Martin Parnell Finish the Race Attitude

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #227 (23 to go, 30 days left)
• Date: Wednesday Dec 1st 2010
• Donations to date: $150,671.32
• Course: West Dover School
• Run time: 5hr 18min 18sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 102 BPM
• Temperature C: -3C
• Distance covered to date: 9,579.4km (5,947.4ml)
• Total number of runners: 253

My second school of the week was on the other side of Calgary so it reqiured an early start. I hit the road at 6.30am and arrived at West Dover School at 7.30am. I had been in contact with Teacher Jason and he told me that his grade 4/5 students had been studying the Marathon Quest 250 website and they had some very insightful questions. I started running at 7.45am and found the smallest loop, around the school, that I have ever run. In total it was 250m, lots of turns. At 10.10am I went in and met the Grade 4/5 class. The kids call Teacher Jason, Mr.S and his student teacher is Mr. H. The kids had filled a bullitin board full of facts and quotes from the website so I knew the questions would be tough. The first one awas a zinger "How healthy is Poutine?" I explained the health value of potatoes and cheese, and what's not to love about gravy?

It was time to get back running. All through the day students joined in on what we called "Loop the Dover". They cheered and yelled "Hey, Ho, Let's go!" One kindergarten student asked me five time where was I born and it never changed each time I told her England. One young fellow really impressed me. He was in Grade 6 and his name was Jach (pronounced Josh). Six years ago he and his family had come over from Sudan. As I finished my run he came up to me and gave me $3.95 to donate to Right To Play. Sure makes you think.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: Why didn't the boy believe the tiger?
A: He thought it was a lion!

Quote of the Day

"People who share with others are seldom hungry"

Haitian proverb

Born to Run. Grade 4/5 kids at West Dover School in Calgary.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #228 (22 to go, 29 days left)
• Date: Thursday Dec 2nd 2010
• Donations to date: $150,971.32
• Course: Dr JK Mulloy School
• Run time: 5hr 32min 11sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 95 BPM
• Temperature C: -12C
• Distance covered to date: 9,621.6km (5,973.6ml)
• Total number of runners: 1

Third school in three days. But first I had a 6.30am interview with Buzz and Blake of 90.3 AMP Radio. Buzz has been a big supporter right from the start and he wanted to know how things were going. I brought him up-to-date and he said that they would drop by the school, for a video interview, later on. Today's school was Dr. JK Mulloy. I had run here before, on January 14th, Marathon #11. It was great to be back and Math Learning Leader Melissa met me at the door. We had an assembly at 8.15am and then I was out looking for a route around the school. Problems. The pathways were in poor condition, ice and snow build up. All I could find was a 100m strip of bare pavement. Well that was it, no use complaining.

Buzz and Blake came by at 10.30am. They said that I had been nominated as a "Christmas Angel" and the following is the video they shot:

Martin, The Christmas Angel (PG)

And finally. Google have mapped Mars, they've mapped the Moon, they've even taken pictures of our houses showing you and I brushing our teeth. They are all powerful. And then there's Alice. Alice works for Google. She has a 6x6 cubicle in the basement of the 127 storey Google Head Office in Mountain View, California. Alice has a problem. Google Calendar has a glitch. When you make an appointment it shows it on the previous day. Not Good. Alice says "You all are being so helpful with each other and with the tips and workarounds, and I just want to say thank you so much for your patience and support. We'll keep you guys posted". Alice needs help. Will one of the Google stargazers on the 127th floor please come down and give her a hand! Thank you.

And finally, finally. Sue and I have packed our pj's and toothbrushes. We're off to Las Vegas. On Sunday, I run the marathon.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: What do you call a sleeping dinosaur?
A: A dino-snore!

Quote of the Day

"The eyes are for seeing, the ears are for hearing, and the lips to shut up"

Haitian proverb

Jason, Martin and Zack. The three musketeers of Dr JK Mulloy School.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #229 (21 to go, 26 days left)
• Date: Sunday Dec 5th 2010
• Donations to date: $151,121.32
• Course: Las Vegas Marathon
• Run time: 4hr 41min 17sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 114 BPM
• Temperature C: 8C
• Distance covered to date: 9,663.8km (5,999.8ml)
• Total number of runners: 29,000

Last weekend Yellowknife, this weekend Las Vegas. On Friday, our flight took us from Calgary via Salt Lake City to SinCity. Saturday was spent getting to the race expo. It sounded fairly simple, head down the strip to the Sands Convention Centre. However, as in life, things are not as simple as they sound. We left the Luxor at 9.00am and walked through to the Excalibur. Then outside, across the strip to the MGM. A monorail ride to Harrah's, through an underground parking lot to the Venetian then on to the Sands. A good 5km hike. Las Vegas is one of those "Rock and Roll" marathons and the expo was hopping. After we picked up our t-shirts and timing chip we spotted a sign for Scott Jurek poster signing. Having read so much about Scott and watched the movie "The Distance of Truth", it was a pleasure meeting him.

