Martin Parnell Finish the Race Attitude

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #120
• Date: Friday July 2nd 2010
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 33min 53sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 96BPM
• Temperature C: 11C
• Distance covered to date: 5064.0km (3144.0ml)
• Total number of runners: 2

This morning, Sue dropped me off at the Mazda dealer. I picked up a sporty little Mazda 3 as my rental. I'll keep this until the RX8 Pace car has a new engine, probably in a couple of weeks. I headed to the Shouldice Pool and started my pathways run at 8.30am. It was overcast and around 15C, a perfect day for a run. After coffee and a muffin at the Good Earth cafe, I took the pathway shown to me by Runner Ev on Tuesday. Along the way, I met Runner Florin who was running the route as well. Florin had been following me on the website and was going to email about a run. He was from Romania and had been teaching at Chaparral School. He also had a degree in Psychology and I asked him point blank if he thought I was nuts. He said that by the strict medical definition I wasn't. Good news. Then I asked him if I was addicted or had an obsession about running. He said only if it had an over whelming impact on my life. Time for a second opinion.

After lunch, at the Good Earth, I met Becky and Kevin. These two individuals were informing the public about the Canadian Red Cross. I stopped for a chat and they explained some of the areas in which the Red Cross work. I then talked about what I was doing and Kevin got out his cheque book and wrote a cheque for $50 to Right To Play. Amazing.

Must wrap the blog up now, Sue and I have a World Cup footy marathon to watch. Brazil vs. Netherlands and Ghana vs. Uruguay. Should be good.

New Llama Facts

Thanks to "Team Llama" at Ecole Sam Livingston School for the latest set of facts.

Fact 25: A Llamas favourite drink is coconut milk.

Quote of the Day

"Remember, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

Eleanor Roosevelt

A Purple Flower, anyone know what it is?

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #121
• Date: Saturday July 3rd 2010
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 38min 05sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 91 BPM
• Temperature C: 9C
• Distance covered to date: 5106.2km (3170.2ml)
• Another Marathon in the World today: Paavo Nurmi, Finland
• Total number of runners: 12

Runner Leslie set off with me at 7.30am. Our aim was to get down to Guy's coffee shop at 8.30am to meet up with a bunch from the Cochrane Red Rock Running club. We made the cafe by 8.15am, time to have a double expresso. A group of us headed off at 8.30am and we picked the Crawford Ranch route for today's run. This took us along the Bow River then up Jumping Pound Creek. The main topic of conversation, as it usually is, with runners was injuries. Stress fractures, IT bands, hips, ankles, toes. Once we'd exhaused all body parts, we chatted about races. There's a group heading down to the Crowsnest Pass to do the Sinister Seven Ultra relay. One of the group, Runner Roy, is going to do it solo, he's nuts!!!!

After today's run, it was time to catch up on a little house maintenance. Sue had been asking me to take down the Christmas lights for 5 months now, but you mustn't rush into these things. I checked the weather forecast and it said there was only a 20% chance of snow, not bad. The fact that we're closer to next Christmas rather than last Christmas had crossed my mind, but I thought I'd better not go there. The other option was the rechristen the Christmas lights as patio lights but I didn't think that would work either. So I took them down.

Another World Cup footy marathon on tonight: Argentia vs. Germany and Spain vs. Paraguay. I'm glad there's no more double headers, I was almost asleep on the run today.

New Llama Facts

Thanks to "Team Llama" at Ecole Sam Livingston School for the latest set of facts.

Fact 25: The Llama is the distant cousin to the woolly Giraffe of Northern Morocco.

Quote of the Day

"Have more than thou showest, Speak less than thou knowest, Lend less than thou owest."

William Shakespeare

A quiet spot along the red rock path

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #122
• Date: Sunday July 4th 2010
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 51min 59sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 85 BPM
• Temperature C: 14C
• Distance covered to date: 5148.4km (3196.4ml)
• Another Marathon in the World today: Foot Traffic, OR, USA
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Port-au-Prince, Haiti
• Total number of runners: 2

Another late night last night. Sue and I caught up with the third and forth, quarter final games of the footy World Cup. Sue and I have a lottery going and I have no teams left in the competition. What was Brazil and Argentina thinking. Oh well, there's always 2014.

Today was going to be a split marathon, part in Calgary and part in Cochrane. I always smile when I see the elevation profile on the Garmin Connect website. It looks like I've climbed the side of a mountain, half way through the marathon, and then run along a plateau. Sue wanted the get a long run in, so we started at the Shouldice pool and headed east. The pathways were busy with bikers, rollerbladers and kiddy chariots. I think these chariots are great but there comes a point when the kid should get out and walk. As we approached Eau Claire Market, we spotted a man coming up the side of the river bank. Apparently a mother duck and her ducklings had crossed the road, a car had braked for them and another car had slammed into the back of the first car. An ambulance was on it's way. The man I saw had helped the duck family into the river.

The second section of my marathon was through Cochrane. The main street was pretty busy but I stopped at Mackays for a treat. I'm attempting Ice Cream Quest 47, to try all the flavours on the board before midnight Dec 31st. Today was flavour # 8: Chocolate mint chip. It's a tough job but someone's gotta do it!

