Martin Parnell Finish the Race Attitude

Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #181
• Date: Friday Oct 1st 2010
• Donations to date: $85,548.50
• Course: Canadian Wealth Management Marathon
• Run time: 4hr 44min 23sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 127 BPM
• Temperature C: 5C
• Distance covered to date: 7,638.2km (4,742.2ml)
• Total number of runners: 7

Today's marathon was sponsored by Canadian Wealth Management. I had given a presentation to a group of their investors on Sept 22nd and a number of them had signed up to run with me this morning. I arrived at the Good Earth cafe at 8.45am and met Paul and Christophe. A number of clients joined us and we headed off at 9.00am. The plan was to run 5km loops and pick up people every 45 mins. I felt good today. I think this stretching is having an impact. I must admit I'm only doing one type of stretch. I don't want to overdo it. The first 5km took 36mins, a very good start.

On the second loop I noticed two huge cranes moving large pieces of the "Peace Bridge". This foot bridge has been some what controversial. The cost is $25m and there's another access across the Bow one kilometre up river. However, it is a very nice red colour. The loops were ticking by and I realised there was a chance that I would do a sub 5hr marathon. By the 6th loop every one was gone and I just wanted to finish it off. I came in at 4hr 44min 23sec, my 4th fastest marathon of the year. Excellent.

Canadian Wealth Management donated $2,500 to Right To Play. The employees had a collection and raised $268. Much appreciated.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q. What happened to the cat that swallowed a ball of wool?
A. She had mittens!

Quote of the Day

" The World is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing"

Albert Einstein

The gang from Canadian Wealth Management

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #182
• Date: Saturday Oct 2nd 2010
• Donations to date: $85,548.50
• Course: Gleneagles Golf Course Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 41min 45sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 143 BPM (?)
• Temperature C: 6C
• Distance covered to date: 7,680.4km (4,768.4ml)
• Total number of runners: 16

On February 17th 2008, Lindsay Kimmett was killed in a car accident. Lindsay was 26 years old and had a zest for life. She loved hockey, was training to be a doctor and had climbed Kilimanjaro. Her family have set up a foundation in her name and today was the Monumental Tournament of Aces at the Gleneagles Golf Club. MainStreet Pharmacy, owned by her dad, Kelly, had sponsored my run for $2,500 and part of my route would be on the golf course.

The day started at 8.30am at Guy's newly renovated Bakery. A group of 12 of us headed up to Fosters and I knew I would see my nemesis, The Alsatian. As we approached the farm I could hear the dog growling, but it's such a coward. Because there was more than one person it stayed hidden behind the wood shed. My next stop was Mackay's ice cream. Only ten flavours left before I've accomplished "Ice Cream Quest 47".

At 2.00pm I headed up to the golf course and met Kelly. It was a stunning day, blue skies and hot. I had 14km to go so I ran up and down the 9th fairway path. In the evening was a meal and silent auction. Kelly had asked me to say a few words so after the meal I started to think about what I would say. Kelly's son Reid was telling the audience about the annual hockey tournament. Then he called me up to the stage and presented me with a cheque for Marathon Quest 250 / Right To Play for $5,000. Unbelievable.

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 #37: Spanish Caramel

Quote of the Day

" The world is a book, and those who don't travel read only a page"

St. Augustine

The marathon started with the running group and ended with a $5,000 donation to Right To Play from The Lindsay Kimmett Foundation.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #183
• Date: Sunday Oct 3rd 2010
• Donations to date: $85,548.50
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 56min 24sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 119 BPM (?)
• Temperature C: 11C
• Distance covered to date: 7,722.6km (4,794.6ml)
• Total number of runners: 3

Today, I had the pleasure of running with someone who has been an integral part of Marathon Quest 250. I met Dr Bill Hanlon when I first arrived in Cochrane 6 years ago and it was in a discussion with him, last June, that the concept of 250 marathons in a year was finalized. When you consider his list of achievements, I knew there wasn't a better person I could chat to:

• Founder and medical director of Basic Health International Foundation, based in Cochrane.
• Provider of health care to high-need, remote mountain communities including Ethiopia, Honduras, Peru, Mongolia, and Tibet.
• In 2007, climbed Mount Everest. This completed the climbing of the 7 highest mountains on the 7 continents.
• In January 2010, completed a 47 day ski-trek across the Antarctic to the South Pole.

Our plan was to do a 42.2km run along the parthways in Calgary, not quite as arduous as some of his other trips. We met Runner Steve at the Good Earth cafe and headed down the Bow. Steve is the meteorologist for CTV so I quizzed him about the weather trend for the next 3 months. He said it'll get colder with snow. Fair enough.

It was a glorious day for a run. Most of the leaves were down so I had to watch my footing for roots and cracks in the pavement. We finished at 3.10pm. It's been a long week, that was my 6th marathon in a row. I'm off tomorrow. Bill sponsored the marathon for $1,000, so that gives 20 children a Right To Play program for a year. Much appreciated.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

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

Quote of the Day

"Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wing, only character endures."

