Martin Parnell Finish the Race Attitude

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #205 (45 to go, 60 days left)
• Date: Monday Nov 1st 2010
• Donations to date: $117,910.99
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 16min 58sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 101 BPM
• Temperature C: 1C
• Distance covered to date: 8,651.0km (5,371.0ml)
• Total number of runners: 1

Halloween went by without incident. We had a bunch of Super Mario's, Witches, Star Wars characters and Panda bears (big favourite). Todays, run went well. Hard to believe it's November 1st and I was running in shorts and a singlet.

There were a number of magazine and newspaper articles on the #200 marathon. One piece that caught my eye was on CBCnews.com. They talked about the quest and described what Right To Play does. Below the article was an opportuninty to make comments and here are a few of them:

• Very inspiring, just goes to show that there are good people out there that are willing to "go the extra mile" for kids.
• Wow....that's 5000 miles isn't it? or equivent to running coast to coast.
• 15 minutes of fame takes an awful lot of running these days to achieve.
• This guy will die before he finishes #250 marathon. What a waste.
• Watch him have a heart attack at some point, studies have proven that marathoners wear out their hearts.
• Marathons are extremely hard on the body, especially the knees, unless he's using some kind of special shoes and knee braces, he must have a body that the military would drool over to study.
• I know with multi-marathon runners, they all say the trick is to keep eating, some friends I now wear 2 belts, one for water bottles the other just carries potatoes, the starch apparently keeps them going.

I have to give the potato belt a try.

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 #45: Banana Nut

Quote of the Day

"This guy will die before he finishes #250. What a waste"

Comment about CBC article on marathon #200

Should this man be studied by the Military?

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #206 (44 to go, 59 days left)
• Date: Tuesday Nov 2nd 2010
• Donations to date: $118,160.99
• Course: Briar Hill School
• Run time: 5hrs 16min 13sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 99 BPM
• Temperature C: 7C
• Distance covered to date: 8,693.2km (5,397.2ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Bucharest, Romania
• Total number of runners: 183

Today, I headed out to Briar Hill the 46th school, I've visited this year. We're still having a spell of great weather and, as I left the house, I noticed the thermometer was reading +7C, incredible. I arrived at Briar Hill at 7.45am and, on entering through the front door, I met Principal Wendy. She told me that I would be running at the green space across the road. I asked her if they had a sports field and she said not really. She explained that the school had been built in the wrong spot and the area left for a sports field was very weird. Fair enough.

I started off in the dark and watched an amazing sun rise. At 8.45am I came in and talked to the kids at the morning assembly. Briar Hill goes from Kindergarten to Grade six and has 190 students. The green space was small but had lots of variety. I dodged around the trees and shrubs and it felt like I was on a single track trail. During the Class after class came out and ran with me. I had grade 2er Max tell me that his Dad had carried the Olympic torch and had given it to him as a present. Lucky boy. Grade 1er James wanted to run around the world, but when it was pointed out by another student, that there were oceans, James adjusted his plan to include a boat. Also he felt he may have to drive part of the way. Good idea.

Ice Cream Quest 50 (They added 3 new flavours, yes!!!!)

The challenge is to try all 50 flavours at Mackay's ice cream store before midnight December 31st.

Today's flavour #46: Pumpkin

Quote of the Day

"Always do right; this will gratify some people and astonish the rest"

Mark Twain

Chatting with the kids at Briar Hill School

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #207 (43 to go, 58 days left)
• Date: Wednesday Nov 3rd 2010
• Donations to date: $120,870.99
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 4hr 49min 20sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 104 BPM
• Temperature C: 3C
• Distance covered to date: 8,735.4km (5,423.4ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Beijing, China
• Total number of runners: 5

Today, I was going to run a marathon with Lawyer Don. I had met Don at the Good Earth cafe a couple of weeks ago and we had started chatting about the Quest. He works upstairs in the Eau Claire Market for Scott Hall, Barristers and Solicitors. He was very interested in getting involved and had sent an email around the office looking for sponsors for his marathon attempt. I arrived at the cafe at 8.00am and after a quick coffee Don and I headed out. The plan was to do 10km loops back to the Good Earth and hopefully pick up some other runners.

Another perfect running day, not too cold and not too hot. We did the first loop in 1hr 10mins and there at the entrance to the coffee shop were three runners. Don's partner Gord had the most experience of the three. He's completed 39 marathons and has a good kick. Runner Kim is a triathlete, his bad knees have kept him from running marathons but he still enjoys the half and Olympic distance triathlons. The fifth member of our little band was Jeremy. He represented England in kyaking and is a top skier. We completed loop number two and the three new runners had to leave. Jeremy was very enthusiastic about coming back and doing a marathon. Don and I kept plodding on and at 2.00pm the marathon was complete. We were cheered in by Don's wife, Mum and Dad.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: How does a lion greet the other animals in the field?
A: Pleased to eat you.

