. On August 24th 1914, Lieutenant Harry Colebourn, a Canadian Army Veterinarian, purchased a black bear cub at White River. He was on his way overseas. He named the cub "Winnie" after Winnipeg, Manitoba (his home town). Coleburn left "Winnie" in the care of the London Zoo, while he served in France. In 1919, he gave Winnie to the Zoo. In 1926, A.A. Milne and illustrator E.H. Shepard created the fictional character "Winnie the Pooh" based on the bear. A picture of Avatar "Marathon Martin" and Winnie can be seen in the Flickr gallery on the home page.

Llama Facts (This is no Joke)

One llama eats approximately 4 bales of hay per month.

Research Assistant Level II Karen

Quote of the Day

"Well, no athlete respects a big, fat coach who's going to stand there and rest the watch on his stomach."

Arthur Lydiard

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #058
• Date: Wednesday April 7th  2010
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 7hr 14min 33sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 72 BPM
• Temperature C: -2C
• Distance covered to date: 2447.6km (1519.6m)
• Number of steps to date: 3,014,146
• Another race in the World today: North Pole Marathon, North Pole
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Dallas, Texas, USA
• Total number of runners: 1

Bad day today, but It started off well. I arrived at the Shouldice Pool and, under clear blue skies, made my way east. I should have know something was amiss when I passed a goose and it hissed at me. I arrived at the Good Earth cafe at Eau Claire Market and ordered my usual coffee and zuccini muffin. As I bent down to take a seat at a table, BANG, a pinched nerve in my lower back. What a twit. But, I've had this before and knew what to do. I bought a bottle of Extra High Strengh Advil and popped a couple down. I went outside and tried to run, but no luck. Only one thing to do, walk it out. The next six hours were spent plodding along the pathway and popping a couple Advil every three hours. I just had a hot tub and I think I'll take a couple muscle relaxants. Time to hit the sack and see what tomorrow brings.

Another of my hero's appeared at the 1988 Calgary Olympics and he will never be forgotten. Michael Edwards, better known as Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards, was the first competitor to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski-jumping and was the British ski jumping record holder. He was also the world number nine in amateur speed skiing (106.8 mph) and the stunt jumping world record holder . In Calgary, Eddie finished last in both the 70m and 90m jumps but he was a crowd favourate. At the closing ceremony, the president of the Organising Committee, Frank King, seemed to single out Edwards for his contribution: "At this Games, some competitors have won gold, some have broken records, and some of you have even soared like an eagle." At that moment, 100,000 people in the stadium roared "Eddie! Eddie!". It was the first time in the history of the games that an individual athlete had been mentioned in the closing speech.

Llama Facts (This is no Joke)

Llamas don't bite, don't dig, don't bark and don't have fleas

Research Assistant Level II Karen

Quote of the Day

"Life is short... running makes it seem longer."

Baron Hansen

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I wasn't sure how today would pan out. I had popped a couple Advil before I went to bed and slept pretty well. I knew the only way I would complete a marathon was by walking it. So, I got up at 6.00am, and walked a 2 km loop around the house. No way, I was pathetic. The back was really tight and the walking didn't loosen it up. I was scheduled to run at Sam Livingston School in Calgary and I was crushed that I couldn't keep the appointment with the kids. I asked Sue if she would call the school, give them my apologises and tell them that I would call tomorrow to reschedule. Meanwhile I took two more Advil and went back to bed. If I can't run then I'll eat. I have an appointment tomorrow with Nutritionist, Andrea, and she is not going to be pleased with me. The objective has been to keep the same weight through-out the Quest but I'm down 4 lbs. So this morning I had breakfast (cereal, berries, yogurt, banana), second breakfast (toasted english muffin with marmalade) and third breakfast (grilled cheese on toast with marmite). Lunch soon followed with a steak sandwich. I'm looking forward to afternoon tea and supper.