Sunday was an early start. There were an estimated 29,000 runners and I was in corral #20. A Cher impersonator sung the American National Anthem and the Blues Brothers got every one pumped up. The gun went off at 7.00am and the corral starts were 1 min apart. There were some great sights along the way. I passed Sponge Bob Square Pants Elvis at the 5km mark. The half marathon was up the strip and back, then we turned towards the desert for the second half. I had made pretty good time but in the last 200m was overtaken by British Elvis and a newly wed couple. Back to the drawing board.

And finally. On the way back from "Lost Wages" ,Delta Airways lost our luggage. Not only that they made us pay for each piece checked in. What do you think of it so far? Rubbish.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: How do bees get to school?
A: By school buzz!

Quote of the Day

"Riches are like perspiration: if you rest, they dry up"

Ugandan proverb

Delta Airlines lost our luggage (and camera) on the way back from Las Vegas so here's a picture of the King (this is not Sponge Bob).

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #230 (20 to go, 24 days left)
• Date: Tuesday Dec 7th 2010
• Donations to date: $151,196.32
• Course: Heritage Christian Academy
• Run time: 4hr 48min 17sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 107 BPM
• Temperature C: -10C
• Distance covered to date: 9,706.0km (6,026.0ml)
• Total number of runners: 63

At 5.00am this morning, the front door bell rang. It was the Delta Airlines delivery person. They had found my bag of smelly running gear and were returning it. Excellent. This was also my wake up time, so I got ready for another day of pounding the pavement. Today's school was on the other side of Calgary. I hit the road at 6.30am and made my way through the city. I arrived at Heritage Christian Academy at 7.30am and went into the adminstration office. Nobody knew who I was. Phys Ed Teacher Christina arrived at 8.00am and I found a 1/2km loop around the school. I was feeling good today and every 30mins fresh students were sent to keep up the pace. I finished at 2.30pm. Job well done.

Las Vegas was my last official race of the year. Below are the races, dates, marathon numbers and chip times:

• Boston      -Apr 19th-065-4hr 42min 41sec
• Vancouver -May 2nd-074-5hr 06min 45sec
• Red Deer   -May 23rd-089-4hr 40min 51sec
• Calgary      -May 30th-094-4hr 34min 18sec
• Regina       -Sept 12th-167-5hr 48min 47sec
• Victoria      -Oct 10th-188-3hr 43min 43sec (Boston Qualifier)
• Las Vegas  -Dec 5th-229-4hr 40min 51sec

I'm not sure what happened in Victoria. It must have been the afternoon tea and cucumber sandwiches I had at the Empress Hotel the day before.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q. Where do ants go for their holidays?
A. Frants!

Quote of the Day

"Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars."

Kahlil Gibran

Martin having a tough time keeping up with the young guns at Heritage Christian Academy

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #231 (19 to go, 23 days left)
• Date: Wednesday Dec 8th 2010
• Donations to date: $151,296.32
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 4hr 55min 04sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 105 BPM
• Temperature C: -7C
• Distance covered to date: 9,748.2km (6,052.2ml)
• Total number of runners: 1

Today, it was back to the Calgary pathways. Going to Yellowknife and then  Las Vegas, it's been a while since I ran along the Bow. I found my usual parking spot at Shouldice pool and headed east towards Eau Claire Market. Along the way, I met Runner Ken. He has been following my progress and he told me about a run he had done with Chris McDougall, author of "Born to Run". Apparently Chris had come to Calgary in September and they had done a little barefoot running. I said cheers to Ken and continued on my way.

To the east of Eau Claire is the new "River Walk". I've run this path several times but so far hadn't tried the new washrooms. There are two Super High Tech Toilets (SHTTs). To get in, you touch the light sensor and the door swishes open. A voice welcomes you and music is played for the duration of your stay. I think a famous voice and song would enhance the experience. My choice would be Darth Vader and "Taking care of business" by Bachman Turner Overdrive. Do you have a voice and song you'd like to see used? Send me your suggestions and I'll post the top 3 in a future blog.

On Saturday Dec.4th Mainstreet Pharmacy in Cochrane held a "Right To Play Day". All proceeds from the sale of goods were donated to the charity. Kelly Kimmett has been a great supporter of Marathon Quest 250. He sponsors all my pain medication, muscle relaxants, band aids, sun block and foot cream. When all the numbers were added up they had raised $2,440 for the kids. Great stuff.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q. What do you call an ant who skips school?
A. A truant!

Quote of the Day

"Politeness costs so little and is worth so much"

Haitian proverb

Shoppers Pam and Dan participate in the "Right To Play Day" at Mainstreet Pharmacy in Cochrane. This "Shop-Til-U-Drop" event raised $2,440 for the kids.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #232 (18 to go, 22 days left)
• Date: Thursday Dec 9th 2010
• Donations to date: $154,243.47
• Course: Exshaw and Lawrence Grassi Schools
• Run time: 4hr 57min 26sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 102 BPM
• Temperature C: -4C
• Distance covered to date: 9,790.4km (6,078.4ml)
• Total number of runners: 537

Go west young (not so young) man. Today, it was off to schools in Exshaw and Canmore. I always love driving towards the mountains. Exshaw is 70km west of Cochrane and it's a beautiful trip along the 1A. I arrived at Exshaw elementary school at 8.00am and Teacher Wade was there to meet me. Assembly was set for 9.15am so I had an hour to get a few klicks in. I could only find a 400m loop but, compared to some of my recent routes, that was luxury. I chatted with the kids at assembly and then we all went out and ran for 1/2 hour up and down the road. The little video below shows what went on:

Running with the kids from Exshaw School

After a few loops, Wade and I said goodbye to the kids and headed off into Canmore, 15km down the 1A. While Exshaw is a Kindergarten to grade 8 school with 150 students, Lawrence Grassi Middle school is grade 5 to 8 with 400 students. Assembly was scheduled for 11.30am so Wade and I had some time for trail running. Wade is a big time Ultra marathon runner. He's completed the Leadville 100miler 4 times with his best finish in under 25hrs. Sweet!!!