Quote of the Day

"Change before you have to"

Jack Welch

Good day for a marathon: Martin and Don

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #208 (42 to go, 57 days left)
• Date: Thursday Nov 4th 2010
• Donations to date: $121,570.99
• Course: Chaparral School Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 36min 48sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 95 BPM
• Temperature C: -5C
• Distance covered to date: 8,777.6km (5,449.6ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Skopje, Macedonia
• Total number of runners: 487

The lazy days of fall just keep rolling along. The mornings are a little nippy, but it soon warms up in the afternoon. Today, I had a bit of a long drive to Chaparral School. It's located in the South East part of the city and I have to drive from Cochrane, 35kms west of Calgary. I left at 7.00am and it was still dark. A cresent moon hung in the sky and the morning was crystal clear. Every time I go to a school I do two things; I print off a Google map of the location and I grab a coffee at A&W for the trip. Driving down the 22 highway I have to negotiate one of Calgary's Follies, a roundabout. This thing cost $4m and allows only one lane of traffic to go round it. Four STOP signs would have cost $1,000 but hey these are the same people who brought you the Peace Bridge. Don't get me started!

I was met at the school by Phys. Ed. Teacher Marlene and she told me that the Kindergarten to Grade 4 students had been scheduled to join me during the day. There wasn't an assembly organized so I was interested to see what the kids knew about Marathon Quest 250. The route was 700m around a soccer and baseball field. It wasn't long before I had 14km under my belt and I had answered a million questions. The kids wanted to know how many marathons I had done, how many steps had I taken, How old was I? When did I start running? How many pairs of shoes I had used? How many pairs of socks had I used? What was in my backpack? How many meals did I have a day? What did I weigh? Why was I doing this? These were all great questions, but class after class came out and asked the same ones. I think I'll get a sheet printed up and hand it out at the beginning of every marathon.

Finally, the kids had a bake sale and raised $588.50 for Right To Play. Great stuff.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: What happened when the lion ate the comedian?
A: He felt funny!

Quote of the Day

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work"

Thomas Alva Edison

Phys. Ed. Teacher Marlene shows Martin a sign made by the kids from Chaparral School.

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #209 (41 to go, 55 days left)
• Date: Saturday Nov 6th 2010
• Donations to date: $121,770.99
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 31min 57sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 99 BPM
• Temperature C: -3C
• Distance covered to date: 8,819.8km (5,475.8ml)
• Total number of runners: 28

I've been looking at the weather forecast with trepidation. I'm thrilled we've had such great weather for the past 2 months, but there's always a price to pay. It looks like it will be collection time on Monday. Weatherman Paul has drawn in some snow flakes on the Monday forecast and that spells trouble. But let's not worry about that now. Today was another super running day (aren't they all) and at 7.30am I headed down to Guy's Bakery. One thing I'm pleased about is that the clocks go back an hour tonight. Heading off in the dark is a pain, so let there be light.

We had a big gang at the coffee shop and we all headed off in different directions. Runner Andrew joined Sue and I and we headed towards Crawford Ranch. Andrew's had some great results in the ultra's he's run this year and he mentioned that he is interested in going the Comrades Marathon next May. I've signed up for that one and it would be great if he came along. Later in the day I was on my own and it was time for an ice cream. I've set myself a goal of eating all 47 flavours at Mackay's store before year end. I've been doing well but I had a bit of a shock today. It appears that Mackay's have 42 fixed flours and 5 flavours they change on a whim. This means that they could keep bringing out new flavours and I may never succeed in trying them all. What should I do? Give up now or battle on to the end? Help!!!!!!!!

Finally, I have received a number of comments and suggestions during the Marathon Quest. One that intrigued me was the use of a "Potato Fuel Belt". Apparently, this is used by a number of marathoners in conjunction with a regular fuel belt. The belt is ready, carry on.

Ice Cream Quest 50+

The challenge is to try all 50+ flavours at Mackay's ice cream store before midnight December 31st.

Today's flavour #46: Red Tiger (Black Cherry with Liqorice)

Quote of the Day

"If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn't be called research would it?"

Albert Einstein

Coming to a Running Room near you: The Potato Fuel Belt (potato's sold seperately)

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #210 (40 to go, 54 days left)
• Date: Sunday Nov 7th 2010
• Donations to date: $121,795.99
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 30min 17sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 95 BPM
• Temperature C: 1C
• Distance covered to date: 8,862.0km (5,502.0ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Tunis, Tunisia
• Another Marathon in the World today: Bobcat Trail, OH, USA
• Total number of runners: 9

Today was very special. Runner Linda, whose birthday it was, had sponsored the run for $1,000. That in it's self was special but Linda has been a huge supporter of Marathon Quest 250 right from the beginning. She's always putting positive comments on Facebook and, back in May, she organised a run at Mitford Middle School, where she teaches. This morning, a group of us met at the Shouldice Pool. There were Runners Jody, Kathy, Kevin, Roy, Earl, Shelia, Linda and Emily. Our plan was to run to Eau Claire Market and the Good Earth cafe. At that point Roy, Linda and myself would continue east, the rest returning the way they came.