Over the last seven year, through my involvement in marathons and triathlons, I have become aware of two individuals who show the true meaning of the human spirit. Team Hoyt is a father, Dick Hoyt, and son, Rick from Massachusetts who compete together in marathons, triathlons and other athletic endeavours. Rick has cerebral palsy caused by loss of oxygen to his brain at birth because his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. Dick pulls his son Rick in a special boat as they swim, carries him in a special seat up front as they bike, and pushes him in a special wheelchair as they run. When asked what one thing Rick wished he could give his father, his reply was "The thing I'd most like is that my dad would sit in the chair and I would push him once." Dick and Rick will be participating in this year's Boston Marathon.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #059
• Date: Sunday April 11th  2010
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 7hr 32min 20sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 80 BPM
• Temperature C: -14C
• Distance covered to date: 2489.8km (1545.8m)
• Another race in the World today: Canberra, Australia
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
• Total number of runners: 1

Busy few days. On Friday I went to see Nutritionist Andrea and she was not happy with me. Since January 1st I have lost 4lbs and the trend is down. No more skimmed this and low fat that, she's now put me on a diet of full milk, cheese, yogurt and butter. When I was tested in January, after Marathon #008, my Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) was 1,318 calories and my ratio for burning calories was 74% fat / 26% carbohydrates. Now after #058 marathons my RMR is 1,536, up by over 200 calories and my calorie burn ratio is 46% fat / 54% carbohydrates. Very intesting. On Saturday Sue and I headed over to the Firewater Pub for a "Tweetup". Lyn was there and as I chomped my way through a steak sandwich with fries (Doctor's orders!) we chatted with folks from the UK, Czech Republic, US and Canada. Lots of fun.

I started running seven years ago and and two years after that I got into triathlon. This particular individual has probably had the biggest impact on me in regards to how I participate in the events I do. Sister Maddona Buder is an Ironman Triathlete, she happens to be 79 years old. She is a Roman Catholic nun from Spokane, Washington. As a nun with the Sisters for Christian Community, Sister Madonna has the freedom to choose her own ministry and lifestyle. She has completed over 325 triathlons including 36 Ironman Distances. At the 2005 Hawaii Ironman, at age 75, she became the oldest woman ever to complete the race, finishing 1 hour before the 17-hour midnight cut-off time. At the 2006 Hawaii Ironman, at age 76, she again became the oldest woman ever to complete the race, finishing with a time of 16:59:03. Sister Madonna Buder is the personification of grace in sport and this year she will participate in Ironman Canada at the age of 80.

Llama Facts (This is no joke)

Llamas came before both the chicken and the egg

Research Assistant Level II Karen

Quote of the Day

"To climb steep hill requires slow pace at first"

William Shakespeare (Did he run Ultras?)

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #060
• Date: Monday April 12th  2010
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 58min 36sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 103 BPM
• Temperature C: -9C
• Distance covered to date: 2532.0km (1572.0m)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Chihauhau, Mexico
• Total number of runners: 2

Last night when I went to bed I felt rotten. I had a splitting head ache, my back was sore and legs were stiff. I didn't feel much better this morning. I slept through the alarm and then had to rush to get ready. I had sort of planned to walk today but I arrived at the Shouldice Pool late and I had promised to meet a friend at Eau Claire. Only one option, get running AND it was snowing. Well, I started off at a sub-plod speed and at the end of five mins had hit the plods. Next run segment, I hit a jogging speed and to be honest didn't feel too bad. By the time I hit Eau Claire market, 10km from the pool, I felt pretty good. Cyrus was at the coffee shop and we headed off. It was misty with light snow and no wind, excellent. I had a funny incident near the end of the marathon. One minute my Garmin said 32km the next 34.5km. Either I stepped through a hole in the space / time continuum or my Garmin screwed up.

Thirty years ago today, Terry Fox dipped his foot in St. John's harbour and began his Marathon of Hope to raise cancer research funds. Terry  was a Canadian humanitarian, athlete and cancer research activist. In 1979, as a one-legged amputee, he embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money for cancer research. Though the spread of his cancer forced him to end his quest after 143 days and 5,280 kilometres, and ultimately cost him his life, his determination and example created a lasting, worldwide legacy. Terry ended up raising $22 million during his epic run from St. John's to Thunder Bay, Ontario and since his death, the foundation that bears his name has raised nearly half a billion for cancer research.