Lawrence Grassi was school #58 and the kids had lots of good comments and questions. We headed outside and tried a couple of loops around the soccer field but, to be honest, the footing was terrible. Soon it was time to go back to Cochrane. Only 2 more schools to run at next week. Things are coming to an end.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q. What do you get if you cross some ants with some tics?
A. All sorts of antics!

Quote of the Day

"The night is over before one has finished counting the stars"

Tanzanian proverb

Little school in the Canadian Rockies

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #233 (17 to go, 21 days left)
• Date: Friday Dec 10th 2010
• Donations to date: $155,093.47
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 32min 18sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 97 BPM
• Temperature C: -24C
• Distance covered to date: 9,832.6km (6,104.6ml)
• Total number of runners: 1

The weather the last few days has been crazy. Yesterday, when I started, it was a balmy -4C. Today, it was -24C and the forecast for tomorrow is -3C. I decided to run half the marathon in Calgary and half in Cochrane. It's just too hard trying to do it all in Cochrane, considering the state of the pathways. I had a good run from Shouldice Pool to the Good Earth cafe. This out and back is 21km and makes a great start to the day. It's interesting, watching the build-up of ice on the Bow, day after day. I had to get back to Cochrane by the early afternoon, as I had several errands to run.

It was a sad afternoon. The final flavour in Ice Cream Quest 50 was consumed. Ice Cream associate Mellissa served me a single scoop, of the Christmas special, Candy Cane. As I walked down Main Street, eating my sumptuous treat, at -24C (no drips!!), I remembered how it all started. In early June, I walked into Mackays and was about to buy a chocolate fudge cone when owner Robin stopped me. She said that they would fuel me for the year. So right there I decided to try and eat every flavour before year end. It's a tough job but someone has to do it. When I tell this story to the school kids they ask me what are my favourite / worst ice creams so here goes:

Five star ice creams:

• Coconut Delight
• Tropical Mango
• White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle

And these should be made illegal:

• Bubble Gum
• Liquorice
• Root Beer

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q. What medicine would you give an ill ant?
A. Antibiotics!

Quote of the Day

"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value"

Albert Einstein

The final flavour was eaten today: Candy Cane

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #234 (16 to go, 20 days left)
• Date: Saturday Dec 11th 2010
• Donations to date: $156,092.42
• Course: Cochrane Toyota Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 23min 36sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 97 BPM
• Temperature C: -19C
• Distance covered to date: 9,874.8km (6,130.8ml)
• Total number of runners: 1

I'm getting a bit cheesed off with weatherman Paul. He keeps saying it's going to warm up, but no sign yet. Every morning, I stick my head out of the front door, pick up the Calgary Herald and check the thermometer. I then go inside with a smile or frown. This morning, the mercury read -19C, frown time. Today, I was off to Cochrane Toyota. They were sponsoring today's marathon for Right To Play for $2,500. Fantastic. Director of Business Development Jacquie had organized the day and I was looking forward to meeting the gang at the dealership. I arrived at 8.00am and Jacquie helped me set up the Right To Play table, posters and banner. This is a new dealership and owner Alex does loads for the community. At 8.30am I was on my way. I found a 1.5km loop along the road, next to the car lot. Not very exciting, but it would do the job.

As I completed my half marathon, the smell of BBQ'd meat wafted up my nostrils. Cochrane Toyota have an Events BBQ Trailer. I've seen this little beauty at a number of functions and have partaken in several of their offerings. I was rather peckish and was first in line for the 100% extra thick beef patty. To ensure the full flavour came out, I smothered it in relish. mustard and tomato sauce. The perfect running food. Having fully fueled, I started off on the second half. At the 39km mark a truck pulled over on the other side of the road, a fellow jumped out and he waved me over to meet him. He said his name was Lorin and he had been following my progress. He wanted to make a donation and when he saw me running along he thought now was as good a time as any. He wrote a cheque for $50 to Right To Play and said good bye. That was so cool.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes (ant's)

Q. What is even bigger than an elephant?
A. A giant!

Quote of the Day

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step"

Chinese Guru Laozi

The gang from Cochrane Toyota: What a fun bunch of guys!