New Llama Facts

Thanks to "Team Llama" at Ecole Sam Livingston School for the latest set of facts.

Fact 25: Llamas can count to five by banging their hoof on the ground.

Quote of the Day

"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run."

John Bingham

Mother duck and her seven ducklings

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #123
• Date: Monday July 5th 2010
• Donations to date: $51,722.77
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 41min 47sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 89 BPM
• Temperature C: 5C
• Distance covered to date: 5190.6km (3222.6ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Reykjavik, Iceland
• Total number of runners: 1

The last couple of days I've been getting sharp muscle pains across my shoulders. Whether it's from the way I hold my arms or the hydration pack I'm not sure. I've decided to use a fuel belt for a while and see if that helps. Also, tomorrow night, I'll go and see Dr. Greg (AKA Dr. Pain) and see if he can help.

Today I had a couple of dodgy, doggy incidents. The first was just after I had left the house at 7.30am. I was running along the red rock path, next to the river, when this huge fluff ball came bounding towards me. Now this is not an "Off leash" area but who reads signs anyway. The fluffball decided I was a salt stick and started to lick my legs, lovely, good morning to you madam. I carried on and made my way towards the Ranche House, a beautiful trail run. A German Shepherd came towards me and I decided just to blow right by it, no eye contact.

I came to the end of the trail and heard barking. It was an Alsatian. This dog has been a problem for a number of runners. It's OK if it stays on it's property but several times it's come out and chased club members As I approached, it came towards me. I was already cheesed off by now so I growled at it and it backed away. I started to go back the way I had come and it started to chase me. Enough was enough. Time to take a page from the "Dog Whisperers Handbook": show them who's boss. I turned around and started to run towards it howling like a banshee. It's ears pricked up, it's eyes got big and it ran. Thank you Dog Whisperer. It's always a good day when you chase a dog.

New Llama Facts

Thanks to "Team Llama" at Ecole Sam Livingston School for the latest set of facts.

Fact 25: All Llamas have brown eyes.

Quote of the Day

"Marathon running is a terrible experience: monotonous, heavy, and exhausting."

Veikko Karvonen, 1954 European and Boston Marathon Champ

Busy Bee

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #124
• Date: Tuesday July 6th 2010
• Donations to date: $51,722.77
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 41min 22sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 87 BPM
• Temperature C: 13C
• Distance covered to date: 5232.8km (3248.8ml)
• Total number of runners: 1

The forecast said sunny periods with thunder showers. So, I packed a bag with all the gear in and headed off to the Shouldice Pool in Calgary. I had decided to head west along the south bank of the bow until I hit the Stoney flyover and then come back but, as I hit the turn around point, I spotted a runner dart up the north side. I had never tried that path so, nothing ventured nothing gained. It was a single track trail path and it weaved along the river bank. Out of nowhere came a miniture railway track and this continued along the bank. After 2 km I had to turn around and as I came back I saw three huge rafts preparing to set sail down the Bow. A group of kids were gathering and it looked like a big adventure running the white water.

I headed back toward the pool and could hear the kids yelling and shouting as the rafts negotiated some rapids. At the pool I had a coffee and chewy bar, then continued towards Eau Claire Market. A couple kms along I met the kids on the river bank. They were having lunch and several of them mentioned that I had run at their schools in the spring. These day camp trips with the kids are brilliant. Tomorrow I'm running my 125th marathon at the  Cochrane Day Camp. Half way through the Quest and another 125 to go. I'm glad I'll be running the marathon with the kids.

New Llama Facts

Thanks to "Team Llama" at Ecole Sam Livingston School for the latest set of facts.

Fact 25: Llamas sleep with one eye open.

Quote of the Day

"Anyone can run 20 miles. It's the next six that count."

Barry Magee, marathon bronze in Rome, 1960

Summer fun on the Bow

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #125
• Date: Wednesday July 7th 2010
• Donations to date: $51,722.77
• Course: Cochrane Day Camp Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 51min 05sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 102 BPM
• Temperature C: 12C
• Distance covered to date: 5275.0km (3275.0ml)
• Total number of runners: 18

First the big numbers:

• 125 marathons completed, 125 to go.

• 5,275.0kms ran, 5,275.0kms to go.

• $51,722.77 raised, $198,277.23 to go.

Today I ran at my first Summer Day Camp. The Town of Cochrane holds these camps every year and they are terrific. This week's theme was "Around the World" and Culture Coordinator Sandy introduced me to the Camp Councillors and the kids. It was very cool because I had previously met a number of the children at schools in Cochrane. My route was around the park next to the Farmers Market and this I did 70 times.

In most sports events there's a break during the procedures. It's either at half time, after a period or quarter. At this point in the game you come into the dressing room for orange slices and a bottle of water. Then the Coach goes over what happend and make changes for the up coming session of play. Periods of play can be 45 mins, 20mins or 15mins, in my case it was 6 months including 2 1/2 weeks of injury time. During the 6 months I've  visited 24 schools and ran with over 6,000 kids.

Half time is now over, the oranges have been eaten and the water drunk. Time to get back onto the field for the second half.