Dr. Randolph Randolph's Book of Animal Jokes

Q. What do you call a gorilla wearing ear-muffs?
A. Anything you like! He can't hear you!

Quote of the Day

"You must do the thing you think you cannot do"

Eleanor Roosevelt

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #061
• Date: Tuesday April 13th  2010
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 56min 36sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 95 BPM
• Temperature C: -5C
• Distance covered to date: 2574.2km (1598.2m)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Detroit, Michigan, USA
• Total number of runners: 1

The temp was hovering just below zero, as I headed out this morning. No wind but a slight ice mist made it a good day to head down the 1A. The back feels a little tight in the mornings but I've  got to say that, after half an hour of the run / walk, it loosens up. I'm getting to know a few of the cars as they commute from the west to Cochrane and Calgary. I wave at every car and now I'm getting around 50% waving back (I think it's a wave!). Ghost Station is at the 13km mark and it's a perfect distance to break for a coffee and a Snickers bar (supplied by John and Joanne Wilson). After the break, I push on 2km then turn back for home. I did meet Nutritionalist Andrea and her mum on the red rock path. Andrea's mum promised to bring me some home baking the next time I was at the physiotherapist. I stopped for my single scoop chocolate fudge chunk in a chocolate waffle cone ice cream at Mackay's. I was the only customer, maybe the below zero temp and ice mist had something to do with it.

Avatar "Marathon Martin" has made his way around the north shore of Lake Superior, on his virtual route, and is now heading down the east shore. The other day, he ran a marathon in the town of Marathon and today he arrived in Wawa, Ontario. One of Wawa's claims to fame is it's giant goose. Wawa means wild goose in the native Ojibwe language, with both the native people and the wild geese having lived there for thousands of years, before the first white man arrived in 1622. The first version of the Wawa Goose monument was unveiled at the opening of the Trans-Canada in September, 1960. The present goose was introduced in 1963 and faces a nearby navigational beacon used by Air Canada. The Wawa Goose has become one of the most photographed icons between St John's and Victoria, and Canada Post will feature it on a 2010 postage stamp. Below is a photo of Marathon Martin and the Goose.

Quote of the Day

"The greatest pleasure in life, is doing the things people say we cannot do."

Walter Bagehot

Marathon Martin and the Wawa Goose

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #062
• Date: Wednesday April 14th  2010
• Course: Glenmore Christian Academy
• Run time: 5hr 57min 59sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 102 BPM
• Temperature C: -1C
• Distance covered to date: 2616.4km (1624.4m)
• Another Race in the World: Everest Ultra, Nepal
• Total number of runners: 157

Early start this morning. I was off to Glemore Christian Academy and Breakfast TV was doing an "On Location" shoot. I arrived at the school at 6.15am and was met by Teacher Jodi. We went into the new gym and a number of the GCA running club were already there. They had been here since 5.45am and looked a little blurry eyed. Tasha, mum of a couple of the kids at the school, had organised the activities and she introduced me to Reporter Jill, Camera Man Bob and Principal Rob. On the count of three, the kids cheered me out of the gym and my marathon had begun. I started circling the two soccer fields across the road from the school, the temperature wasn't bad but the wind was brutal. I battled up the field against the wind, then got blown down the other side.

At 8.45am I went back in the gym and chatted with Reporter Jill about Marathon Quest 250 and Right To Play. It was then off to the amphitheatre and a chat with the student body. Ten minutes later I was back on the soccer field and working on the remaining loops of the pitch I had to complete. At lunch time, I headed over to a smaller field and was joined by a very enthusiastic group of Grade 1 and 2's. We did several laps and, each time we turned the corner, the wind was behind us. It almost blew a couple of them away. Grade 1'er Julia stuck with me the whole lunch hour and her friend Emily fed me chocolate Easter eggs, thanks for the calories. Grade 5 Photographer Shawn took a couple of snaps and they can be seen in the Flickr Gallery on the home page.