In the past, I have been somewhat critical of the Calgary City Council. In several previous blogs I highlighted the folly of the Peace Bridge at a cost of $25m. However I must give the Council credit where credit is due. The new promenade, along the Bow, to the east of Eau Claire Market is simply stunning. The wide open boulevards are accented with stained wood sections. There are two lookouts, extending over the Bow and, in one of them, are five post modern deck chairs. Linda and I spent a few minutes sitting back, enjoying the sun and listening to the river flow by. There is also a high-tech stainless steel washroom with a sign on it saying "Coming Soon". I can hardly wait.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: What fish only swims at night?
A: A starfish!

Quote of the Day

"Minds are like parachutes, they only function when open"

Thomas Dewar

Birthday Girl Linda and Martin relaxing by the Bow in Calgary. Linda sponsored the run for $1,000 to Right To Play.

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #211 (39 to go, 53 days left)
• Date: Monday Nov 8th 2010
• Donations to date: $122,095.99
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 28min 37sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 94 BPM
• Temperature C: -1C
• Distance covered to date: 8,904.4km (5,554.4ml)
• Total number of runners: 1

With the pace car still being out of commision (don't ask), it takes a little bit of rescheduling to fit the marathon in. I started the morning with a quick 7km around a 1km loop, outside my house. Then I whisked Sue off to work, in Cochrane, and then continued into Calgary. There, I knocked off 20km and then back to Cochrane, for the final 14km ice cream run. You may well ask, "Martin why do you go into Calgary to do 20km, why not stay in Cochrane?" A very good question. The answer is that I've run the Cochrane pathways so much that it was doing my head in.

There have been suggestions that the Canadian Military are interested in studying this 54 year old Grandpa to see why he has such incredible endurance. In order to save the Canadian tax payer oodles of dollars, I will reveal my secret, i.e diet.

Below is a typical menu for a day:

• Breakfast: Beaver Tails with a side plate of Poutine. Beaver tails (Queues de Castor) are fried dough pastries smoothered in maple syrup. Poutine is fries with chees curds covered with brown gravy.
• Lunch: Tourtiere pie with a side plate of Poutine. Tourtiere pie is minced meat (pork/ veal or beef) best served with brown gravy.
• Supper: Poutine with a side salad.

I know what you're thinking "Why have a salad?".There's nothing wrong in having a carrot or piece of apple once in a while!

Finally, I'd like to congratulate Edison Pena, one of the freed Chilian miners, on completing the New York Marathon on Sunday. Edison, whose nickname is "The Runner", finished in 5hr 40min 51sec. Job well done.

Ice Cream Quest 50+

The challenge is to try all 50+ flavours at Mackay's ice cream store before midnight December 31st.

Today's flavour #47: Cocoa Crunch

Quote of the Day

"Not less than two hours a day should be devoted to exercise, and the weather shall be little regarded. If the body is feeble, the mind will not be strong."

Thomas Jefferson

A recently declassified Canadian military document shows an X-Ray of Martin taken, secretly, while he was sleeping!

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #212 (38 to go, 52 days left)
• Date: Tuesday Nov 9th 2010
• Donations to date: $122,295.99
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 14min 09sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 104 BPM
• Temperature C: -6C
• Distance covered to date: 8,946.4km (5,554.4ml)
• Total number of runners: 1

Today, Jack Frost arrived with a vengeance. Everything was covered in white and it was time to bring out the winter woolies. Next up, new shoes. I opened up a pair of Brooks Cascadia's. They look like bumble bees on steroids. On the bottom are big chunks of white rubber and on the innersole is a map. I found out it's the route to the Western States 100mile endurance race. Very cool. The shoes remind me of a Volvo; comfortable, safe, but boxy.

Meanwhile, Avatar Marathon Martin has been making good time across Northern Montana. He ran marathon #210 through the town of Browning. In his early days AMM did a little amateur boxing. He was a welterweight, with a good left hook. He was thrilled to learn about Joe Hipp who came from Browning. Joe, a member of the Blackfoot Tribe, became the first Native American to challenge for the world heavyweight championship of boxing on August 19th, 1995, when he fought WBA champion Bruce Seldon. Martin also met Cameron, the baby Tyrannosuar, who is from Browning.

And finally, I was excited to hear that MacDonald's earnings had increased by 6.5% due to the introduction of a Monopoly promotion. In a totally unrelated story Hasbro, the makers of Monopoly are giving away a free Big Mac with every board game sold. Yummy!

Ice Cream Quest 50+

The challenge is to try all 50+ flavours at Mackay's ice cream store before midnight December 31st.

Today's flavour #48: Green Tea

Quote of the Day

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see."