New Llama Facts

Thanks to "Team Llama" at Ecole Sam Livingston School for the latest set of facts.

Fact 25: Llamas are afraid of spiders.

Quote of the Day

"When it's all over. It's not who you were it's whether you made a difference."

Anon

Marathon #001 Group photo, Jan 1st 2010

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #126
• Date: Thursday July 8th 2010
• Donations to date: $51,722.77
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 47min 47sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 93 BPM
• Temperature C: 15C
• Distance covered to date: 5317.2km (3301.2ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: San Jose, Costa Rica
• Total number of runners: 1

I've followed this World Cup of Footy from the first kick-off of the South Africa vs. Mexico game to last night's snooze-fest (more later) of the Germany vs. Spain game. I've been in Canada 34 years now and would have supported them. Only problem is they haven't been in the World Cup since 1986. Oh well, I was born in England so let's cheer them on: No good, out in the quarter finals. No problem, I'm a quarter German, surely they are the team. No, Spain used the "Rip Van Winkle" attack: put every one asleep then scored a goal in the last few minutes. Luckily, I have an Aunt from Holland so it's the Dutch all the way.

Interesting run today. The pain in my shoulders has forced me to switch from the hydration pack to the fuel belt. Luckily, tomorrow, I'm being worked on by Physio Serge and Dr Greg (AKA Dr Pain) so hopefully they can sort something out. I started off at the Shouldice Pool and headed west. I love this run along the Bow. I was feeling good and as another runner approached me I said hi: no response. No eye contact, no acknowledgement, no wave. Maybe they were a zombie? but wait, what were those wires coming out of there ears? yes, it was  the ubiquitous icanthearadarnthingpod. If this had been a one off I might have talked about dogs off-leash in on-leash ares. But it wasn't. It happened four times today. The last one was quite interesting. A Calgary Parks vehicle was trying to water the hanging plants along the path and the iperson was oblivious to what was going on behind them. Fun and games.

New Llama Facts

Thanks to "Team Llama" at Ecole Sam Livingston School for the latest set of facts.

Fact 25: Llamas always face North when they sleep.

Quote of the Day

"Life doesn't have a dress rehearsal, make it count."

Anon

The Real Deal

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #127
• Date: Sunday July 11th 2010
• Donations to date: $52,559.77
• Course: Stampede Road Race
• Run time: 5hr 31min 40sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 110 BPM
• Temperature C: 11C
• Distance covered to date: 5359.4km (3327.4ml)
• Another Marathon in the World today: Missoula, MT, USA
• Total number of runners: 190

Today had three parts: A half marathon, the World Cup, a half marathon. But let's start at the very beginning, it's a very good place to start. Sue and I headed into Calgary at 6.15am this morning, for the Stampede Road Race. I had been invited to run the half marathon by Dr. Peter Nieman, a Pediatrician at the Pediatric Weight Clinic in Calgary. At the start line, we met Dr. Peter and off we went. The day was overcast which made it a good temp for running. Dr. Peter was interested in MQ 250 and we talked about execise and kids. Sue and I crossed the line in 2hrs 27min, a good morning's work.

Then back to Cochrane for a World Cup party. A few friends dropped over and it was on with the game. What a disappointment. Not just the result, but the game as a spectacle, borrrrrrrrrring!!!!! 1 goal, 27 bookings and 1 sending off. There were more dives than at an Olympic high board competition!!!!!!!! As they fell to the ground the HDTV caught, in Super Slow motion, the incredible pain of the tackle, in their faces. It reminded me of the Edvard Munch painting "The Scream". The first and only goal at 116mins, over at 122mins!!!!

I had to work some frustrations out so off I went on the second half marathon. Up hill and over dale. Then along the river bank and through the woods. There at the end of the path was ye olde Mackays ice cream store. Home made ice cream just like my granma used to make. Back home in 2 1/2 hours and time for tea.

Ice Cream Quest 47

The challenge is to try all 47 flavours at Mackay's ice cream store before midnight December 31st.

Today's flavour #10: Coconut Delight

Quote of the Day

"The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender."

Anon

Ken arrived from India yesterday. He heard it was cold.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #128
• Date: Monday July 12th 2010
• Donations to date: $52,559.77
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 30min 06sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 102 BPM
• Temperature C: 17C
• Distance covered to date: 5401.6km (3353.6ml)
• Total number of runners: 1

School has finished for the summer so it's off to Day Camp for me. Last week it was the Town of Cochrane and this week it's the YMCA. I arrived at the Shouldice Pool at 7.30am and had to get a move on as I was scheduled to be at the Y at 9.00am. At 8.59am I walked in the door and met Camp Coordinator Fan Wu. Fan Got all the kids together and I chatted to them on the front steps of the building. A number of them told me that I had run at their schools earlier in the year. One asked who my hero was and I said Terry Fox. It was a very appropriate question as Terry had run 5,373.0km (3,339.0ml) from St. John's, Newfoundland to Thunder Bay, Ontario before he had to stop. It had taken Terry 143 days, the same distance has taken me 193 days.