Llama Facts (This is no Joke)

Llama's don't like to eat Oreos before going to bed because it gives them nightmares

Research Assistant Level II Karen

Quote of the Day

"Wind is air in a hurry"

Kristina Parnell (age 6 years)

Members of the GCA Running Club

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #063
• Date: Thursday April 15th  2010
• Course: Ecole Notre-Dame des Vallees School
• Run time: 5hr 06min 28sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 106 BPM
• Temperature C: 3C
• Distance covered to date: 2658.6km (1650.6m)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
• Total number of runners: 53

Ecole Notre-Dame des Vallees was the first School in Cochrane to sign up and I had heard that they have a very active running club. Teacher Meredith had been in touch with me and she had laid out a schedule for the whole marathon. Groups of students would be running 1km, 3km, 5km, 8km and 10km routes. Meredith had times for each route and I could see by the 7 1/2 min / km pace that there would be no coffee and zucchini muffin for moi today. I arrived at the school at 8.30am and Teacher Meredith introduced me to Principal Jacqueline. We walked down to the start of the run, on the Red Rock path and Meredith and I completed a 3km out and back. Upon our return, the first group of students was ready and away we went.

The day moved along quickly as, after each route was completed, a new batch of fresh faced runners joined me for the next distance. The kids did great. We chatted lots and they were very impressed that I was being sponsored by Mackay's ice cream. I told them that if they wanted to get two free ice creams a week for the rest of the year all they had to do was run five marathons a week. On the final 1 km all the kids joined me and we came in to cheers from the crowd (Mums, Dads and Teachers). Teacher Meredith had run with me all day and she completed a marathon. Aterwards I chatted with kids, answered questions and signed autographs. As I was about to leave Principal Jacqueline presented me with a fabulous medal and $420.25 that the children had collected for Right To Play. Amazing!

Dr. Randolph Randolph's Book of Animal Jokes

Q. Why are igloos round?

A. So polar bears can't hide in the corners!.

Quote of the Day

"When the going gets tough, the tough eat ice cream"

Avatar "Marathon Martin"

Ecole Notre-Dame des Vallees School

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #064
• Date: Sunday April 18th  2010
• Course: Boston Freedom Trail Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 28min 42sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 112 BPM
• Temperature C: 5C
• Distance covered to date: 2700.8km (1676.8m)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Total number of runners: 1

Slept well on the pull-out bed. When I checked the alarm clock it said 4.00am. Good, still a couple of hours to go before the alarm kicks in. I doazed off and checked again, 4.00am, oh dear dead battery! A quick change, filled up the Camelbak and I was out the door. I jogged up Columbus street and onto Boston Common. My stomach didn't feel too good. The fruit des mari was still swimming around in my tum. I headed along the Freedom Trail following the red bricks. I needed a coffee and food. I spotted the "Little Italian Cafe" on a side street and zipped in. After a latte and poppyseed muffin I was off.

Three loops of the Freedom Trail and 20km later I was back at the cafe for lunch. I finished the marathon at the John Hancock Sports and Fitness expo then went inside to pick up my race package for tomorrow. while I was in there I had a good look around. I met Bart Yasso and said hi. Later I stopped at Dick and Rick Hoyt's table. I didn't really know what to say. I said "You guy's are the tops" and wished them all the best for tomorrow. Back at the brown stone I cleaned up and had supper. Big day tomorrow.

Wayne, Lisa and Cathy Benz see me off on the Freedom Trail Marathon

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #065
• Date: Monday April 19th  2010
• Course: Boston Marathon
• Run time: 4hr 42min 41sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 116 BPM
• Temperature C: 12C
• Distance covered to date: 2743.0km (1703.0m)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
• Total number of runners: 22,540

Early start today. Alarm went off at 5.00am (new battery), time for 1st breakfast then off to the buses at Boston Common. In 2008, when I last ran Boston, it was a zoo. We caught the bus late and it was only thanks to our bus driver, "Boston Bob", that we made the 10.00am start time. Today things went smoothly. Dozens of buses were lined up and we arrived in Hopkinton, at the athlete's village, in plenty of time. I was in corral # 9 but decided to drop back to # 13 the last one in the 1st wave. After the US national anthem and a fly over by two F-16's, we were off.