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #235 (15 to go, 19 days left)
• Date: Sunday Dec 12th 2010
• Donations to date: $156,292.42
• Course: Cherubim Music Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 27min 32sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 96 BPM
• Temperature C: -11C
• Distance covered to date: 9,917.0km (6,157.0ml)
• Total number of runners: 4

Today, was a very special sponsored marathon. Music Teacher Nathene had asked her students which charity they wanted to support this year and they chose Right To Play. Nathene and her husband Rick live just across the road so at 8.30am it was a short trip to their place. I was feeling really tired this morning. This was marathon #6 in a row and I was looking forward to tomorrow's day off. Rick gave me a cup of French roast and that picked me up right away.

Rick and I headed out. The plan was to come back at 12.30pm for spaghetti. I thought it was time to shot my Running Christmas music video so while Rick and I went around and around the West Pointe 1.25km loop Nathene made some phone calls. We came in at 12.30pm and had the grub. The musicians had arrived and we all trooped upstaires into Nathene's studio. The result is shown below. Marathon Martin and the Rockin Runners sing "The 6 Jogging Days of Christmas". Enjoy.

The 6 Jogging Days of Christmas - Unplugged

Members of The Rockin Runners are Phoebe (harp), Edward (violin), Jessica (flute), Kaleigh Jo (Guitar), Maree (guiter), Erin (singer) and Molly (poser). what a great bunch. I think this video will go viral or feral, I'm happy with both.

And finally the Cherubim Music students raised $510 fro right To Play. Now that's music to my ears.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes (ant's)

Q. What medicine would you give a sick ant?
A. Antibiotics!

Quote of the Day

"Don't count the days, make the days count"

Muhammad Ali

Band on the Run

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #236 (14 to go, 17 days left)
• Date: Tuesday Dec 14th 2010
• Donations to date: $156,642.42
• Course: Abbeydale School
• Run time: 5hr 13min 20sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 100 BPM
• Temperature C: -9C
• Distance covered to date: 9,959.2km (6,183.2ml)
• Total number of runners: 337

Today, it was off to school number 59, Abbeydale Elementary. It was a bit of a long hike across Calgary, but I got there at 7.50am. Principle Brian met me at the door and showed me around. I always like to establish base camp in one of the staff washrooms. Then I check out the staffroom and locate the coffee pot. I noticed a bowl full of Halloween candy. Could be useful in a case of emergency. I then figure out the closest door to the outside. At the last few schools it's been tricky to find a good route because there's so much snow built up,  which makes the pathways hazardous. I found a 200m strip of pavement, which wasn't much, but was not the shortest route I've run.

In the morning, Phys Ed Teacher Sue had organized all the classes to join me.  The school goes from Kindergarten to Grade 6 and there are 350 students. I chatted with them at 8.30am and then the first group of grade 1ers chased me down the pavement. I thought it would be absolute chaos. But Teacher Sue had selected five grade 3 "Enforcers". These kids were terrific. They made sure the little ones stayed behind me and when I turned around they kept them to one side. I heard them encouraging them and telling them to "dig deep!!". Class after class came out and the five students stuck to their job. A gold star to each of them.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes (ant's)

Q. What is smaller than an ant's dinner?
A. An ant's mouth!

Quote of the Day

"If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses"

Henry Ford

Lots of good questions from the students at Abbeydale School

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #237 (13 to go, 16 days left)
• Date: Wednesday Dec 15th 2010
• Donations to date: $156,742.42
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 28min 27sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 96 BPM
• Temperature C: -10C
• Distance covered to date: 10,001.4km (6,209.4ml)
• Total number of runners: 15

Today, Wednesday December 15th at 3.21pm, the 40.8km point on marathon #237, I crossed the 10,000km mark.

But, let's go back to 7.40am this morning. Runner Frank knocked on my door and gave me a ride to Coffee Traders, in Cochrane. Frank is a big soccer fan and he asked me what I thought of the Man Utd vs Arsenal game on the weekend. I'm an Arsenal fan but they were rubbish. They need to use Theo Walcott right from the start, not just for the last 10 minutes. Runner Jody was sponsoring this marathon for $1,000 to Right To Play. She was at the cafe with her mum, Bev, and several other runners. We headed off at 8.30am and attempted to negotiate the streets of Cochrane. They weren't good. We stumbled our way down to the Spray Lakes Sports Centre and took a break. Half an hour later we were back at Coffee Traders, figuring out a new route.

Runners Sandy and Pat joined us as we stuck to pavements and hard top pathways. Along the way we were joined by the Town of Cochrane "Fun Wagon". This vehicle is used for events all through the year and is a big hit with the kids. Part of the route was along the off-leash path between the old bridge and Spray Lakes. This is going to be the route for the final marathon. I was telling Sandy, who works for the town, that I'd love to see a "Cochrane Rock and Roll" marathon for that day. Bands and music all along the 1km section. Maybe even a pipe band!!!!!!

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes (ant's)

Q.What do you call an ant who lives with your great uncle?
A. Your great-ant!