Horace Greeley

Dr. Hanlon sponsored today's Marathon Quest 250 / Right To Play marathon for $1,000

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #184
• Date: Tuesday Oct 5th 2010
• Donations to date: $85,548.50
• Course: Glenbow School
• Run time: 5hr 50min 22sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 99 BPM
• Temperature C: 4C
• Distance covered to date: 7,764.8km (4,820.8ml)
• Total number of runners: 338

Another beautiful, October day. Will it ever end? Oh yes, but not just yet. Today, I drove 4 minutes down the road to Glenbow School and met Principal Deb. Glenbow has 400 students from Kindergarten to Grade 4 and I met them all at the 8.15am Assembly. I started on my 600m loop and, during the day, classes of students came out and joined me for a loop or two. At the end of the sports field was the school garden and it was time to harvest the carrots. One of the grade 2ers picked a bunch and we enjoyed fresh carrots right out of the ground, dirt and all.

Lunch came and went. In the afternoon the kids just kept coming out. I heard a number of good quotes. A grade 1er stated that "His Dad was old, just like you!" another said that his family was staying with another family and they had twins, "one was 6, the other 7!". As I approached the 40km mark I heard my name called by a group up on a grassy knoll. I went up there and met a teacher and  some students. They told me they had planted 4 trees. They had named them Terry, Martin, RTP and Imp. Very cool.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q. What do you give an elephant that's going to be sick?
A. Plenty of space!

Quote of the Day

"Unfortunately, saving the planet ranks nineteenth on the list of most pressing needs for most Americans, well behind things such as resolving the Mid-East conflict, figthting world hunger, and providing healthcare. Unfortunately, none of the 18 'more important' items on the list can be done without saving the planet first."

Yvon Chouinard

Running with the kids at Glenbow School

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #185
• Date: Wednesday Oct 6th 2010
• Donations to date: $85,648.50
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 43min 34sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 120 BPM (?)
• Temperature C: 10C
• Distance covered to date: 7,807.0km (4,847.0ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Tokyo, Japan
• Another Marathon in the World today: Sahara Race, Egypt
• Total number of runners: 19

Today, I had the opportunity to run with a group of Canadian and Peruvian students from Canada World Youth (CWY). This organization is a world leader in the development of international educational programs for youth aged 15 to 25. These students work in Africa, Latin America, Asia, the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe. Since 1971, the CWY program has made it possible for more than 33 000 young people from 67 countries to have safe and meaningful international experiences, learn about other cultures, and contribute to the well-being of their own communities.

I met them under the Olympic Arch in Eau Claire Market at 12 noon. It was a cooking hot day and most of them weren't really prepared to run. Pretty much all of them had jeans and cotton T shirts. Not a technical shirt in sight. The plan was to run 2.5km to the CBC building, do an interview for the noon hour show and then come back. Unfortunately, the interview got canned at the last minute but we still stuck to our original route. As we cruised along the pathways, we skirted around the construction of the Calgary Peace Bridge. There were many questions and a lot of good discussion. I will go into the details of this chat in Friday's blog. It really is a nice red.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: What do you call a sleeping bull?
A: A bull-dozer.

Quote of the Day

"There are no passengers on Spaceship Earth. We are all crew."

Marshall McLuhan

A group of Canadian and Peruvian students from Canadian World Youth

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #186
• Date: Thursday Oct 7th 2010
• Donations to date: $86,532.91
• Course: The Hamptons School
• Run time: 5hr 14min 36sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 145 BPM (?)
• Temperature C: 9C
• Distance covered to date: 7,849.2km (4,873.2ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Milan, Spain
• Total number of runners: 62

Today, I paid a return visit to The Hamptons School, one of the schools I went to in March. At the time I was injuried and could only do a couple of loops around the parking lot. I felt terrible and asked them to reschedule. It was great to be back and Principal Barb greeted me at the door. This was going to be a fun run. I had met School Caretaker, Chico, in March and he had come out to run at the 100th marathon in June. Today, he was going to tackle the marathon with me. Excellent.

We started off at 7.45am and were joined by Parents Holly and Mike, and their son Jordan. Jordan is part of the running club and wanted to get a few loops in before the rest of the club hooked up with us. At 8.30am another 50 kids tagged on and away we went. These running clubs are a brilliant idea. Three days a week the kids run for half an hour and count their loops. When they hit 42 loops they get a gold medal. After a short assembly, Holly, Mike, Chico and myself continued. Holly and Mike were going to do 10km but stayed and did a half marathon. Great work guys.

Chico and I circled loop after loop and at 2.00pm we were finished. The school goes from Kindergarten to grade 3 and has 160 sudents. They were all out cheering us in and at an awards ceremony on the soccer field Chico and I were presented with gold medals. Also, they raised $298 for Right To Play.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: How do you fit more pigs on your farm?
A: Build a sty-scraper!

Quote of the Day

"The fairest thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science. He who knows it not and can no longer wonder, no longer feel amazement, is as good as dead, a snuffed-out candle."

Albert Einstein

Chico and Martin finishing the marathon at the Hamptons School in Calgary

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #187
• Date: Friday Oct 8th 2010
• Donations to date: $86,532.91
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 38min 51sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 171 BPM (?)
• Temperature C: 15C
• Distance covered to date: 7,891.4km (4,899.4ml)
• Total number of runners: 2

Over the last seven months, I have run all or part of a marathon 45 times on the Calgary pathways. I have covered over 1400km and run from the Stoney overpass to Fish Creek Park. I would suggest that some improvements could be made to signage but, over all, they are excellent and the system is a jewel in the crown for Calgary. One section I always pass is less than a km west of Eau Claire Market and it is the construction site for the Calgary Peace Bridge. This will be a walking / cycling bridge and has a price tag of $25m.