There was a half an hour gap between wave 1 and 2 . So, for an hour, I had pretty much the road to myself. But then I heard the thunder of racing feet and thousands of runners poured past me. I had planned a run / walk, 5hr 30min marathon but I must admit I was caught up in the excitement. My half marathon split was 2hr 15min even with hundreds of "High Fives" along the way. The crowds were wild and, at one point, it seemed like the Tour-de-France, people converging from both sides. The final 200m were amazing and I was thrilled with my time of 4hr 42min 41sec.

Quote of the Day

"Promise me you'll always remember: you're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think"

Christopher Robin to Pooh Bear.

Ready for the off: 2010 Boston Marathon

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #066
• Date: Wednesday April 21st  2010
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 33min 21sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 100 BPM
• Temperature C: 8C
• Distance covered to date: 2785.2km (1729.2m)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada
• Total number of runners: 1

My legs felt a little fragile this morning, as I ate breakfast and filled my hydration pack. The long down hills at Boston had pummeled the quads and I tried to massage them to loosen them up. The temp was already 8C when I left the house and, by the time I reached the Shouldice Pool, it was 14C. After a slow start, I soon warmed up. My old friends the geese welcomed me back with hisses. Good to see you too. Coffee and zuccini muffin at the Good Earth, then off down the Elbow River pathways. The shirt was soon off and I was down to singlet and shorts. The legs eased up but it was a grind to the end. A little bit of redness on the shoulders and arms, better use more +30 block next time.

Avatar "Marathon Martin" has made it to the boarder city of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario on his vitual run across Canada. While he was passing through, he decided to visit the biggest baseball in the world. The Soo Minor Baseball Association is proud to own this baseball which is located at the main entrance of their fields on Black Rd. in Sault Ste. Marie. Some stats of the baseball include:
- Diameter: 10' 0" / 3.0 m
- Weight: 8,620 lbs / 3,910 kg
- Material: Double walled steel plate
- The stitches are 16" / 40.6 cm long.
- The surface area is 314 sq.ft. / 29.2 m2 (almost 2000 times larger than a real baseball.)
- In existence since April 7, 2004
This ball matches in proportion to the bat in Kentucky at the Louisville Bat Company.

News Flash

Looking for a few good MarathonQuesters: Come and join me in Vancouver for a Get-Together / Silent Auction on April 30 and for a run on May 2! More info at http://pitch.pe/57630

Quote of the Day

"Running is real and relatively simple…but it ain't easy."

Mark Will-Weber

Avatar "Marathon Martin and the Big Baseball

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #067
• Date: Thursday April 22nd  2010
• Course: Westbrook School
• Run time: 5hr 31min 21sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 101 BPM
• Temperature C: 8C
• Distance covered to date: 2827.4km (1755.4m)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Houston, Texas, USA
• Total number of runners: 108

Felt a little better this morning. Had a good nights sleep and the quads didn't feel as painful. Today, I was heading to Westbrook School, 15 mins north of Cochrane. I arrived there at 8.00am and decided to get a few loops in before assembly time with the kids. The school is out in the country and the distance around the soccer fields was 500m, perfect, 84 loops and I'm done. I met Teacher Chris and she introduced me to Principal Glen. The school has 165 students from Kindergarden to Grade 9 and they all piled into the gym for assembly. After explaining about MQ 250, Right To Play and answering a few questions it was out onto the field and around and around.

People have said to me "Don't you get bored running around in circles?". I'm a glass half full kind of guy. The loops mean I'm not battling the wind all the time and I get a nice even tan on my legs (like a rotisserie chicken!). During the day I ran with many kids. Some come out, dash ahead and then go and play soccer. Others run for a while then have a sore: leg, stomach, arm, head etc and call it quits. Then there's the one or two that get it. They stick with me the whole time. You'd think it would be the older kids but over the last 13 school visits I've had several grade 1and 2's who have stuck like glue. Today it was Grade 1er Jade "The Machine" (age 7). She came out four times and ran 19 loops (9 1/2km). She was going to run #20 but her teacher called her in for class or something. What's that all about. Nice one Jade.