I said goodbye to the kids and headed off along the Bow River pathway. My turn around spot was at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and I decided to pop in and have a look around. What a brilliant place. A pathway wound it's way around a pond and I spotted a beaver working on a dam at the far end. I continued down the path and a fawn shot across just in front of me. This place is well worth a visit. The day was moving on and I was 7km from the pool when I noticed the sky turn black. The wind picked up and a flash of lightning, followed by a thunderclap filled the air. I then noticed white things exploding on the path and quickly realized they were giant hail stones. I'm not much of a tree hugger but I hugged that tree as these puppies came down. Fifteen minutes later, I was ploughing through the rain, heading back to the car.

Yesterday, I forgot to mention the actions of an intrepid group of athletes who completed the FBM fundraiser and made a donation of $837.00 to Right To Play. Excellent work and cheers everyone!

Dr Randolph Randolphs book of animal jokes

Q: What day do fish hate?
A: Fry-day.

Quote of the Day

"It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get up"

Anon

The YMCA Day Camp kids

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #129
• Date: Tuesday July 13th 2010
• Donations to date: $52,609.77
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 56min 09sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 89 BPM
• Temperature C: 7C
• Distance covered to date: 5443.8km (3379.8ml)
• Total number of runners: 2

Bloody Hell Ron! What a wild day. Yesterday I was nearly pulverised by killer giant hail stones and today it's howling winds and driving rains. I'm normally Mr. Silver Lining but today had no redeeming features. Well, that's not quite true. Sue and I headed off under cloudy skies and a coolish temperature. I had checked out the weather in today's Calgary Herald. Smiling Paul stated "Cloudy with showers in the morning, light rain developing in the afternoon with 90% probability of precipitation". Didn't sound too bad. Sue and I completed 8.5km then I headed down to the Spray Lakes Recreation Centre.

Camp Coordinator Adam met me at the centre and I had a chat with the kids. I had run with a number of them at their schools in Cochrane and I was surprised at how much they remembered. The rain had started so we decided to run on the indoor track. It got a bit confussing as we headed off, we went one way and then were told we should go the other way. After a couple of laps, the kids headed off to their other activities and I headed out. The "light rain" had turned to "not-light rain" and I was getting soaked. I decided to head home and dry off. A quick change and I was back out. The "not-light rain" had turned into "very-not-light rain" and the "light winds" had turned into....well, you get the picture. My dry clothes were soaked again and all I could do was trudge out for the remaining 1 1/2 hrs. The hot tub never felt so good.

Dr Randolph Randolphs book of animal jokes

Q: What kind of animal goes OOM?
A: A cow walking backwards!

Quote of the Day

"If I've learned nothing else, it's that time and practice equal achievement"

Andre Agassi

The Cochrane Youth Association Day Camp kids

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #130
• Date: Wednesday July 14th 2010
• Donations to date: $52,709.77
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 25min 44sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 106 BPM
• Temperature C: 15C
• Distance covered to date: 5486.0km (3406.0ml)
• Total number of runners: 1

What a difference a day makes. From wet and windy Arctic conditions to summer time. Today, Smiling Paul in the Calgary Herald stated " 22/9 Mainly sunny with cloudy periods in the morning with chance of thundershowers developing in the afternoon". He certainly covered all angles. The only thing he didn't have in there was snow. I parked at the Shouldice Pool and, as I was about to leave, I glanced at the roof of the rental Mazda 3, OMG, dints all over it from the killer hail storm. It was the same on the hood and trunk. I hadn't noticed it on Monday and I didn't use the car on Tuesday. Sue phoned Stoney Trail Mazda and they told her to bring it in on Friday.

As the run progressed, the clouds moved away and the sun broke out. I headed towards the Inglewood Bird Sanctury and, along the way, spotted a couple of fellows fly-fishing. As a kid in England I had spent many an evening and night fly fishing on the banks of the River Dart in Devon. Maybe, once the Quest is over I'll do some on the Bow. One fellow was casting towards the bank and working the shallows while the other was positioning the boat. I could have stopped and watched them for hours but I had people to see and things to do so I headed off. Along the pathways I met Runner Mike and Dr. Greg (AKA Dr Pain) who was running with his dog, Wriggly. I made to the car by 3.00pm and no thundershowers.

Dr Randolph Randolphs book of animal jokes

Q: What animal has more lives than the cat?
A: A frog, he croaks every night.

Quote of the Day

"It's not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference"

Anon

Fly Fishing on the Bow

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #131
• Date: Thursday July 15th 2010
• Donations to date: $56,114.11
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 50min 35sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 94 BPM
• Temperature C: 11C
• Distance covered to date: 5,528.2km (3,432.2ml)
• Total number of runners: 2

Every morning, I enjoy reading the Calgary Herald with my tea and cereal. Normally, I first turn to Weatherman Paul to check on his predictions for the day then flip to the comics to read Dilbert and Pearls before Swine. Today, however my eyes were riveted by the headline on the front page " Rampaging Beaver kills dog in series of attacks". The shocking story goes on to say that an "aggressive" beaver in a park in Red Deer killed a Husky and injured another dog. Is there some thing going on in the Animal Kingdom? Last week it was a herd of deer in Waterton National Park stalking a dog. Is it pay back time for the meek and mild? Looks like they want to kick a little doggy butt!