There has been a lot of discussion about this bridge. Lots of finger pointing and name calling so I feel it's time to get some facts on the table and let the healing begin. I humbly offer the following:

• The Cost: I was a bit shocked at the cost but when I went to see it it became clear. They've built a bridge across the river to put the bridge on ($8.33m). Then there's the cost of the bridge ($8.33m) and finally they've built a house like structure over the bridge ($8.33m). Fair enough. It looks like a high tech "Bridges of Madison County".
• The Name: I didn't realise but there was a competition to "Name that Bridge". The runners up were "The Save the Whale Bridge" and the "Apple Pie and Mother's Milk Bridge".
• The Idea: One of the Candidates for Mayor, Mr. Iam Jenious suggested that they stick the Calgary Flames logo all over it and call it "The Kiprusoff Bridge". It does look a bit like a hockey net. This would return $3m to the taxpayers in sponsorship money.
• The Suggestion: That all the council members who voted for the bridge should be taken outside and publicly flogged with a wet noddle (possibly a little harsh).

As you might have guessed I'm not happy with the bridge.

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 #38: Strawberry

NEWSFLASH: I have been asked a number of time what ice cream flavour would I like if I could choose anything. My answer has always been "Bacon and Eggs". Today I met Rona at Mackays store and she said that my dream is going to become a reality. They are going to make as a one time deal, a batch of "Bacon and Egg" ice cream. This could change the eating habits in North America (probably not in a good way).

Quote of the Day

"Destroying rainforest for economic gain is like burning a Renaissance painting to cook a meal."

E.O. Wilson, American biologist, researcher, theorist, naturalist and author

Construction continues on the Calgary Peace Bridge. Nice red.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #188
• Date: Sunday Oct 10th 2010
• Donations to date: $86,532.91
• Course: Good Life Victoria Marathon
• Run time: 3hr 43min 43sec Chip Time (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 139 BPM
• Temperature C: 12C
• Distance covered to date: 7,933.6km (4,925.6ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Barcelona, Spain
• Another Marathon in the World today: Glacial Trail, WI, USA
• Total number of runners: 4000

On Saturday, leaving Calgary in the blazing sunshine and flying into Victoria Airport in pouring rain, was not a good sign. The forecast for Sunday was "Cloudy with a 40% POP" which seemed good odds. On Sunday morning, I headed into Victoria with friends Gary and Lucille who were doing the 8km and half marathon respectively. Their start times were just after 7.00am and mine was 9.00am. So, I went to have breakfast with my friend Gerard. This was going to be his first marathon and he was pumped. At 8.59am there were over 4,000 participants at the start line. Announcer Steve King gave the 5,4,3,2,1 and we were off.

I was feeling good, so Gerard and I were going to try and run at 11km an hour and see how long we could maintain it. The first hour we were spot on, then Gerard went ahead and I lost him. By 2 hours I was at 22km and at the 3 hour mark I was at 33.5km. I was still feeling pretty good so it was hammer time. I came in at 3hr 43min 43sec (chip time) and I was thrilled to bits. I was also pleased that I had run a "Negative Split", the holy grail for marathon runners. The first 21.1km was run in 1hr 53min 58sec and the second 21.1km was in 1hr 49min 45sec. Later I heard from Gerard. He had had a great first half but then was hit with bad cramps at the 24km mark. This forced him to walk 8kms. He still finished in 4hr 21min 01sec. Time to plan the next one.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: What did the farmer call the cow that had no milk?
A: An udder failure.

Quote of the Day

"The whole purpose of an adventure is to gain some spiritual or emotional insight. When you compromise the process, you compromise the gain."

Yvon Chouinard

Ready for the off at the Good Life Victoria Marathon

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #189
• Date: Tuesday Oct 12th 2010
• Donations to date: $97,722.50
• Course: Holy Spirit School
• Run time: 5hr 53min 58sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 97 BPM
• Temperature C: 5C
• Distance covered to date: 7,975.8km (4,951.8ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Bratislava, Slovakia
• Total number of runners: 277

In life there are consequences of any action, sometimes good, sometimes bad. I knew there would be a consequence for me after running a 3hr 43min 43sec marathon in Victoria on Sunday. Today my legs did not feel good. My calves were aching and my quads were sore. But there was no lying around. I had to get down to Holy Spirit School, in Cochrane. I headed down to the school and met Vice Principlal BJ at the office. Holy Spirit goes from Kindergarten to grade 6 . At 9.00am I chatted to the kids at the morning assembly. Today's route was the shortest of any school I'd been to. Running the 300m loop meant that I would have to run 140 loops.

The first group to join me was 25 grade 5ers. Two lads, Arsenal Nick and Flames Nick provided great conversation about the merits of soccer and hockey. During recess and lunch, grade 1er Alex stuck to me like glue but he didn't say much. Later, I had the pleasure of running with Gabby and she ran like the wind. With 15mins to go, I went to the office to let them know. Almost immediately all the kids in the school came streaming out and the whole loop was filled with runners. As I crossed the finish line they let out a huge cheer. Now that is hard to beat.

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 #39: Tiger

Quote of the Day

"I slept and dreamt that life was joy, I awoke and saw that life was service,
I acted and behold, service was joy."