John Burroughs

Avatar Marathon Martin meets Cameron, the baby Tyrannosuar

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #213 (37 to go, 50 days left)
• Date: Thursday Nov 11th 2010
• Donations to date: $122,345.99
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 15min 14sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 101 BPM
• Temperature C: -10C
• Distance covered to date: 8,988.6km (5,580.6ml)
• Total number of runners: 3

The mercury on the thermometer keeps dropping. Today, Runner Andrew and myself headed out, all bundled up. Within 5 minutes the hose on my hydration pack had frozen. Note to self: Winterize the hydration pack. Our plan was to head down to Spray Lakes Sports Centre and check out the Team Taro Cup. It had been organized by Shojiro Okada and it was a thank you to the town of Cochrane. Shojiro's son Taro has been battling Leukemia and has made a great recovery. The day included a 3 on 3 hockey tournament, silent auction, BBQ lunch, raffle and, my favourite, bouncy castles. As Shojiro say "This is just for fun". So say we all.

After a coffee and cookie, Andrew and I headed up to the Cenotaph next to the Cochrane Legion. The area was packed with people and at 11.11am a minute of silence was held for the fallen soldiers. Representatives of the armed forces were there and a number of veterans were present. Other groups represented included the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Air Rescue, Scouts and Guides.

And finally, I was shocked to hear about the hardships endured by the passengers on the crippled five star cruise ship the Carnival Splendor. Apparently the soup was cold, so they had to serve vichyssoise. Next they were served bread, canned milk and Spam. They were lucky, when I was a lad I dreamed of having bread, canned milk and Spam!!!!

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: Why is a fish easy to weigh?
A: Because it has its own scales!

Quote of the Day

"If you are going through hell, keep going"

Sir Winston Churchill

Lest We Forget

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #214 (36 to go, 49 days left)
• Date: Friday Nov 12th 2010
• Donations to date: $124,965.99

We're half way there$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

• Course: Dynastream Health and Wellness Marathon
• Run time: 4hr 59min 18sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 105 BPM
• Temperature C: -3C
• Distance covered to date: 9,030.8km (5,606.8ml)
• Total number of runners: 50

One of the biggest supporters of Marathon Quest 250, right from the beginning, has been a local Cochrane company, Dynastream. Their products include the FR60 foot pod monitor and a couple of years ago they were bought out by Garmin. Currently, under the ANT+ division, they've developed wireless downloading for their foot pod and GPS units. On Jan 1st 2010, Dynastream sponsored the first marathon for $2,500. They gave me a FR60 and a 310XT to use and both units have been very reliable. In June when we held a fundraiser they were very good and covered the cost of the food for $1,000.

Today was a big day. Boss Jim had decided to encourage every one at the company to be active, so he gave them a day off, with pay, if they would do some activity. We all met down at the Spray Lake Sports Centre. I headed off on my marathon but some people skated, others biked. During the day more and more of them joined me on the run until finally 50 employees crossed the finish line with me. After a feed of subs, Jim presented me with a cheque for $1,500 for Right To Play. Now that's the kind of company I want to work for.

Finally, Sue and I are planning a little sun holiday after the Quest is finished. We spotted, what we think will be the ideal break. We love cruises so we were hooked when we saw the ad for the brand new Carnival Spamalot. This luxury liner has solved the issue of engine fires mainly because there are no engines. The boat is powered by 300 Grade 12 students on work experience rowing us around the North Sea for 5 days. The chefs are retired soccer players. As well as getting good wholesome food (Spam) we can play a little 5-a-side after lunch.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: What do you get when a chicken lays an egg on top of a barn?
A: An eggroll!

Quote of the Day

"Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes"

Oscar Wilde

The finish line for Dynastream employees and Martin

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #215 (35 to go, 48 days left)
• Date: Saturday Nov 13th 2010
• Donations to date: $126,495.99
• Course: Stoney Trail Mazda Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 11min 48sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 98 BPM
• Temperature C: -3C
• Distance covered to date: 9,073.0km (5,633.0ml)
• Total number of runners: 1

The last month I've been without the pace car. The RX8 has been in the shop waiting to have the transmission replaced. Service Tech Sean has been great and I was back in the drivers seat on Wednesday. Being without the second car for that long got Sue and I thinking. We had survived with one vehicle. It took a little bit of juggling but we managed. Maybe next year we should go down to one and instead of driving into Cochane I should walk or bike in  It's just so easy having two cars but maybe it's time to change my behaviours and use human power and public transportation.

Having said that, today, I was off to Stoney Trail Mazda to run a sponsored marathon. Owner Asheet had very graciously sponsored Marathon Quest 250 / Right To Play for $2,500. I arrived at the dealership at 8.30am and met PR Person Bobbi. We set up the RTP banner and spread out the literature on a table. RTP Volunteer Mike arrived and I then headed off on a 1.7km loop I had found on a previous visit to the dealership. The day was nippy but what really got to me was the wind. It blew me down the first part of the route but then I had to battle, up hill, against it for the return trip. I ran the loops for 30km but the wind just sucked all the energy out of me. By the end of the marathon I was beat to a pulp. I said thanks to Bobbi and the gang at Mazda and headed home to the hot tub.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: Why did the lion spit out the clown?
A: Because he tasted funny!