Quote of the Day

"Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors"

African Proverb

Reached the 10,000kms mark, for the year, on marathon #237.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #238 (12 to go, 15 days left)
• Date: Thursday Dec 16th 2010
• Donations to date: $156,792.42
• Course: Mount View School
• Run time: 5hr 24min 50sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 99 BPM
• Temperature C: -19C
• Distance covered to date: 10,043.6km (6,235.6ml)
• Total number of runners: 3

School Quest 60 is over. I had originally hoped to run at 40 schools, but the requests just kept coming in, so it ended up at sixty. The first school was Mount View. It was January 7th, marathon #006 and the temp was -31C. The last school, marathon #238 was Mount View. This time the temp was a toasty -19C. In between I've run at schools in Calgary, Cochrane, Airdrie, Exshaw, Canmore, Okotoks and Yellowknife, NWT. In total I've run with over 12,000 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. I've run on pathways around the school, in parks, soccer fields and a 100m strip of pavement in front of one school. What about the kids? well they have been fantastic. I've told them about my bike trip across Africa and how I played soccer with children in Sudan and table tennis with kids in Ethiopia.

I've told them about there being Right To Play programs all over the world, including Canada. And what do they do? They give me their pocket money to "Help the other kids". Today, at Mount View was no different. I chatted with the children at assembly then I started off running. A number of them remembered me from my previous visit and said hi. It was a busy day. The kids had a Christmas Concert "A Charlie Brown Christmas". I asked them if they wanted me to reenact when Charlie Brown (me) tried to kid the football but Lucy took it away. They said no.

Finally, I went over to Spray Lakes Sport Centre this evening to meet the Girls U-14 Cochane Wolves Soccer team. The girls fundraised $5,400 and gave $540 of it to Right To Play. Great work.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes (ant's)

Q. Who was the most famous ant scientist?
A. Albert Antstein!

Quote of the Day

"It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop"

Confusius

Today, was the Christmas concert at Mount View School

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #239 (11 to go, 14 days left)
• Date: Friday Dec 17th 2010
• Donations to date: $156,902.42
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 4hr 56min 31sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 107 BPM
• Temperature C: -21C
• Distance covered to date: 10,085.8km (6,261.8ml)
• Total number of runners: 1

Another nippy day in the Calgary area. Today, I decided to head into Calgary and pound the pathways. At 7.30am I was running along Edworthy Park. A fellow runner I met asked me if I was going to Eau Claire Market to meet Angus. I admitted that I didn't know who Angus was and she went on to tell me that Angus Cowan was running 25hrs straight, to raise funds for the Calgary food bank. I arrived at the market at 8.30am and there was a huge crowd cheering Angus. Hats off to you, fellow runner.

On Dec 31st 2009 I was interviewed by Tony Harris of CNN. He asked me some very good questions and also said I was nuts for trying to run 250 marathons in one year. He was not the first to say this and has not been the last. It is now Dec 17th 2010 and I have completed 239 of 250 marathons. That makes me 96% less nuts than when I started. However that still leaves me 4% nuts and 4% is 4%. Below is the interview:

The "Are You Nuts?" Interview

During the interview Tony said "Let's see if we can get some money raised for your effort". That was a year ago. I have not heard from him since. Does anyone know where he is? If you do, please tell him that I'd like to chat.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes (ant's)

Q. What games do ants play with elephants?
A. Squash!

Quote of the Day

"People often say that this or that person has not yet found himself. But the self is not something one finds, it is something one creates"

Thomas Szasz

Tony Harris, CNN: Have you seen this man? He owes me money.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #240 (10 to go, 13 days left)
• Date: Saturday Dec 18th 2010
• Donations to date: $157,397.42
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 24min 41sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 98 BPM
• Temperature C: -19C
• Distance covered to date: 10,128.0km (6,288.0ml)
• Total number of runners: 21

Today, I was heading down to Guy's Bakery to meet up with the Cochrane Red Rock Running and Tri Club members. The particular reason I was staying in Cochrane was that Cyclist Dan had sponsored the marathon for $1,000, for Right To Play. I arrived at the cafe at 8.20am and Dan was waiting for me. Dan operates his own carpet cleaning business and is a member of the local Rotary Club. Dan is also an endurance athlete but his forte is cycling. He rides huge distances, over multiple days, but he had never run over 10km. While we were waiting, Runner Leslie brought in the latest issue of Canadian Running. She showed me the section where they had made the 2010 Golden Shoe Awards. They had given me one for "Mega-Marathons". Many thanks.

At 8.40am, a group of 21 of us headed out and worked our way through the streets of Cochrane. They were terrible. We were slip sliding around and the fresh snow didn't help. After an hour, we went back to the coffee shop to have a sausage roll and consider our options. Plan B was to head down to the Spray Lakes Sports centre. This wasn't much better. Finally, we headed back to my place and ran around the West Pointe loop. Dan did really well. He completed a half marathon and, on Dec 31st, is coming out the run the whole final marathon. That's the spirit.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes (ant's)

Q. What do you call a 100 year old ant?
A. An antique!

Quote of the Day

"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will"

Vince Lombardi

Cyclist Dan sponsored today's marathon for $1,000 for Right To Play.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #241 (9 to go, 11 days left)
• Date: Monday Dec 20th 2010
• Donations to date: $165,045.50
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 4hr 54min 30sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 109 BPM
• Temperature C: -22C
• Distance covered to date: 10,170.2km (6,314.2ml)
• Total number of runners:4

Freedom 55. On Sunday it was my 55th birthday. Fifty-five candles on the cake. it was a big cake. We had to wear sunglasses when all the candles were lite. It took me five gos to blow them all out. The big 55. Time to get out the rocking chair and give it a lick of paint. One day I'll be rocking away wrapped in my favourite fleecy blanket with a cup of cocoa. But not today. No, today it was marathon # 241, back into Calgary.