Rabindranath Tagore

Chatting with the kids at Holy Spirit School in Cochrane

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #190
• Date: Wednesday Oct 13th 2010
• Donations to date: $97,872.50
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 6hr 21min 39sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 92 BPM
• Temperature C: 7C
• Distance covered to date: 8,018.0km (4,977.0ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Gibraltor, Gibraltor
• Total number of runners: 1

Tough day. The RX8 Pace Car has gone to the Emergency Ward at Stoney Trail Mazda. It is in the capable hands of Dr. Brian so I'm expecting a full recovery. This dictated that I would be on the roads and pathways of Cochrane. I decided to do a little exploring and headed up to Wine Glass Ranch. Normally, I turn back at the T intersection, just beyond the ranch entrance, but today I turned right into the unknown (note to self: take a map next time). After 10km I didn't have a clue where I was so I asked a women in a pick-up truck. She said I was heading toward Banff, 70kms away. Not Good. I turned around and headed back into town. I had no energy so I did the only logical thing, went to Tim Hortons. I had a coffee and a Dutchie. Instant suger rush. Put six of those on your fuel belt and you won't hit the wall in a marathon.

I had a bit of a surprise this evening. I was checking the Boston Marathon qualifying times and spotted that for the age group 55-60 the time is 3hr 45min. I'll be 55 this year so my 3hr 43min 43sec gets me into next year's race. Yippee!!!!!

Over the last month, Sue and I have been following the rescue of the 33 miners at the San Jose mine in Chile. In the early 80's I worked at the Con Gold mine in Yellowknife, NWT. The operations were a mile underground and when it was -30C on surface it was +30c at the 5,000 foot level. I was interested to learn that one of the miners, Edison Pena, had been running 10km a day. This is a huge challenge underground for a number of reasons. Heat is probably the major factor. Temperatures were reported to be +35C. Other factors include air quality, his running route which would probably include ramps, foot wear and lighting. An hour ago, we watched as he was hoisted to surface. Now he can finally do a 10km in the fresh air.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: Why do gorillas have big nostrils?
A: Because they have big fingers!

Quote of the Day

"Life's #1 Golden Rule - Keep breathing."

From Avatar Marathon Martin's forth coming publication "The Book of Good Stuff", a future #1 on the Cochrane Times Best Sellers list.

190 marathons completed.................19 pairs of shoes

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #191
• Date: Thursday Oct 14th 2010
• Donations to date: $97,872.50
• Course: West Springs School
• Run time: 5hr 58min 51sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 97 BPM
• Temperature C: 1C
• Distance covered to date: 8,060.2km (5003.2ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to:Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
• Total number of runners: 176

I received an email congratulating me on my Boston qualifying run in Victoria and asking me what my training schedule was for this year. It's very simple really:

• No interval training
• No tempo runs
• No hill repeats
• 187 long slow runs. Works for me.

Today, the plan was to go to West springs School in Calgary and start running. However I got lost again and this time I had a map. West Springs School is brand new as are the communities, shops and streets in this part of Calgary. I thought I had found the school but when I went in it said "St. Joan of Arc School". Luckily I met Teacher Lisa and she pointed me in the right direction. I explained what I was doing and she said the school might be interested in having me run there. All's well that ends well.

When I finally did arrive at West springs School, I got off to a fast start. At 9.00am I went into the gym and I chatted with the kids. The school goes from Kindergarten to grade 5 and has 240 students. I found a 800m loop and soon had 25 laps under my belt. One grade 3 girl, Ava, was relentless. At every opportunity she was out running with me. I called her Ava "The Machine', which she seemed to like.

I would like to mention three students in particular. Grade 3er Saime gave me $1.00, grade 2er Jade gave me 25c and grade 1er Ethan gave me 11c. They all said that they wanted to help the Right To Play children. Now these kids have "the right stuff"!

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 #40: Tropical Mango, my new favourite

Quote of the Day

"Instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle for where we're going. There's something ahead worth fighting for."

Neil Young

Lots of questions from the kids of West Springs School

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #192
• Date:Friday Oct 15th 2010
• Donations to date: $98,122.50
• Course: Cochrane High School
• Run time: 5hr 33min 33sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 95 BPM
• Temperature C: 2C
• Distance covered to date: 8,102.4km (5030.4ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Budapest, Hungary
• Total number of runners: 73

Yesterday, at West Springs School, I had a very interesting chat with grade 2er Sara about God. She said that God was the fastest runner ever. I asked her if she thought God wore running shoes. She said , no, he was a barefoot runner. I think she's probably right.

Today, I woke up to the first snow storm of the year. I had to run to Cochrane High School because the pace car was still in the emergency ward at Stoney Trail Mazda. I arrived at the school at 7.30am and the field was covered in snow. I decided to run up and back a 150m long road way. Not very exciting but at least I could get the milage in. At 8.00am two members of the Cobra's, Cochrane High School's football team, joined me. An hour later, Principal Susan met me at the door and I went into the gym to meet the students. Cochrane High goes from grade 9 to 12 and has 750 students.

During the day I had a number of students join me for a loop or two. One student, grade 10er Brandon, had made some adjustments to his class schedule and planned to run a while with me. The furthest he had run before today was 5km but as the day wore on he headed towards the half marathon mark. At 2.45pm he crossed the 21.1km line. I've run with over 8,000 kids and this is the furthest any student has run with me. Great work Brandon.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: What do you get from a pampered cow?
A: Spoiled milk.

Quote of the Day

"You do what you can for as long as you can, and when you finally can't, you do the next best thing. You back up but you don't give up."