Quote of the Day

"The most hazardous part of our expedition to Africa was crossing Piccadilly"

Joseph Thomson

The gang at Stoney Trail Mazda

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #216 (34 to go, 47 days left)
• Date: Sunday Nov 14th 2010
• Donations to date: $127,053.37
• Course: Last Chance Half Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 28min 31sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 98 BPM
• Temperature C: -2C
• Distance covered to date: 9,115.2km (5,659.2ml)
• Another Marathon in the World today: Rhode Island 6hr, RI, USA
• Total number of runners: 375

Race day today, in Calgary. Sue and I headed into Eau Claire Market at 10.00am for the Last Chance Half marathon. Some years it's a run in the snow, others it's blazing sun. This year was a little overcast with the temp around zero. We met up with Runner Leslie and Runner Ev at the Good Earth cafe. I had time for a breakfast panini and we were off. I've run these paths so many times it's strange to run them in a race. The organizers capped the event at 400 and that seemed a good move, as a large group of us headed east along the Bow.

Sue and I enjoyed the run. On the way, Runner Angie flew by us,in the opporsite direction. We headed into the food court and tucked into the cooked breakfast, supplied by the organizers. Back in Cochrane I had to finish off the marathon. I had eaten too much at the buffet and I waddled around the final kms. However, I had to stop at Mackays for an ice cream. Today was #49, only one more to go to complete Ice Cream Quest 50.

And finally, a bull called Rewind jumped over a fence at the Canadian Finals Rodeo, on Friday night, in Edmonton. One of the Rodeo pickup men was asked what he thought Rewind was thinking when he jumped the fence. What was he thinking!!!!!! I'll tell you what he was thinking: "Get me the %$#@#$& out of here!!!! ". He knew his next stop was going to be as a Happy Meal!!!!

Ice Cream Quest 50

The challenge is to try all 50 flavours at Mackay's ice cream store before midnight December 31st.

Today's flavour #49: Ginger Cookie (Christmas Special)

Quote of the Day

"To err is human to Arrgghh is pirate"

Captain Jack Sparrow

Martin with Runners Leslie and Jenny at the Last Chance Half

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #217 (33 to go, 45 days left)
• Date: Tuesday Nov 16th 2010
• Donations to date: $128,398.37
• Course: St Anthony School
• Run time: 5hr 39min 32sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 100 BPM
• Temperature C: -8C
• Distance covered to date: 9,157.4km (5,685.4ml)
• Total number of runners: 82

What a day. I left home at 7.00am and started the drive to St Anthony School. This is normally a 45 min drive. Two hours later, I pulled into the parking lot. We had our winter dump of snow and, as usual, it was chaos on the roads. I walked into the school and was greeted by a group of teachers. Apparently this was the school-with-no-students. At 9.10am, Nicole, the first student, arrived and we all gave her a big cheer. I started running a loop around the school next door. This  was Elboya and I had run there in March. Assembly was at 10.00am and I got to meet the 76 grade 6 to 9 students. I had fun chatting with the kids and grade 6er Ethan showed very good form and endurance. The boy has potential.

I got some big news yesterday. Director, Game Operation and Events Jamie from the Calgary Stampeder Football Club sent me an email. He wanted to know if I would do the kick-off for the Stampeders vs Roughriders CFL Western Final, on Sunday afternoon, at McMahon stadium. Would I do the kick-off!!!!!! Does the Carnival Splendor serve Spam!!!!!! Of course I'll do the kick-off. However, I realised that I needed a bit of practice so I phoned my nephew Chris who is a member of the St Timothy Thunder Football team. We've arranged that on Saturday morning I'll head up to Thunder Field and try a few field goals.

Guest Joke of the Week

Q: What did the "0" say to the "8"?
A: Nice belt!

Leslie Davies

Quote of the Day

"Ideas won't keep; something must be done about them"

Alfred North Whitehead

Teachers at St Anthony School

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #218 (32 to go, 44 days left)
• Date: Wednesday Nov 17th 2010
• Donations to date: $128,448.37
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 55min 45sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 94 BPM
• Temperature C: -14C
• Distance covered to date: 9,199.6km (5,711.6ml)
• Total number of runners: 1

After yesterday's white knuckle drive, I decided to stay close to home. This was a good decision. All morning, the news talked about gridlock in Calgary, nothing moving and fender benders throughout the City. My plan was simple. Head out my front door and walk 200m to the pathway system, then run a 1.25km loop. Repeat 34 times. This I did, interupting the run every 10km for a cup of tea and throwing my stuff in the dryer to warm it up.

In today's Calgary Herald, I was disappointed to read about the Stampeders pep rally, which took place on Monday. Only two people were there cheering. Come on Calgary, this is your team. I'm please to say that it's pretty well a sellout for Sunday, 35,000 in McMahon stadium. Should be a blast.

With all this in mind, I felt it was important for me to read the CFL Rule Book cover to cover. When I take the opening kick off I don't want an infraction or give away a needless penalty. There was an item in "Rule 5, Kicking", that caught my eye. Section 2, Kick off, Article 1, Points of kick off (d) states " If the opening kick off is taken by a Charity Activist, Mayor of the home City or Celebrity Chef and a field goal is scored then the home team will recieve 1 (one) point". Apparently, the Stampeders originally wanted Chef Ramsey to take the kick off but Montreal have him booked for their game against the Argos. Good choice.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: Why didn't the chicken cross the road?
A: Because there was a KFC on the other side!