The weather is still grinding out the -20C temps, but I hear, through the grape vine, that a chinook is coming. Sooner the better. I arrived at Shouldice pool at 8.00am and 1 1/2 hours later I was at the Good Earth cafe. Lawyers Don and Gord met me with Don's brother-in-law Grady. We headed east and noticed the huge build up of ice on the Bow. The shapes are amazing, where the water pressure forces the ice up vertically. I had an appointment at 1.30pm in Cochrane, so I said goodbye to the guys and retraced my steps to Shouldice. At the appointed time I met Barry, owner of Spray Lakes Sawmills. Barry has done a tremendous amount for the Cochrane community and he agreed to donate $2,500 to Right To Play. Many thanks.

I arrived home at 2.30pm and I had only one thing was on my mind: Senior discounts. Below are some of the best deals I could find for the over 55 gang:

• Arby's: 10% discounts at participating locations.
• Belk's: First Tuesday of the month 15% discount.
• Best Western: At least 10% off regular room rates.
• McDonalds: Everyday discounted senior coffee.
• Taco Bell: Free drinks for seniors at participating locations.

It doesn't get any better than this!

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes (ant's)

Q. What is the biggest ant in the world?
A. An elephant!

Quote of the Day

"Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen"

Ralph Waldo Emerson

How Marathon Martin will look, enjoying a cup of cocoa in his rocking chair.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #242 (8 to go, 10 days left)
• Date: Tuesday Dec 21st 2010
• Donations to date: $165,475.50
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 4hr 56min 06sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 102 BPM
• Temperature C: -20C
• Distance covered to date: 10,212.4km (6,340.4ml)
• Total number of runners: 2

The shortest day of the year means getting a start in the dark. Runner Roy joined me at Shouldice Pool and we made our way to the Good Earth. Sunrise slowly came upon us. The brilliant reds and oranges caught the clouds, then reflected off the ice flows, bobbing down the river. It only lasted a few minutes but it's one of the wonders of the world. At the cafe, Roy's Mum and Dad were already having coffee. I left them there and continued down the Bow. I had mentioned before about the new promenade. I really like it, but there is one huge problem, there are several slate sections which are fine in the dry weather but when snow hits them they become a skating rink. Please Major Nenshi do something about it, otherwise you're going to have a multimillion dollar law suit on your hands.

Avartar Marathon Martin has been making good time across the Northern States. In early December he strolled into Seattle, Washington. He was excited to be there as he wanted to visit his favourite coffee shop, Starbucks. His biggest thrill, as he ran across Canada and the States, was to find these little coffee shops tucked away in quiet corners of the cities. You'd never know they were there. He really wanted to visit the original location and found it at Pikes Place. The plaque on the wall stated: The first Starbucks was opened in Seattle, Washington, on March 30, 1971. The name is taken from, Moby Dick, after Pequod was rejected by one of the co-founders, the company was named for the first mate on the Pequod, Starbuck. He ordered his cafe breva and was on his way.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes (ant's)

Q. What do you call an ant who likes to be alone?
A. An independant!

Quote of the Day

"It is our responsibilities, not ourselves, that we should take seriously"

Peter Ustinov

Avatar Marathon Martin enjoys a cup of cafe breva at the oringinal Starbucks in Seattle, Washington.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #243 (7 to go, 9 days left)
• Date: Wednesday Dec 22nd 2010
• Donations to date: $174,685.00
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 4hr 57min 37sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 104 BPM
• Temperature C: -20C
• Distance covered to date: 10,254.6km (6,366.6ml)
• Total number of runners: 5

Marathon #243 is dedicated to the memory of Helen Margaret Ference.

Sadly, Helen passed away on December 13th. at the age of 88. Her grandson, Tyler, got in contact with me and told me a little bit about her. Helen was always active but at the age of 67 she recieved a liver transplant. This didn't slow her down and, up until this spring, she would walk to the nearby pool for a swim. Her husband and partner of 70 years, Mike (92yrs old) still walks everywhere and can still be found shovelling the drive way, in winter.

Tyler had asked me if I could dedicate the marathon that passed through Salmon Arm, BC on the virtual map. Helen and Mike had spent many enjoyable years living there. No problem, # 243 it was. Tyler is a huge supporter of Marathon Quest 250 / Right To Play. He had pledged to donate $1 for every km that I ran during the Quest. Today, he donated $5,500 for a total of $10,500. This amount will allow 210 children to have a Right To Play program in 2011.

I think Helen would be very pleased and proud to have a grandson with such a generous spirit, who chose to show his love for her in this way.