Chuck Yeager

Cochrane High's Cobras Football Team

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #193
• Date: Sunday Oct 17th 2010
• Donations to date: $99,244.45
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 47min 04sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 97 BPM
• Temperature C: -9C
• Distance covered to date: 8,144.6km (5056.6ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Kiev, Ukraine
• Another Marathon in the World today: Spirit of the Osage 50, WO, USA
• Total number of runners: 10

Big day today. At km 18 I took the 10 millionth step of Marathon Quest 250. Now that's a lot of steps.

This morning, I had arranged to meet a number of runners at the Spray Lake Sports Centre in Cochrane. First to roll up in the paking lot was Runner Hans. I have run with him a couple of times and he was hoping to do a marathon. Next was Runner Jody. I hadn't expected Jody but she had looked up the "Marathon Watch" section in the Cochrane Eagle newspaper. Each week I give an update on how things are going and include my schedule for the following week. Finally the de Boer family arrived. Garth de Boer had emailed me a few days ago and told me that his three sons, with the help of Mum and Dad, had held a bottle drive and raised some money for Right To Play.

At 8.00am our little band of runners headed west along the Bow River, on the red rock pathways. The boys did a tremendous job. During the day, Alexander (12), Logan (9) and Marcus (7) ran sections of the marathon while Garth and his wife, Patricia, kept them company. Runners Kevin and Kathy joined us along the way and the -9C morning turned into a +12C afternoon. At 3.00pm we arrived back at the Spray Lakes Sport Centre and headed inside, to enjoy a picnic prepared by Patricia. In between the ham sandwich and the white chocolate brownies, the boys made a presentation to me. Their bottle drive had raised $1,000 for Marathon Quest 250 / Right To Play. They had the cash in a plastic bottle with the sticker "Message in a bottle". Thanks lads and well done to Hans on completing his first marathon!

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: Why are teddy bears never hungry?
A: They are always stuffed!

Quote of the Day

"A certain amount of opposition is a great help to a man. Kites rise against and not with the wind."

John Neal

The de Boer family raised $1,000 for Right To Play with a bottle drive

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #194
• Date: Monday Oct 18th 2010
• Donations to date: $99,244.45
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 6hr15min 40sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 93 BPM
• Temperature C: 0C
• Distance covered to date: 8,186.8km (5082.8ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: San Marino, San Marino
• Total number of runners: 1

Another chilly morning in the foothills of the Rockies. I don't mind starting off with a few extra layers but, with the days getting shorter, it means going out in the dark. However, the payoff comes 30 mins later when the sun rises above the horizon. This morning the reds, purples and oranges were highlighted on the low clouds. This spectacle only lasts about 10 mins then the yellows take over. It was back on the Cochrane pathways again today. The Pace Car is undergoing surgery and won't be out of the emergency ward for a few more days. I spent the morning travelling the red rock paths and then it was back to the house for a cup of tea and a sausage roll.

The final 14km would be the "Ice Cream Route". Back to the paths then into Cochrane. I arrived at Mackay's at 3.00pm and was greeted with a suprise. Over the last six months many people have asked me what ice cream flavour I would like that was not available. The answer has always been the same: Bacon and Eggs. Little did I know that in a secret lab inside the Mackay's ice cream factory, somewhere in Cochrane, they had been working on the formula. In the store, I was presented with an unmarked tub. I asked for a scoop to be placed in a chocolate waffle cone and I headed out. The ice cream is an egg based natural product with bacon bits. The taste: Amazing. It has that sweet and salty vibe. Definately two thumbs up! Time to crank up the production line.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: Why do fish live in salt water?
A: Because pepper makes them sneeze!

Quote of the Day

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds."

Albert Einstein

Morning sun on the Bow in Cochrane

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #195
• Date: Tuesday Oct 19th 2010
• Donations to date: $110,872.88
• Course: Father Lacombe High School
• Run time: 5hr 23min 40sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 103 BPM
• Temperature C: 11C
• Distance covered to date: 8,229.0km (5,108.0ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Majuro, Marshall Islands
• Total number of runners: 547

Big day today. We passed the $100,000 donation mark. Many thanks to all those who have donated so far and to those who are thinking about it. Go for it!!!

Donations can be made on line or by cheque. Online, please hit the big red button with "Donate Now!" on it and follow the prompts. Cheques, please make payable to "Right To Play (MQ 250)" and send to Sarah Stern, Right To Play, 65 Queen Street West, Suite 1110, Box 64, Toronto, Ontario, M5H, 2M5. Tax receipts will be sent for all online and cheque donations. Many thanks for all your help.

Bit of a drive today, across Calgary. I had to pass the construction site for the Peace bridge and had a surprise. No red cylinder to be seen. We've just had an election and a new Mayor was voted in. Maybe his first act was to scrap the bridge and turn the red cylinder into a cell phone tower. We shall see. I arrived at Father Lacombe High School at 8.15am and was met by Principal Kate. She's done Boston twice, so I figured we'd have a good race. The high school has 900 students from grade 10 to 12 and after assembly we all trooped out to start the marathon. I ran with loads of students which was great. Grade 12 student Mark was great company and he cranked out 16km. Grade 11 students Victor and Reme gave me $5 each to help with the fundraising. Thanks guys.

Finally would anyone like to sponsor marathon #200 on Monday Oct. 25th?

Dynastream in Cochrane were originally going to sponsor this marathon but they're now going for a date in November. I'm looking for an individual, group, business, gang or cult to sponsor the run. I will run at a location of your choice including around your house, business, sports field, club house or compound. Send me an email by Friday and let me know what you're thinking. It'll be a great day.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: Where do polar bears vote?
A: The North Poll

Quote of the Day

"Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop."