Well, enough of the animal world, it was 7.30am and Sue and I headed out the door. Sue wanted to do a 10km tempo run. The run was a little quick for me and when we got back it was time for a coffee. I headed out again and decided to run up the valley to Fosters Farm. This is a beautiful route but at the end of the road is my arch nemesis, The Alsatian. Ten days ago I had come face to face with the beast and I didn't back down. The road is public property and I'm not having a big, old dog chasing me off. Every thing was quiet as I approached, but then the barking began. I used the same tatics as last time and snarled back. It's owner shouted "here boy". Lot of good that did. As I headed back down the valley a plan formed in my mind. Next time I'll bring my pet beaver, Beefer, who lives in the pond at the bottom of the garden. Then we'll see who's king of the hill.

Ice Cream Quest 47

The challenge is to try all 47 flavours at Mackay's ice cream store before midnight December 31st.

Today's flavour #11: Columbian Chocolate

Quote of the Day

"One day of practice is like one day of clean living. It doesn't do you any good."

Abe Lemons, basketball player and coach

Beware of the Beaver!

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #132
• Date: Saturday July 17th 2010
• Donations to date: $56,114.11
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 41min 18sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 103 BPM
• Temperature C: 7C
• Distance covered to date: 5,570.4km (3,458.4ml)
• Total number of runners: 2

Big thunder and lightning storm last night. Sue and I went out on the deck and watched the light show over the mountains. Amazing. This morning was sunny but cool. The rain had freshened up everything and Sue and I headed off at 7.30am. Today was Sue's long run and we planned to do 28km. She's registered for her first marathon in Regina in September so the long weekend runs are a key part of the training. We completed 14km and then had coffee back at the house. The second 14km took us up towards Fosters Farm but not all the way. If I had had my pet Beaver, Beefer, with me I would have challenged "The Alsatian" but not today.

I left Sue at the house and headed off on my final 14km section. As I rounded a corner by the babbling brook, I spotted a sight for sore eyes, a lemonade stand. As I walked past I said to the two lads that I had no money but one of them said "Have a free one". I sat down with Kyle and Joe, the two 10 year old businessmen who run "Lemonade Stand Inc.", and we chatted. Their enterprise was no one trick pony. Besides lemonade, they had iced tea, cookies and, when funds became available, they were going to sell snow cones. They had even built the stand themselves. I offered them a proposition: if they supplied me with lemonade when I saw them on the path then I would promote their business. They had a meeting and said yes. So, all you tourists and local folk come on down the red rock path to a spot behind the old water treatment plant, next to the babbling brook, and enjoy the best lemonade this side of Edmonton. They will be there every Saturday and Sunday in the summer from 10.00am to 1.00pm. Tell them Martin sent you.

Ice Cream Quest 47

The challenge is to try all 47 flavours at Mackay's ice cream store before midnight December 31st.

Today's flavour #12: Cookie Dough

Quote of the Day

"Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm"

Anon

Kyle and Joe's Lemonade Stand

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #133
• Date: Sunday July 18th 2010
• Donations to date: $56,164.11
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 55min 10sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 104 BPM
• Temperature C: 15C
• Distance covered to date: 5,612.6km (3,484.6ml)
• Another Marathon in the World today: Massey, Ontario, Canada
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Is
• Total number of runners: 2

Today was a very special day. Runner David had sponsored the marathon for $1,000 to celebrate his dad, Leon's, 77th birthday. His plan was to run with me and, afterwards, phone his father. Also, he would give Leon the #133 marathon bib number. We met at Eau Claire Market at 8.00am and had a pre-marathon expresso and dark roast, at our favourite coffee spot the Good Earth (GE). I think I'll take out shares in that business based on the amount of coffee, frappachino's, muffins and paninis I've bought there, over the last 4 months. It was another stunning day and we made our way west along the bow. David was telling me that, over the last few months, he has been spending time with his dad and taken the opportunity to tape a number of his father's stories from the past. It makes you think, how much do we really know about our parents and what stories they have, that we've never heard. I think David is doing a wonderful thing.

We went out 10.5km from Eau Claire then headed back. At the GE I had a Mocca Frappachino (800 calories) and a panini (700 calories) then out for the second half. Things were going great, the sun was shining and a light wind reduced the heat but, as they say, "Every silver lining has a cloud". My cloud hit me at km 37. One minute I'm chatting with David, the next I'm heading face first towards the asphalt. Now, lots of things go through your mind when you know pain is coming. The first is "How do I minimise the pain?". Well I've had this happen before and I had taken to wearing gloves. So I threw out my hands to take the full impact. The next instant I was assessing the damage. Scuffed up hand and right knee. I was lucky. Time to start wearing those "Happy Knees'' I bought for gardening last year.

Dr Randolph Randolphs book of animal jokes

Q: What is the strongest animal?
A: A snail. He carries his house on his back!