News Flash

Looking for a few good MarathonQuesters: Come and join me in Vancouver for a Get-Together / Silent Auction on April 30 and for a run on May 2! More info at http://pitch.pe/57630

Quote of the Day

"Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness."

Edward Stanley

Martin chatting with the students at Westbrook School

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #068
• Date: Saturday April 24th  2010
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 36min 48sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 102 BPM
• Temperature C: -2C
• Distance covered to date: 2869.6km (1781.6m)
• Another Race in the World: Labor of Love, USA
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Total number of runners: 2

I don't normally run on a Saturday but next week I'm off to the Vancouver Marathon and I lose three days, due to travel and the race expo. So, this week it will be a "Six-Pack", half a dozen marathons in a row. A little nippy this morning and it's back to the tights / jacket combo. I left my house at just after 7.30am. I think I'm going to adjust my schedule now that the mornings are lighter. My Cochrane runs will start at 7.30am and my Calgary runs at 8.00am. I'd arranged to meet Runner Terry at Guy's coffee shop. She wanted to run a half marathon so that worked well, in the middle of my run. We headed off at 9.30am and made our way along the Bow River. There's a fellow fly fishing, yes, spring is definately in the air.

Our run today took us to the Wine Glass Ranch. This is one of the favourate runs of the running club. To get there you must tackle this gigantic hill but, once you reach the top, the view of the Rocky Mountains is worth it. Terry and I reached the ranch, the half marathon turn around spot, in 1hr 15min, not bad going. We got back to the coffee shop at 1.30pm and I continued on my way for the last 8km. I had a couple of stops before home. I dropped into The Edge Sports and chatted with Mark. He sponsored me with a pair of Addidas runners. I use a pair for every 10 marathons, so I appreciate the help. Then it was over to Mackay's Ice Cream for the usual, chocolate with fudge chunks in a choc waffle cone. Time to head home. The temp dropped by 15 degrees and sleet started to come down. It's now 7.00pm and we have 3 inches of snow. Short spring!

News Flash

Looking for a few good MarathonQuesters: Come and join me in Vancouver for a Get-Together / Silent Auction on April 30 and for a run on May 2! More info at http://pitch.pe/57630

Quote of the Day

"The only difference between tri and triumph - is a little "umph"

Anon

Turn around spot for today's marathon

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #069
• Date: Sunday April 24th  2010
• Course: Youth for Youth Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 37min 16sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 99 BPM
• Temperature C: -5C
• Distance covered to date: 2911.8km (1807.8m)
• Another Race in the World: London Marathon, England
• Total number of runners: 12

It was a winter wonderland as Sue and I left the house to go to the Boys and Girls club house in Cochrane. We arrived at 7.30am and Sue set up a table with some MQ 250 brochures and official bracelets. Organizer Amy arrived and she introduced me to a number of volunteers. I said that I would do a loop of the course to check out the conditions and away I went. The conditions were amazing. Big blobs of snow were hanging from the tree branches and drooping down to the ground. The ground was covered in snow and, even this early in the morning, was starting to melt. In the wooded areas the snow was coming off the trees. It was wet and heavy and I got nailed a few times.

At the start, Jillian, Emily and Emily (see below) were waiting for me and we headed off on the first 5km loop. The girls did great and we all all finished together. Then several of the Red Rock runners joined me and we did two loops together. The Youth for Youth fund raiser was scheduled to go until noon and by that time I had completed 5 loops. Amy had some shirts made up for the event and she handed them out to all the participants. Sue headed home and Runner Roy and myself made our way back to the house along the river pathway. To complete the marathon we ran out 7km on the 1A and then back. By the end of the day most of the snow was gone. Tomorrow I going to do some thing I haven't done since February 8th.

News Flash

Looking for a few good MarathonQuesters: Come and join me in Vancouver for a Get-Together / Silent Auction on April 30 and for a run on May 2! More info at http://pitch.pe/57630

Quote of the Day

"Never give up a dream just because of the length of time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway."