Quote of the Day

"Grief is the price we pay for love"

The Queen

Marathon #243: In memory of Helen Margaret Ference

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #244 (6 to go, 8 days left)
• Date: Thursday Dec 23rd 2010
• Donations to date: $174,835.50
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 4hr 57min 55sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 99 BPM
• Temperature C: -11C
• Distance covered to date: 10,296.8km (6,392.8ml)
• Total number of runners: 4

So far, this week, I've run three marathons at sub 5hrs and, if possible I'd like to run the last two at that pace. I arrived at Shouldice Pool at 8.00am and runner Roy was ready to go. The start temp was -11C, a good 10 degrees higher than the previous few days. The sunrises have been incredible all week and today was no different. Every day the ice build up is increasing and the morning light is shot in all directions off the ice surfaces. At the Good Earth cafe, in Eau Claire Market, we've met up with Roy's mum and dad. They're living in downtown Calgary for a few months and are enjoying exploring the city. Lawyer Don joined us and away we went. Runner Michael was doing a 30km long run and decided to join us.

On December 12th Avatar Marathon Martin arrived in Vancouver. It was raining. AMM was very excited. He is a huge X Files fan and wanted to see some of the filming locations for the series. He found a movie bus tour and hit the road. His main focus was the building where Scully's apartment was located. The bus tour continued and took him all over the city. The next stop was the production studio for Battle Star Galactica. He had really enjoyed the new series. So say we all. He left Vancouver at 6.00pm. It was raining.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes (ant's)

Q. What do you call a smart-looking ant?
A. Elegant!

Quote of the Day

"Don't just stand there; make something happen"

Lee Iacocca

Roy, Martin and Michael enjoying a day on the Calgary pathways.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #245 (5 to go, 7 days left)
• Date: Friday Dec 24th 2010
• Donations to date: $175,175.50
• Course: Calgary Santa Marathon
• Run time: 4hr 58min 47sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 101 BPM
• Temperature C: -17C
• Distance covered to date: 10,339.0km (6,419.0ml)
• Total number of runners: 3

Today was the Santa Marathon. Sue dug out four Santa hats and I put them in my hydration pack. I needed an early start so I drove over to Shouldice Pool for 7.00am. Runner Jeff was waiting for me and we headed off in the dark, towards the lights of the big city. Several runners passed us with head lights on, which seemed a good idea. Jeff is the Chief Operating Officer of the Calgary Mustard Seed and a fast runner. He recently ran a 3hr 11min marathon in Sacramento, a Boston Qualifier for him. He's also a member of the Calgary Marathon Committee. I mentioned that I was thrilled to see that Dick Beardsley was giving a talk in January to kick off the marathon training schedule. I felt good today and the kms clicked by. As I had done in the previous 4 marathons, I finished in sub 5 hrs.

The planning is going well for the final marathon on December 31st. Robin at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sport Centre has been a great help. Drinks will be supplied by Tim Hortons and Coca Cola. Cochrane Toyota have the  "Burger Mobile" and Mark at Trailblazers will be holding a raffle for some excellent items. Also buy your Marathon Quest 250 bracelets at the Creative Daisy Designs table. Robin has lined up 3 awesome Bouncy Castles, including the brand new Bouncy Slide (no ice creams on the slide!).

For anyone who wants to run, the marathon will start at 9.00am and I'll be doing 3.5km loops along the beautiful Bow River. The finish will be at 3.00pm. Registration is a donation, on the day, at the Right To Play booth. Come one, come all.

Kids, bring your parents

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes (ant's)

Q. How many ants are needed to fill an apartment?
A. Ten ants!

Quote of the Day

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us"

Gandalf, The fellowship of the ring

The Ultimate Bouncy Slide!!!!!!!

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #246 (4 to go, 4 days left)
• Date: Monday Dec 27th 2010
• Donations to date: $176,185.50
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 4hr 59min 02sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 111 BPM
• Temperature C: -6C
• Distance covered to date: 10,381.2km (6,445.2ml)
• Total number of runners: 3

Bit of a strange day today. I arrived at the Shouldice Pool, expecting to meet runner Michael but no sign of him. I ran east along the Calgary pathways and at the 4km mark was stopped by a runner coming the other way. He said that Micheal had stopped him and asked if he had seen Marathon Martin. I pushed on and at the 6km mark was stopped by two women. They said that runner Michael had told them that if they saw Marathon Martin to tell him that he would be at the Running Room. I arrived at 9.30am at Eau Claire Market and there was Michael. Don joined us and we did a short out and back before returning to Shouldice Pool. I was meeting a group from Spray Lake Sawmills and I had to get back to Cochrane.

Christmas was great and I received some wonderful gifts. My three favourites were a Buff with Llama's on it, a box of Walkers Shortbread from Scotland (all gone!!) and a coffee cup. It was a very special coffee cup Sue found. There's a shop in Banff called Cows and it sells all things Cowy. Sayings on the T-shirts include "Cowy Potter", "The Mootrix" and "Cowatar". Brilliant. Sue found the "Dunder Moofflin: Paper Cowpany" coffee cup. This is a one of a kind.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes (ant's)

Q. What kind of ant is good at maths?
A. An accountant!

Quote of the Day

"Now bid me run, And I will strive with things impossible; Yea, get the better of them"

Ligarius in Julius Caesar, Act II, Scene I

Dunder Moofflin coffee cup

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #247 (3 to go, 3 days left)
• Date: Tuesday Dec 28th 2010
• Donations to date: $176,610.50
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 09min 05sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 104 BPM
• Temperature C: -13C
• Distance covered to date: 10,423.4km (6,471.4ml)
• Total number of runners: 3

Today, I was off to run with my friend Florin. I had met Florin on the Calgary pathways in early June and we've run together, now and then, ever since. Back in June, he was the proud father of a 7 day old baby girl. Alexandra is now six months old, which made me realise that I've been running way too long. I arrived at Florin's place at 8.00am and we headed east along the Bow. I hadn't been this far east since Winter arrived, but the pathways were in good shape.