Quote of the Day

"Golf is a game whose aim is to hit a very small ball into an even smaller hole with weapons singularly ill-designed for the purpose"

Anon

David sponsored today's Marathon for $1,000 for his Dad, Leon's, 77th Birthday.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #134
• Date: Monday July 19th 2010
• Donations to date: $56,164.11
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 49min 08sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 97 BPM
• Temperature C: 11C
• Distance covered to date: 5,654.8km (3,510.8ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Road Town, British Virgin Is.
• Total number of runners: 1

I knew it was going to be a tough day when I overslept this morning. I felt all bruised and fragile from my tumble yesterday and my right knee was aching. In the Calgary Herald, Weatherman Paul is my new best friend. I've been critical of a couple of his prediction but over all he's been spot on. Today he forecast" 15/9 Cloudywith light rain in the morning, becoming thundershowers in the afternoon (90% POP). Humidex 17."Not good. I was in a moany mood and it seemed to take forever to finish breakfast and prepare for the day. Sue gave me a "Suck-it-up-princess" look and I was out the door.

I had decided to head west from the Shouldice Pool and see if I could run off  the aches and pains. The rain held off and the overcast sky made for a good running temperature. After 8km, I crossed the Stoney Bridge to the south side of the river and started to run on a single track path through the trees. Then disaster struck. My left foot caught a root and down I went. I have a question: If Martin falls in a forest and no one is around to hear him, does he make a sound? Too darn right he does!!!!! I tried to do a "ninja roll" and it didn't work too bad, just had to pick a few pine neddles out of my nose.

What is going on. Is it fatigue? Is it a lack of concentration? Or is it the new "Clown" Nike's that I'm wearing? The ad say's "There's even room to pack a lunch". These shoes are hot.

Dr Randolph Randolphs book of animal jokes

Q: What's small and cuddly and bright purple?
A: A koala holding his breath!

Quote of the Day

"Talent is only the starting point"

Irving Berlin

A pair of "Clown" Nike's.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #135
• Date: Tuesday July 20th 2010
• Donations to date: $56,414.11
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 58min 24sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 97 BPM
• Temperature C: 8C
• Distance covered to date: 5,697.08km (3,537.0ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Panama City, Panama
• Total number of runners: 1

At least I didn't fall down today. I guess the training wheels I attached to the "Clown" Nike's must have helped. Another day of possible: rain. hail, sun, cloud, snow, sleet, thunder, lightning, or sand storm. I was feeling pretty blah as I staggered out the door and plodded the first km down to the river. Soon, the muscles started to warm up and I was in my stride, headed towards Crawford Ranch. The loop to the ranch was 13km so I wanted to go 17km on my second loop to hit 30km by lunch time. Sue had warned me that I shouldn't mess with "The Alsatian" but that was the way I headed. At 8.5km on the second loop I was still 1/2 km from Fosters. We would meet again, but not today.

After leaving Michael and the gang in Scranton, Pennsyvania, Avatar Marathon Martin made his way to the honeymoon capital of Canada, Niagara Falls. He took a trip on the Maid of the Mist and met many tourist from around the world. They were handing out blue rain ponchos for the trip, but luckily Marathon Martin is laminated so he didn't need one. In the afternoon he visted the wedding chapel where Pam and Jim got married. Avatar Marathon Martin isn't married himself. He would just like to meet a nice laminated girl who had similar interests to him: Ultrarunning, old Dr. Who episodes and Nickelback. Here's hoping!

Ice Cream Quest 47

The challenge is to try all 47 flavours at Mackay's ice cream store before midnight December 31st.

Today's flavour #13: Cookies and Cream

Quote of the Day

"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going"

Beverly Sills

Avatar Marathon Martin at the Falls

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #136
• Date: Wednesday July 21st 2010
• Donations to date: $56,414.11
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 7hr 27min 38sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 118 BPM
• Temperature C: 12C
• Distance covered to date: 5,739.2km (3,563.2ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Anguilla, Anguilla Island
• Total number of runners: 1

Not a good day. I ran the first 7km west from the Shouldice Pool and then had to stop. The top of my right thigh was giving me jip, so I decided to walk the remaining 35.2km. When I got back to the pool car park, the Calgary Parks person said that if I parked my car in the pool parking lot again it would be towed. Not a good day.

There was a tragic story in the Calgary Herald today about an 82 year old women who was struck by an in-line skater, on a Calgary pathway, and was killed. I've run over 1,100km on the pathways so far this year and I've observed some very bad behavior. Top of the list is tri-guys who ride the paths on their tri-bars: are you nuts!!! These are pathways not a race track. Next is the dog owners, who think the pathways are an off-leash zone. Think again when Fido comes back to you with tyre tracks down it's back, from an encounter with the tri-guy. Finally there's the geese: They're just a pain!

Avatar Marathon Martin made good time from Niagara Falls to Toronto, arriving early one morning. He decided to visit the headquarters of Right To Play.  Robert and Kristyna welcomed him and the three of them chatted about the marathon that Martin Parnell is going to do on August 24th. The location hasn't been decided yet, but it is sure to be a fun event. In the afternoon, he headed over to the Sky Dome and caught a baseball game, Blue Jays vs Yankees. Go Jays Go.

Ice Cream Quest 47

The challenge is to try all 47 flavours at Mackay's ice cream store before midnight December 31st.