Anon

Ready for the start of the Youth for Youth MQ 250 Fund Raiser

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #070
• Date: Monday April 26th  2010
• Course: Cochrane Foothills Marathon
• Run time: 6hr 30min 25sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 81 BPM
• Temperature C: -6C
• Distance covered to date: 2954.0km (1834.0m)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Syracuse, New York, USA
• Total number of runners: 1

Today I had planned a fun run back on my old stomping grounds, the Cochrane Foothills Marathon course. However, It didn't turn out to be fun. This morning there was a thick fog as I headed out along the 1A. Every so often, two pins of light came towards me and I had to make sure I was well over on the hard shoulder. With the wind at my back, I knew it was going to be a long day. As I made my way up Grand Valley Road the fog burnt off opening up to a robins egg, blue sky. The first half went well, but then I turned into the wind and the sun went behind a bank of clouds. I wasn't really dressed for this, but unlike my recent Cochrane or Calgary routes there was no Good Earth coffee shop to dodge into (I'm getting soft). Then I felt a muscle pull in my upper thigh and I started walking. I was cold enough when I was run/walking but now I was freezing. I made it to the house after 6 1/2 hrs and looked in the mirror, blue lips. Not good.

I must tell you about an incident at the 10km mark. I had reached the intersection of Grand Valley road and Wild Cat Hills road when I say a huge sign. It said "PROPERTY OF DR. RANDOLPH RANDOLPH III, TRESPASSERS WILL BE EXPERIMENTED ON!!!!" The last time I was on this road was in early February and there was no sign. Back then, I had met a stranger. He said his name was Randy. He was dressed in black in a black pick up truck and said he was going to rebuild the old Veterinary Clinic. I had investigated the clinic's history and found out about the diabolical plans of Dr. Randolph Randolph (see blogs February: Dr.Randolph Randolph, Pusgmi-Pullyu, Burning down the house and March: Manimal). Had his Grandson returned to continue his Grandfather's dastardly work? Exactly what kind of experiments were going on in the new clinic? Who in Cochrane is helping the return of this evil mastermind? Will William Shatner star in the next Star Trek movie or will he become the next Canadian Governor General? the answers to these burning questions and many more will be given in up coming blogs.

News Flash

Looking for a few good MarathonQuesters: Come and join me in Vancouver for a Get-Together / Silent Auction on April 30 and for a run on May 2! More info at http://pitch.pe/57630

Quote of the Day

"Never give up, never surrender!"

Commander Peter Quincy Taggart, Galaxy Quest

70 Marathons, 7 pairs of shoes

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #071
• Date: Tuesday April 27th  2010
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hrs 55min 27sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 91 BPM
• Temperature C: -2C
• Distance covered to date: 2996.2km (1860.2m)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
• Total number of runners: 1

After yesterday's disaster I wasn't sure what today would bring. I had popped a couple Advil before I went to bed last night and hoped that they would settle down the muscle at the top of the left thigh. This morning, I drove to the Shouldice Pool and started a tentative jog. I did this for 5 mins and the muscle seemed to be behaving itself. I carried on with the 5 min run, 5 min walk all the way to Eau Claire Market without any trouble. Today was a little warmer and I was running into the wind. This is good because I know I'll have the wind behind me on the way home. I stopped at the Good Earth cafe for my usual dark roast and Zucchini muffin. While I was there I glanced at the Globe and Mail, lots of support for William Shatner to become Canada's next Governor General: set phasers to stun!

Out the door and along the pathways. I love running along the Stampede Grounds next to the Elbow River. Just about all the ice has gone and the birds are flocking in. It's great to see the birds but there's one species that's a menace: Geese. They're all over the place, they hiss at you and they look mean. PLUS there's goose poop every where and that stuff is slick!!!! I may have to start using my running poles just to keep them at bay. Tuesday night is active release night. Greg at Proactive Health works on my legs and feet. I have a very low pain tolerance so I moan a lot. Greg is very understanding and backs off the moment I cry. But it's all good stuff and helps me keep going week after week.

News Flash

Looking for a few good MarathonQuesters: Come and join me in Vancouver for a Get-Together / Silent Auction on April 30 and for a run on May 2! More info at http://pitch.pe/57630

Quote of the Day

"If you think education is expensive - try ignorance."