Lewis Carroll, from Alice in Wonderland

Had a great day running with the students at Father Lacombe High School

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #196
• Date: Wednesday Oct 20th 2010
• Donations to date: $111,922.88
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 23min 40sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 96 BPM
• Temperature C: 0C
• Distance covered to date: 8,271.2km (5,135.2ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: Osaka, Japan
• Total number of runners: 1

It was a bit of a complicated day. The RX8 is still in the emergency ward getting a second opinion. So the plan was for me to start off on the Cochrane pathways for about an hour and then take Sue to work. This part went well and I dropped Sue off at 9.40am. It was then into Calgary for 30km along the Bow. After 10km I stopped at the Good Earth cafe and had their new coffee and bacon and egg panini for $4.95, not a bad deal. It was another gloroius day and I was back at the Jeep at 2.30pm. Still 5km to go. So, I dropped the car off at Sue's shop and did the final 5km ice cream run. All in all, a good day.

Shoes have been a critical part of the quest. Initially I contacted a number of manufacturers to see if any one was interested in sponsoring me but no luck. In the end I had one manufacturer (Salomon), two individuals and seven sports stores help me in getting the 25 pairs I needed. I use one pair for ever ten marathons and by the end of the quest I will have run in 8 different makes and 17 different models. To date I've had 4 blisters in 196 marathons. Below is the roll of honour for all those people who have helped me:

• Martin, Marathon Quest 250 (2 starter pairs)
• Francis, Salomon (5 pairs)
• Mark, Trailblazers Store, Cochrane (4 pairs)
• Elaine, Impact Magazine, Calgary (3 pairs)
• Sandy, New Balance Store, Calgary (3 pairs)
• Jack, Fast Trax Running and Ski Store, Edmonton (2 pairs)
• Mark, The Edge Sports Store, Cochrane (2 pairs)
• Gord, Gord's Running Store, Calgary (1 pair)
• Jeremy, Strides Running Store, Calgary (1 pair)
• Ian, The Tech Shop, Calgary (1 pair)
• Sherrie, Professional Coaches, Calgary (1 pair)

Thank you all for letting me keep the rubber on the road.

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 #41: Vanilla with Aero bar pieces (my addition)

Quote of the Day

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."

Teddy Roosevelt

Ready to tackle the Cochrane / Calgary Pathways

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #197
• Date: Thursday Oct 20th 2010
• Donations to date: $112,067.88
• Course: Captain John Palliser School
• Run time: 5hr 30min 22sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 96 BPM
• Temperature C: 3C
• Distance covered to date: 8,313.4km (5,161.4ml)
• Equivalent Flight distance, Calgary to: P'yongyang. North Korea
• Total number of runners: 275

Today, I visited Captain John Palliser School. It goes from Kindergarten to grade 6 and has 350 students. At the start of 2010 I had planned on running at 40 schools. To date, I have visited 43 schools and run with over 8,000 children. I have another 11 booked before the end of the year. I would now like to run at a total of 60 school. I still have 6 dates available and would like to ask any student, parent, teacher or principle to contact me if they would like me to run at their school. The dates left are:

• Tuesday November 9th
• Thursday November 11th
• Tuesday November 16th
• Tuesday November 30th
• Thursday December 9th
• Friday December 10th

All you have to do is email me at mjparnell@shaw.ca and book a date. I will send you an infomation package which will include posters, leaflets and running certificates. See you on the field.

I arrived in the dark at Captain John Palliser School and met caretaker Rob. He let me into the school and I prepared for the day. Assembly was at 9.15am so I managed to get in 10km before I chatted with the kids. Assistant Principal Marilyn introduced me and I told the kids about my adventure in Africa and  running to date. All through the day I ran with the children. The usual topics of food, siblings and pets came up. One grade 3 girl Madelaine knew lots about animals and she told me about a species of bird which picks bits out of  crocodiles teeth. Silly bird.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: What did the judge say when the skunk walked in the court room?
A: Odor in the court!

Quote of the Day

"It didn't matter if people thought I was crazy, because whose life is it, theirs or mine?"

Marta Becket, Amargosa Opera House

The Captain John Palliser School running club with one new member

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #198
• Date: Saturday Oct 23rd 2010
• Donations to date: $115,157.88
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 6hr 30min 32sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 89 BPM
• Temperature C: -1C
• Distance covered to date: 8,355.6km (5,187.6ml)
• Total number of runners: 17

Six and a half years ago, I arrived in Cochrane, Alberta. I had driven across country from Sudbury, Ontario and arrived on a freezing February day. On the Saturday before leaving, I had my last run with the Sudbury Rocks Running Club. Now I was in Cochrane, one of the first things I did was to see if they had a club. Yes, and they had a Saturday run. Like many clubs all over the world we head out in sun, rain, snow and whatever else the weather gods throw at us. Today it was a little nippy at -1C, but not too bad. We always meet at Guy's bakery and make a decision on the spot as to our route.

The plan was to do an out and back to Wine Glass ranch. I ran with Runner John but soon realised this was a mistake. I had run with John before and had been injuried. Then a couple months ago I went for coffee with John and as I went to sit down I pulled a muscle in my back. Today, I went off a little too fast and felt my piriformus muscle start to flare up. No more running with John. A couple of Advil helped but I just didn't have any zip. The club was manning a booth at a community show in the Ranche House, to attract new runners. So, I decided to drop by and say hi. Then I headed home. Over the years many runners have left and new ones joined. If you'd like to give it a go then drop by Guy's bakery at 8.30am on a Saturday, there's always good coffee and sausage rolls.