Today's flavour #14: Cotton Candy

Quote of the Day

"Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best"

Tim Dunca, basketball player, quoting his mother

Avatar Marathon Martin standing in a lake with Toronto behind him

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I decided to take today off. I thought about it as I was having breakfast. The two falls at the beginning of the week had really knocked the stuffing out of me and the pain in my upper right thigh didn't help matters. I figured that if I took a break today, then tomorrow would be a travel day. On Saturday, Sue and I are heading over to Alcatraz, the Rock. I had read about a triathlon that includes swimming from Alcatraz, then biking and running on the mainland. Maybe next year. The San Francisco marathon is on Sunday and it includes crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, on the road bed. Very exciting. Monday will be a travel day. So, in all I'll get four days off over the next five.

Instead, today was a day of chores. I headed into Stoney Trail Mazda and picked up the RX8. A new engine and mechanic Brian had given the car a clean. Thanks Brian. Back home, I booked the seats on WestJet for the trip to San Fran. Got an email from Runner Vince to say that the track at Laurentian University had been booked for the marathon in Sudbury on August 19th. Thanks Vince. Prepared the Marathon Quest 250 Bi-weekly Report for Right To Play and other team members. While I was having a cup of tea and a couple of chocolate digestives (thanks Linda) I read today's paper. I was sad to read that a beaver had been shot and killed in Red Deer. I don't know what to say. A dog had been killed by a beaver (same beaver?), who was probably protecting it's young. So let's go and shoot a beaver? Give me a break.

Dr Randolph Randolphs book of animal jokes

Q: What do you get if you cross a fish with an elephant?
A: Swimming trunks!

Quote of the Day

"It's a shallow life that doesn't give a person a few scars"

Garrison Keillor

New Engine for the RX8 Pace car

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I didn't run the San Francisco marathon. It was a tough decision but, in the end, it was the only one that made sense. At the beginning of last week I had fallen twice and during the week a muscle at the top of my right thigh had started to play up. I had taken Thursday off and thought maybe I would walk a marathon in San Francisco. We flew to the City on the Bay on Friday morning and in the afternoon went to the race expo. I caught up with Bart Yasso at the Runners World booth and gave him a MQ 250 t-shirt and bracelet. Bart has recently come back from South Africa, after completing the gruelling 89km Comrades marathon. Pottering around the expo I met Dane Rauschenberg. In 2006 Dane  completed 52 marathon races in 52 weekends, finishing the majority of them in under 3hrs 20mins. I bought his book and wished him all the best.

Sue was a bit shocked when I told her I would not be running. The plan was to run together for the first half then I would finish up doing the marathon. But now that I was out Sue was on her own. Race day morning she was pretty nervous and so was I. Usually Sue is my support crew on crazy Ultras: Rock and Ice, Death Race, Sinister Seven and Lost Souls. Today it was my turn to take the spectator shuttle and follow her round the course. Bart counted down 5-4-3-2-1 and wave 8 was off at 6.43am. Sue headed towards the Golden Gate Bridge and for the next 2 1/2 hours I tracked her all around San Francisco, cheering and yelling. The finish was great with crowd shouting words of encouragement  to all the runners. Sue came in at around 2hr 30min (TBC), an excellent time considering the hilly nature of the course. She's really chuffed to have a medal I don't. We flew back today and tomorrow I'm going to do a walking marathon to test out the leg.

Dr Randolph Randolphs book of animal jokes

Q: What do you call a bear with no ears?
A: B!

Quote of the Day

"Practice is a means of inviting the perfection desired"

Martha Graham

Bart and Mart: Twins seperated at birth.

Sue has a medal, I don't .

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #137
• Date: Tuesday July 27th 2010
• Donations to date: $56,614.11
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 7hr 56min 59sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 84 BPM
• Temperature C: 15C
• Distance covered to date: 5,781.4km (3,589.4ml)
• Total number of runners: 1

We have reached a critical juncture in MQ 250. Plan A has been torpedoed and sunk. Plan A was a good plan. It was to run 250 marathons in 2010 and use the 12 spare days for injury. This plan took a major hit in February when my shin injury required me to take 11 of these days. Then, last Thursday, I had to take the final spare day because of an injury to my right thigh. This means we're into Plan B. This plan is not a great plan but realistically it's all I've got. I'm scheduled to run 5 marathons a week and have 2 recovery days. Plan B is to use a recovery day when nessessary for an injury. I had to use one on Sunday because I didn't run the San Francisco marathon. There is a Plan C but it's horrible. This plan kicks in when I've used all my recovery days and I have to run every day. Not good. Plan D is stay in bed.

I started the morning with a presentation to the local Rotary Club. They've been great supporters of MQ 250 and I updated them on how things were going. It was then back to the house and out the door. I had decided to walk today's marathon and see how the thigh would hold up. I didn't start until 9.00am and the sun was getting hot. I walked along the river path for an hour but had to come in. The b@#$%&y mosquitioes were eating me alive. I got the OFF and sprayed up. Back out for another couple of hours. I think I must have sprayed PAM on my legs because they started to burn up. The day dragged on and I began to overheat. By the time I had finished I was bushed. On the bright side the leg seemed to hold up.