At 9.00am I got a call from Reporter Kevin with CTV. Kevin has interviewed me five times through out the year and has been a great supporter. As Florin and I headed back to Eau Claire Market, Kevin would keep popping up and taking footage of us running. It's funny how whenever Florin and I saw Kevin we would start to run faster.

Florin has a PhD in Psychology. When I first met him, I asked him if he thought I was nuts. He said no. Today, I again asked him if he thought I was nuts. He said no. His opinion is very important to me because on Friday I will be talking to CNN. Back in December 2009, there newscaster, Tony Harris, did the "Are you Nuts!" interview with me. I'm looking forward to chatting with CNN on Friday and setting the record straight.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes (ant's)

How come if ants are always so busy they always get time to show up at picnics?

Quote of the Day

"Then there's life in't. Nay, an you get it, you shall get it by running."

Lear in King Lear, Act IV, Scene 6.

Baby Alexandra, 6 months old, donated her $100 Christmas toy money to Right To Play. Good girl.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #248 (2 to go, 2 days left)
• Date: Wednesday Dec 29th 2010
• Donations to date: $181,701.50
• Course: Jamie Roth Marathon
• Run time: 4hr 57min 27sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 109 BPM
• Temperature C: -20C
• Distance covered to date: 10,465.6km (6,497.6ml)
• Total number of runners: 6

Triathlete Jamie Roth is an Ironman. Not only that, he's qualified a number of times, in his age group, for the Kona Ironman World Championship. Today, he was sponsoring marathon #248 for $1,000 for Right To Play. I had an early start this morning. CTV Canada AM had asked me to come in at 6.00am for a chat about the Quest. Laine met me at the door and took me into the studio. It was pretty bare bones. I sat at a desk staring into a TV monitor. You can't see anyone and all the questions are communicated through an ear jack. I left the studio at 6.30am and, at Shouldice Pool, I met up with Jamie and his son Jonathan. Also joining us was Runners Sue and Chris. The Calgary area had been hit with a bunch of snow last night and it was pretty heavy going for the first 3kms along the paths.

Jamie and Jon are currently reading "Born to Run" so they were trying to run like the Taramara indians in the book. We stopped at the Good Earth cafe for breakfast then continued east. The day didn't improve and soon my hydration pack was frozen solid. We eventually got back to Shouldice Pool and I was bushed. I drove back to Cochrane and stopped at Safeway to pick up a copy of the National Post. Reporter Megan had told me the story would be in today's issue. What she didn't tell was that it was on the front page. Fantastic. I went home and checked my emails. Normally, I get notification of 2 or 3 donations made. Today it was 46. Amazing.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes (ant's)

Q. What do you call an ant with frogs legs?
A. An antphibian!

Quote of the Day

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone."

Neale Donald Walsch

Runner Jamie (second from the left) sponsored todays marathon for $1,000 to Right To Play. His son Jonathan (second from the right) is a chip off the old block.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #249 (1 to go, 1 day left)
• Date: Thursday Dec 30th 2010
• Donations to date: $190,801.50
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 4hr 53min 39sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 108 BPM
• Temperature C: -18C
• Distance covered to date: 10,507.8km (6,523.8ml)
• Total number of runners: 1

I had today all figured out. I would start at the Shouldice Pool at 7.00am and be finished by 12.30pm. Then I would return to Cochrane and chat with James from BBC World Service. At 3.30pm Sue and I would take our son Calum to the airport for his trip back to the UK. Then it would be a quiet evening in front of the fire.

Well, it started off as planned. At 7.00am I had parked at Shouldice and was heading to the Good Earth cafe. Two phone calls later I knew I'd be a little longer at the cafe than originally planned. I met Eva from the Calgary Herald and Tiphanie from CBC French Radio and we had a great chat. I was heading back towards Shouldice when I got another call; Cameraman Stu from the Calgary SUN wanted some video footage. No problem. By the time I left the Pool I still had 12km to do. Back in Cochrane I met up with Robin at Spray Lake Sport Centre. We chatted about the route and the plan for tomorrow. At 2.30pm I got my call from Roger of the BBC World Service. Jolly good.

By the time Sue and I had got back from the airport it was 6.00am. I put on my head lamp and headed out. An ice fog was rolling down the river and for an hour and a half I circled a 1.25km loop with a visibility of 15'.

Tomorrow is a big day.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes (bear's)

Q: What do you get if you cross a grizzly bear and a harp?
A: A bear faced lyre!

Quote of the Day

"After all, tomorrow is another day"

Scarlett O'Hara

Weatherman Paul says tomorrow will be "Mainly Sunny". Excellent.

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