Derek Bok

Meanwhile, on a throne not 7000km from here.........

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #072
• Date: Wednesday April 28th  2010
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 51min 52sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 94 BPM
• Temperature C: -1C
• Distance covered to date: 3038.4km (1886.4m)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
• Total number of runners: 1

Plan A (16.7km): Today I had my RX8 scheduled for a service at Stoney Trail Mazda, 25km east of Cochrane. It was raining a bit so I put on my light running tights and a jacket. I dropped off the car and started to do loops of the dealership lot. The rain turned to sleet, then snow. Luckily, I had an emergency rain jacket: a garbage bag with holes for the head and arms. My feet got wet and my woollen gloves were rubbish. I dropped in to see how long the car would be and Sam, the service rep, said one more hour. OK I can tough it out. I came back in after 20mins and waited. When I got home I threw all the clothes in the dryer.

Plan B (28.7km): I upgraded my runners to trail shoes, switched to winter tights, grabbed a Stormtech jacket and put on some mitts. Then I headed down to see Amy at the Boys and Girls club. I wanted to give her the race bib from the fundraiser on Sunday. By the time I got there my tights and feet were soaked. Amy gave me a cup of tea and told me that they had collected $230.00 from the participants, great job. I was thinking of going for an ice cream but I just didn't have the energy. I ran back along the river path and when I got home I threw all the clothes in the dryer.

Plan C (42.2km): Time to get serious. I upgraded my trail shoes to a pair of Salomon XT wings Gortex and put on a pair of Stormtech pants. I was ready for anything. I decided not to go too far from the house, so I started to do loops around the new West Point development. Things went well for a while but eventually water finds a way in. I finished the marathon and trudged back to the house. I then threw all the clothes in the dryer.

News Flash

Looking for a few good MarathonQuesters: Come and join me in Vancouver for a Get-Together / Silent Auction on April 30 and for a run on May 2! More info at http://pitch.pe/57630

Quote of the Day

"It's unnatural for people to run around the city streets unless they are thieves or victims.  It makes people nervous to see someone running.  I know that when I see someone running on my street, my instincts tell me to let the dog go after him."

Mike Royko

Stoney Trail Mazda: Washroom, coffee and a place to get warm.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #073
• Date: Thursday April 29th  2010
• Course: Cochrane West Point Marathon
• Run time: 6hr 36min 24sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 84 BPM
• Temperature C: -10C
• Distance covered to date: 3080.6km (1912.6m)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Total number of runners: 1

CBC Radio, 7.00am Weather: " Storm warning in effect for the Cochrane area...Rockyview and Catholic board schools shut down.....School buses not running....Cochrane hill treacherous......Car off the road on the 22 highway between Cochrane and the 1 turnoff......90km per hour winds". And this was the good news. The bad news was I would not be able to make it to Willow Park School to run with the kids. Sue called Assistant Principal Mike and explained the situation. He fully understood and we are going to try to rebook it in the near future. My Plan B wasn't very enticing. I figured it would be best to stay close to home and the 1.7km West Point loop looked like a good bet.

I got dressed in full battle gear and headed out into the strom. Sue said I was nuts. After an hour I agreed with her and came in for tea and toast. I realized I couldn't sit around all day so out I went again, this time for 2 hours. I thought a cup of coffee and a couple of poached eggs might turn things around and I was right. The snow let up but the wind just kept howling down the river valley. Slowly, the km's built up. On each loop I walked against the wind and ran with the wind behind me. By 5.00pm the marathon was finished in 6 1/2 hrs. In total 6 marathons this week, 253.6km. I'd like to mention a couple of donors on the "Honour Roll". The students at Vista Heights School raised $560.00, great work kids and Nick Demore donated $500.00, thanks mate, much appreciated.

News Flash

Looking for a few good MarathonQuesters: Come and join me in Vancouver for a Get-Together / Silent Auction on April 30 and for a run on May 2! More info at http://pitch.pe/57630

Quote of the Day

"You must realize one thing. In every little village in the world there are great potential champions who only need motivation, development and good exercise evaluation."

Arthur Lydiard

Snow Shoes

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