Ice Cream Quest 47

The challenge is to try all 47 flavours at Mackay's ice cream store before midnight December 31st.

Today's flavour #15: Dutch Apple Pie

Quote of the Day

"World records are only borrowed."

Sebastian Coe

Canada's most wanted. Martin at Alcatraz.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #138
• Date: Wednesday July 28th 2010
• Donations to date: $56,614.11
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 7hr 47min 49sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 81 BPM
• Temperature C: 14C
• Distance covered to date: 5,823.6km (3,615.6ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis
• Total number of runners: 1

Not OK computer, kaput computer! This morning Sue was watching a You Tube video of a baby eating it's way out of a watermelon when the screen went completely pink and then black. The last word from the machine was 'Ping'. I phoned Computer Wizard PJ and he said it was time to move on and get a new one. After today's run I'll head to Future Shop and see what I can find.

I got a much earlier start today. Out the door at 6.30am. It had been a fitful night, the sunburn irritating me on and off. I left in a slight drizzle, which was good as it kept me cool. I stuck to the West Point loop for the first 14km and then popped home for tea and toast. The next 14km loop took me to Crawford Ranch and back. I finished off the walking marathon with my usual route, to Mackay's for an ice cream and then home. My leg held up well and by smothering myself in +50 sunblock I avoided more sunburn.

After a chocolate milk, hot tub and shower it was off to Future Shop to get a computer. Should be simple. Six years ago lap tops were more expensive than desk tops. How things have changed. Sales Tech Gary told me about the new chips, memory size and hard drives. I picked a machine and was about to pay when Gary told me that for $100 they would remove a bunch of rubbish programs that had been preloaded by the manufacturer. No thanks. What a con when you have to pay to remove programs you never asked for!!!

Ice Cream Quest 47

The challenge is to try all 47 flavours at Mackay's ice cream store before midnight December 31st.

Today's flavour #16: Fresh Banana

Quote of the Day

"Today is the first, and last, day of the rest of your life."

On a wall, in the home, of a May bug

Double rainbow

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #139
• Date: Thursday July 29th 2010
• Donations to date: $56,614.11
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 7hr 39min 29sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 136 BPM (?)
• Temperature C: 10C
• Distance covered to date: 5,865.8km (3,641.8ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Oranjestad, Aruba Island
• Total number of runners: 1

Luck is a funny thing. A friend of mine had a dog with three legs and it's name was Lucky. Today I headed out for my third walk marathon of the week. I felt like running but I told myself that I should stick to the plan: walk four marathons this week, then start running on Sunday. Along the path, at the far end of town, was a cat. As I approached it, the black feline walked across my path. That's very lucky but only if you're from England or Australia. If you're from N. America it's unlucky. Why? Was there a "Black cat incident" on a paddle steamer sailing from London to New york in the late 1800's.

Sue and I keep an eye out for lucky pennies. The other day Sue found one while waiting in the security line at San Francisco Airport. Next moment she was pulled from the line and had to go into one of those 'full-body' x-ray machines. Not so lucky. I saw no lucky pennies on my route today, but I did get my new computer up and running. Computer Wizard PJ came over and did the required surgery. There are still a few hiccups but overall it was a smooth transfer. Now that's lucky.

Ice Cream Quest 47

The challenge is to try all 47 flavours at Mackay's ice cream store before midnight December 31st.

Today's flavour #17: Grape

Quote of the Day

"There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval."

George Santayana

Black Cat

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #140
• Date: Friday July 30th 2010
• Donations to date: $56,814.11
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 7hr 39min 29sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 104 BPM
• Temperature C: 9C
• Distance covered to date: 5,908.0km (3,668.0ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: St John's, Antigua & Barbuda
• Total number of runners: 2

My final day of walking. This week has been a long grind, part of which is getting up at 5.00am to be out the door by 6.30am. As I was brushing my teeth, I heard a knock at the door which gave me quite a jump. It was Runner Roy to join me for today's festivities. Roy has recently completed the Sinister Seven 146km Ultra race. He had raced it solo and finished in under 25 hours. The down side was his feet got wet and a week after the race all the skin on his soles peeled off. Not nice. We started with a few loops of West Point, then down into town to meet Roy's wife Lana, at Coffee Traders. The place was packed so I said my goodbyes and continued on my way. In the afternoon, I dropped in on Robin and Rhona at Mackay's. While eating my Lime Margaritaville cone I had a great chat with Mrs Mackey Senior. She's a big fan of the IM Triathlon and has watched many races in Kona, when she lived there.

Avatar Marathon Martin arrived in Detroit last night on his virtual trip across North America and back. And he's very excited. After Nickelback, his favourite music is Motown. As a youngster he listened to all the greats: Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops and, of course, the Supremes. In fact on his sony walkman he has a party pack of motown classics including his all time top pick: a 28min remix of the Supremes song "Run, run, run".

Ice Cream Quest 47

The challenge is to try all 47 flavours at Mackay's ice cream store before midnight December 31st.

Today's flavour #18: Lime Margaritaville

Quote of the Day

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Avatar Marathon Martin in Detroit

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