Quote of the Day

"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good"

Dr Samuel Johnson

This is a CFL Football. I will kick it on Sunday.

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #219 (31 to go, 43 days left)
• Date: Thursday Nov 18th 2010
• Donations to date: $129,548.37
• Course: Glamorgan School
• Run time: 5hr 41min 49sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 99 BPM
• Temperature C: -25C
• Distance covered to date: 9,241.8km (5,737.8ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Palikir, Micronesia
• Another Marathon in the World today: Last Desert, Antarctica
• Total number of runners: 327

Today, It looked like it was going to be another "Drive from Hell" into Calgary. I was booked to go to Glamorgan School in the SW and we had 10cm of snow overnight. Fortunately, Sue offered me the use of her Jeep Liberty. Now that baby is a snow-eater. The trip still took an hour but I arrived at 8.15 am and was met by Vice-Principal Mark. Glamorgan School goes from Kindergarten to grade 6 and has just over 400 students. VP Mark told me that the buses were running late, so the assembly wouldn't be until 10am, no problem. I had to find a route which proved to be a little tricky. There was only a 150m section of path that had been plowed so for 1 1/2 hours I trundled up and down this section.

The buses arrived, assembly went ahead and the kids joined me on my mini-loops. During one break I was stopped by kindergarten Abeam. She said that she had put her hand up to ask me a question in assembly but I didn't ask her. I apologised and asked what her question was. She wanted to know what countries I had run in? I told her Canada and the USA. She then went on to tell me that she was from Ethiopia and had recently been back there for a festival where they had indoor bumper cars. Now, that's my kind of festival.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: Why did the chicken cross the road?
A: To show everyone he wasn't chicken!

Quote of the Day

"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them."

Henry David Thoreau

The gang from Glamorgan School

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #220 (30 to go, 42 days left)
• Date: Friday Nov 19th 2010
• Donations to date: $137,308.37
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 56min 04sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 91 BPM
• Temperature C: -28C
• Distance covered to date: 9,284.0km (5,764.0ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Athens, Greece
• Another Marathon in the World today: Last Desert, Antarctica
• Total number of runners: 1

It just gets colder and colder. Today, the thermometer said -28C. That meant lots of layers. Three sets of running tights, five layers on top, two sets of gloves, balaclava, toque, mask and ski goggles. But, to be honest, the biggest issue is the hydration pack. If I don't take a drink every 4 min the thing's going to freeze solid. I decided to stay close to home and pop in when I wanted to warm up. My 1.25km loop works well and I had completed 21.1km at 12noon. The other issue I'm dealing with is the fogging up of the ski goggles and sunglasses. Dr. Tom gave me container of anti-fog cream. I'll have to dig it out. It's a long day when you're trudging along in bone-chilling tempertures.

In preparation for my opening kick off, at the Stamps vs Riders CFL Western Final on Sunday, I decided to check out a couple of great place kickers. Tony Franklin was born in Big Spring, Texas. He played for Texas A&M and holds the collegiate record for the longest field goal at 65yds. In the pro league he played for the Eagles, Patriots and Dolphins. What makes Tony special is that he was a barefoot kicker. I don't think I'll try that on Sunday.

The other place kicker is Charlie Brown. It is true that he did mostly miss the ball, but that was because Lucy pulled it away. On two occasions he did actually kick the ball. On Sunday I'll make sure I use one of those plastic dohickies and not a ball placer.

Here is the video of Charlie Browns kick off attempt:

• Kick that ball Charlie Brown

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: What do you call a dinosaur with no eyes?
A: Doyouthinkysaraus

Quote of the Day

"An optimist sees opportunity in every danger; the pessimist sees danger in every opportunity."

Sir Winston Churchill

Note to self: explain the rules to Sue, before Sunday.

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #221 (29 to go, 40 days left)
• Date: Sunday Nov 21th 2010
• Donations to date: $137,308.37
• Course: Stampeder Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 00min 56sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 113 BPM
• Temperature C: -25C
• Distance covered to date: 9,326.2km (5,790.2ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: banjul, Gambia
• Another Marathon in the World today: Santa Monica Trail, CA, USA
• Total number of runners: 12

Big day today. Had to run a marathon then head over to McMahon Stadium to take the opening kick-off, in the CFL Western Final. Sue and I were out the door at 6.15am and at the Good Earth Cafe in Eau Claire Market by 7.00am. We were met by Albert, Danny and Mark. I had been in touch with Albert over the last several months and on Friday / Saturday he drove from Winnipeg to Calgary to take part in today's marathon. Albert has done some of the "Biggies" in ultra racing including the Marathon des Sables and Badwater. Our little gang headed off east along the new "River Walk". Everything was going fine, until we hit the section that has slate, as it's base. Unfortunately, snow on slate does not have good traction and we were all hanging on for dear life.