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 #42: Watermelon Lime Cooler

Quote of the Day

"A person's life purpose is nothing more than to rediscover, through the detours of art, or love, or passionate work, those one or two images in the presence of which his heart first opened."

Albert Camus

Members of the Cochrane Red Rock Runners getting ready for their Saturday morning run from Guy's Bakery

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #199
• Date: Sunday Oct 24th 2010
• Donations to date: $115,157.88
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 55min 18sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 99 BPM
• Temperature C: -1C
• Distance covered to date: 8,397.8km (5,213.8ml)
• Total number of runners: 1

This morning, when I looked out my bedroom window, it was a real pea-souper. All I could see was the faint orange hue from the street lights. Today, I was heading into Calgary to meet CBC Reporter Mary Catherine. We had arranged to have coffee at the Good Earth cafe at 9.00am, but first I had to handle the drive in. I managed to get into a convoy of five cars and we slowly trundled our way out of Cochane and down the 1A to Calgary.

I arrived at Eau Claire Market at 8.00am and parked. I don't mind parking down town on the weekend because it's only $2. It's during the week, that bugs me, when you have to sell your first born to pay for a spot. After a warm up 5km, I had a breakfast panini and Mary Catherine arrived. She recorded me running, breathing and speaking. Then it was off for another marathon.

Big day tomorrow. #200. I'm off to the CBC Morning Show at 7.40am then back over to Eau Cliaire Market. I'll be doing 10km loop from the Good Earth cafe, starting at 9.00am. The following loops will start at 10.30am and 12 noon. If you've got a spare 1 1/2hr then come on out, it would be great to see 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 #43: White Choclate Raspberry Truffle

Quote of the Day

"Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance towards the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point."

Harold B. Melchart

Eau Claire Market in Calgary shrouded in fog

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #200 (50 to go, 67 days left)
• Date: Monday Oct 25th 2010
• Donations to date: $115,317.88
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 17min 24sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 105 BPM
• Temperature C: -6C
• Distance covered to date: 8,440.0km (5,240.0ml)
• Total number of runners: 7

I finally arrived at the day I've been thinking about for months, #200. During the summer (?), when I was injured and running in the rain, I kept saying to myself "get me to 200". Well it's here so get going. My first stop was at CBC Radio in Calgary for a chat with Jim Brown on the "Eye Opener". Then it was off to Eau Claire Market and the Good Earth cafe. Reporter Kevin from CTV met me outside and, after a few words, he took some footage. The plan was to run a 10km out and back and start the next loop at 10.30am. I headed west along the Bow and at the 4.5km mark I passed a sign warning about coyotes. I had been this way dozens of times and took no notice. This time I should have. 20m down the path a coyote was crossing into the bush. My spidy senses kicked into full gear and I very carefully made my way to the 5km turn around. It was then back to the cafe in double time.

Reporters David (CBC TV), Bill (Canadian Press) and Gavin (Calgary Herald) were waiting for me so we had a good old chin wag. Runners Kathy, Kevin, Roy, Elaine and Pete had arrived and our happy little band headed back west along the Bow. I didn't see much point in telling them about my encounter with the coyote. On the final loop Roy, Elaine and Pete left us but Don joined us. Don works upstairs in Eau Claire Market and had heard what was going on. He has a 6 year old son Sam and I'm planning on going to Sam's school to run with him.

Finally, I want to thank Tom and Lyle for sponsoring today's marathon for $1,000 each. Tom introduced me to Right To Play 18 months ago. Lyle and his wife did the same Africa bike trip that I did in 2005. Many thanks.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: Why did the snake cross the road?
A: To get to the other ssssssside!

Quote of the Day

"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know:  the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Albert Schweitzer

The 200th gang: Kevin, Kathy, Roy, Elaine and Pete (missing Don)

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #201 (49 to go, 66 days left)
• Date: Tuesday Oct 26th 2010
• Donations to date: $116,227.88
• Course: Ecole Notre Dame des Vallees School
• Run time: 5hr 31min 59sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 96 BPM
• Temperature C: -3C
• Distance covered to date: 8,482.2km (5,266.2ml)
• Total number of runners: 159

The Rotary Club of Cochrane have been a great supporter of Marathon Quest 250. They sponsored the printing of 50 large scale maps, that showed the virtual route across North America, that Avatar Marathon Martin has been on for the last 10 months. Today, I gave the breakfast group an update on how things had been going and the donations raised to date. The meeting finished at 8.15am and I was off to my school #43, Ecole Notre Dame des Vallees. Luckily, the school is only 200m from the Rotary Club's venue. So, at 8.17am, I was having coffee in Teacher Meredith's classroom.

I had run at this school back in April, when Teacher Meredith completed the marathon with me. Unfortunately, today she was sick malad. However, this didn't stop every grade from coming out and running anywhere from 1 km to 10km. Four grade 8 students joined me for a 10km loop and one of the kids, Nicholas, told me about his grandad, who had worked in a Potash Mine in Saskatchewan. We also talked about the trapped miners in Chile and I told him about the gold mine I worked at in Yellowknife, NWT.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: Why are fish so smart?
A: Because they live in schools.

Quote of the Day

"Practice just being nobody and going nowhere."