We made great time and finished up at 1.00pm. It was then over to the Stadium. At the Clubhouse we had the pleasure of meeting Mayor Nenshi. He had been asked to do the honorary coin toss, while I had been asked to do the honorary kick-off. Give me the coin toss any time. Sue and I waited at the touchline and had a great chat with CFL Executive Mike Copeland. He had completed the New York marathon in November in a very solid 3hr 45min 05sec. They played the National Anthem and then a white horse galloped past us. It was time for the big kick. I trotted to midfield, took five steps back then pow: rubbish!. It was like kicking a cinder block. I waved to the crowd and hobbled off. Must practice more next time.

Guest Joke of the Week

Q: What do you get when you cross Prince with a box of toilet rolls?
A: Prince Charmin

Avatar Marathon Martin

Quote of the Day

"The difference between involvement and commitment is like eggs and bacon. The chicken was involved the pig was committed"

Anon

Did you hear the one about the Mayor, the Mascot and the Marathoner?

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #222 (28 to go, 38 days left)
• Date: Tuesday Nov 23rd 2010
• Donations to date: $138,158.37
• Course: Mountain Park School
• Run time: 4hr 49min 43sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 113 BPM
• Temperature C: -41C
• Distance covered to date: 9,368.4km (5,816.4ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Shanhai, China
• Total number of runners: 12

Fact: Today, Calgary was the 2nd coldest spot, after Antarctica, on Planet Earth

Fact: At -44C open skin freezes in 1 minute

Fact: A great day to run marathon #222.

However, before we get into all that, let's talk about the day before yesterday. On Sunday, a good friend, Neil took a video of my kick-off attempt at the Stamps vs Riders game. Here it is, but listen and watch very carefully.

Stamps vs Riders: Find Waldo.

So there it is. Not pretty but effective. What I didn't realise at the time was that I had pulled a muscle in my right thigh. Monday morning I got out of bed and thought "Oh no". I looked at my schedule and decided to take a day off. Ice, cream (no, not ice cream!!!) and pills were the order of the day.

I got out of bed this morning and thought "Here goes nothing". I headed out of the house at 6.30am and my first stop was at the Eau Claire Market Running Room. There I met Elf Kelly and Reporter Daniel. Breakfast TV were doing a segment on winter running, very appropriate. Then it was off to Mountain Park School. Teacher Shelagh met me at the door and took me around the 1.2km loop. Assembly was at 9.10am and I chatted with the 1000+ students from Grade 5 to 9. Loads of teachers joined me on the run and the kids kept coming out and cheering. So far, the kids have raised $680.15 for Right To Play but on Friday they're going to have a movie day and hope to raise more. Great stuff.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: What animals are on legal documents?
A: Seals!

Quote of the Day

"It's like running four marathons in a row."

David Yates on directing four Harry Potter movies in a row.

Martin receives a cheque for $680.15 for Right To Play from Mountain Park Grade 5 students Dave and Tyler. Teacher Shelagh tries to sneak into the picture.

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #223 (27 to go, 37 days left)
• Date: Wednesday Nov 24th 2010
• Donations to date: $138,608.37
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 5hrs 37min 06sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 103 BPM
• Temperature C: -37C
• Distance covered to date: 9,410.6km (5,842.6ml)
• Total number of runners: 1

Another tough day. My plan was to stay close to home and drop in on a couple of people, during my marathon. The first part of the route was going to be from my house to Spray Lake Sport Centre. This would be a 7km section along the Bow and a very pleasant start to the day, or so I thought. The first 1km was ploughed, but then nothing. I started trudging through the chopped up snow, lots of holes and uneven ground. It seemed crazy to me that there's all this talk about not using your vehicle but the one pathway through the town is almost unusable. I got to Spray Lake over an hour later and had a chat with Facility Manager Rob. I had intended to use the pathways system for the final marathon but after today I've changed my mind. Now I'll use a 1km ploughed section, through the unleash park (lucky dogs!) and back to the centre.

After chatting with Rob I headed into town to Trailblazers. This store carries lots of good stuff for outdoor activities. Owner Mark has been a great supporter of Marathon Quest 250 and today was his birthday. I had dedicated today's marathon to him and signed the run bib. Mark plans to have a raffle at the last marathon and give away lots of prizes. All proceeds to go to Right To Play. I said cheerio to Mark and ran past Mackay's ice cream store. I was tempted to pop in but thought that the ice cream may taste better on a warmer day.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: What do you get when you cross a snake and a pie?
A: A pie-thon!