Elizabeth Jefferson

Pipped at the post by a group of grade 1 students at Ecole Notre Dame des Vallees school in Cochrane

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #202 (48 to go, 64 days left)
• Date: Thursday Oct 28th 2010
• Donations to date: $116,797.88
• Course: Alex Munro School
• Run time: 5hr 35min 24sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 100 BPM
• Temperature C: -9C
• Distance covered to date: 8,524.4km (5,292.4ml)
• Total number of runners: 318

Had some great news yesterday. West Jet has agreed to fly me to Yellowknife and run at Ecole St Patrick High School. I lived in Yellowknife in the early eighties and my friend Gerard is a teacher there. We've booked Friday November 26th for the marathon. I had better take some extra hand warmers with me.

We've definately had a change in the weather. Time for the marino wool under shirt and long johns. Today, I was off to Alex Munro School and I was looking forward to meeting up with student Nikayla. I had meet Nikayla ,her mum and grandma at the Ironman 70.3 triathlon expo  a year ago August. Sue and I were running our Right To Play booth and Nikayla helped during the day. When I arrived at the school, Nikayla and her grandma Dawn (AKA Pink Lady) were waiting for me. We found a route around the soccer field and it was easy to follow, due to the footprints in the frosty grass. Dawn is planning to go to Las Vegas, in early December, to run the half marathon.

The school assembly wasn't until 1.30pm so I had lots of time to do some kms. After 14kms I came in for a chewy bar. Unfortunately I had forgotten the bars but all was not lost. On the table in the staff room was a bowl of Halloween candy. I enjoyed  a feast of mini Smarties, Aero, Kit Kat and Coffee Crisps.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: What do you call a cow that won't give milk?
A: A milk dud!

Quote of the Day

"To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk"

Thomas Edison

Nikayla Hopkins has been helping with MQ 250 for over a year now.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #203 (47 to go, 63 days left)
• Date: Friday Oct 29th 2010
• Donations to date: $117,308.99
• Course: Calgary Pathways Marathon
• Run time: 5hr 30min 12sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 98 BPM
• Temperature C: -4C
• Distance covered to date: 8,566.6km (5,318.6ml)
• Total number of runners: 1

We are having a string of very good days for running. It's been starting off a little cool, -6C to -2C, but then warms up to +5C to +10C. In fact, the forecast for next Wednesday is +20C. That is a little warm. Today, I parked across from Shouldice Pool and made good time to the Good Earth Cafe. At 9.30am I had arranged to meet Lawyer Don. Don is a partner at Scott Hall, Barristers and Solicitors and he had run with me on the 200th marathon. There are 75 people in the firm and he sent an email to all of them to see if they would support Matrathon Quest 250 / Right To Play. Also, he's also running a full marathon with me next Wednesday and is looking for sponsors. Some people say they'll help, he's doing it.

Avatar Marathon Martin ran his 200th marathon in Malta, Montana. The town was so named after an official from Great Northern Railways spun a globe and let his finger stop on where ever. It happened to be the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. Marathon Martin is a well respected paleontologist and has been involved in digs in Ireland, Namibia and Drumheller. After the marathon, he visited the Phillips County Museum, site of a number of amazing finds. There he spent time with Elvis the brachylophosaurus, so called because he has a "pristine pelvis". The other brachylophosaurs at the museum were Roberta, Peanut and Leonardo.

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 #44: Lychee

Quote of the Day

"My best friends are twins and I'm going to their birthday party. One is 6 the other is 7"

Chatting to a grade 1 student at Alex Munro School.

Avatar Marathon Martin studies the bones of Elvis the Brachylophosaurs.

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Below are the Latest Marathon stats:

• Marathon: #204 (46 to go, 62 days left)
• Date: Saturday Oct 30th 2010
• Donations to date: $117,858.99
• Course: Cochrane Town Marathon
• Run time: 4hr 52min 06sec (See Garmin Connect)
  
• Aver. Heart Rate: 105 BPM
• Temperature C: -1C
• Distance covered to date: 8,608.8km (5,344.8ml)
• Total number of runners: 27

I love playing hockey. I arrived in Canada in 1977 and lived in Kimberley, BC the Bavarian City in the Rockies. I had only skated a few times in the rinks in England, but was invited by some of my work buddies, at the Sullivan mine, to come out for a rec hockey team. The first session I had bruises on both hips the size of dinner plates but I kept plugging away. Soon I was able to skate forward AND backwards. In 1979 I moved to Yellowknife, NWT and joined The Dusters, a group of teachers who played in the local league. I really couldn't skate that well, but my years playing indoor soccer helped my positional play. My next move was to Sudbury Ontario where I played for the Black Knights. The hightlight of my hockey career was when I got 50 goals in one session. My hockey career is now over.

Today, I ran with a bunch of young lads from the Cochrane Rockies Junior Hockey team. We did 4km and 6km loops from Coach Paul's house, along the Bow river. Runners Florin and Lourdes joined us from Calgary. The day was cool to start but soon warmed up. I was feeling good and we were knocking off the kms. A number of hockey Mums and Dads joined us during the day. Hockey Mums 6, hockey Dads 1. The team raised $190 for Right To Play, thanks lads.

Dr Randolph Randolph's book of animal jokes

Q: When is a well dressed lion like a weed?
A: When he's a dandelion (dandy lion)

Quote of the Day

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent"

Eleanor Roosevelt

Members of the Cochrane rockies Junior Hockey team

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