Quote of the Day

"Rest cannot shortern the way; going a head does"

tsonda (Mozambique)

Another day in paradise

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #224 (26 to go, 35 days left)
• Date: Friday Nov 26th 2010
• Donations to date: $140,560.33
• Course: Yellowknike, NWT
• Run time: 5hr 01min 54sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 109 BPM
• Temperature C: -21C
• Distance covered to date: 9,452.8km (5,868.8ml)
• Total number of runners: 25

Early Thursday morning, Sue and I boarded a West Jet flight at Calgary Airport. Our itinerary would take us to Edmonton then up to Yellowknife. As we waited at gate 50, a group of Roughrider fans prepared to board. The Grey Cup is scheduled for Sunday and these fans were ready for a big weekend in Edmonton. We arrived in Yellowknife in the early afternoon and the first thing we heard about was the " Big Fuel Crisis". The icebridge has not come in and the fuel tankers have not been able to reach the city. The afternoon was spent chatting with students at St Pat's and Sir John Franklin High Schools. Friday was going to be a busy day.

On Friday morning, my friend Gerard took me over to CBC Radio. Presenter Jocelyn took me outside and did an interview, as we ran around the station. Next stop was CJCD Radio. It was then over to St. Pat's for the marathon. A number of teachers and students joined me and we started on a 1km loop around the school. The temp was good at -21C and half the marathon was completed by 12noon. Reporter Terry from the Yellowknifer newspaper came over and we had a chat. In the afternoon a group of us headed down to Old Town on Lathum Island. It's a short day up here. The sun rose at 9.30am and sunset was at 3.30pm. Not a big window in which to complete a marathon.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: Why did the chicken cross the road?
A: To show everyone he wasn't chicken!

Quote of the Day

"To walk for nothing is better than to sit down for nothing"

Jamaican proverb

Ready for the start of the Yellownife, NWT marathon

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #225 (25 to go, 32 days left)
• Date: Monday Nov 29th 2010
• Donations to date: $141,606.97
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 40min 41sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 107 BPM
• Temperature C: -17C
• Distance covered to date: 9,495.0km (5,895.0ml)
• Total number of runners: 7

On November 3rd I ran Marathon #207 with Lawyer Don along the Calgary pathways. Joining us for the last 10km was Jeremy. At the end of the marathon Jeremy said that he wanted to run a whole marathon. The furthest he had ever run was 20km. And so was born the "Run, Fatboy, Run" fundraiser.

I met Jeremy, girlfriend Julie and Don at the Good Earth Cafe at 8.30am. We all headed off west along the river path and Jeremy told me how the fundraiser had come about. Eighteen months ago he was at a meeting of L.E.G ( League of Extraordinary Geezers) at the Powderhorn Saloon in Bragg Creek. Jeremy had wanted to start running and one of the members, Mark, gave him an inspirational video. It happened to be "Run, Fatboy, Run". With this in hand, Jeremy had performed well in the Bragg Creek Days 10km. From there he progressed to the 13km Gorilla Run at the Calgary Zoo.

Today was the big day and he received several supportive text messages. One from co-worker Mary stated "Shall I make a donation to Right To Play or buy some flowers for your funeral?". We made good time over the first 30km but Julie, who was up from Houston, was having a tough go running at altitude. Don joined us for 22km and we all arrived back at the cafe at 3.45pm. Jeremy has been doing a steller job of getting donations for his marathon and todate has raised over $2,000 for Right To Play and the kids. Much appreciated.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: What is 'out of bounds'?
A: An exhausted kangaroo!

Quote of the Day

"A little path can lead far away"

Haitian proverb

Jeremy, Julie and Don taking a break after 32kms.

Read More

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #226 (24 to go, 31 days left)
• Date: Tuesday Nov 30th 2010
• Donations to date: $141,826.97
• Course: Dr E.W Coffin School
• Run time: 5hr 09min 54sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 105 BPM
• Temperature C: -7C
• Distance covered to date: 9,537.2km (5,921.2ml)
• Total number of runners: 18

The temperature has been improving all week and finally, at 12noon today, it hit zero. But let's go back to 0500 and the alarm. I'm fed up with this alarm, so I switched it off and went back to sleep. That's not a good thing, as I had arranged to meet Principal Darren at 0800. After a quick trip in the Pace Car, along the 1A, up Shaganappi Trail, across John Laurie Boulevard and down Breneer St. I arrived at Dr E.W Coffin School. Principal Darren was waiting for me. Not good. Note to self; must not be tardy!!!! The school goes from Kindergarten to Grade 6 and has 180 students. At the 10.00am assembly, grade 2ers Wade and Laura welcomed me and gave me a "Right To Play" button they had made. The rest of the day was spent running 0.5km loops, near the school.

The run finished at 4.00pm and I had a hot tub and chocolate milk. I had to leave the house at 4.50pm as I had a very important appointment at 5.00pm. Sue had received an email last week from Angie. Her son was having a birthday and, instead of presents, he had asking that his buddies make a donation to Right To Play. Treyton goes to Elizabeth Barrett School, in Cochrane, and on November 19th he turned 8. He collected $200 at his party and his younger sister, Tiana, is very proud of him. I was thrilled to collect the donation and very happy to present him with a Marathon Quest 250 hat. This lad has the right stuff.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: What did the buffalo say to his son when he went away on a trip?
A: Bison!

Quote of the Day

"Happiness requires something to do, something to love and something to hope for"

Swahili proverb

8yr old Treyton presents Martin with $200 for Right To Play.

Read More