Before we get rolling on this week's entry, allow me to make a cheap plug for the most recent episode of The Mike McGuire Podcast, featuring an inspiring conversation with the Founder of The Running Room, and a huge supporter of the BMO Vancouver Marathon, my friend JOHN STANTON! The "live player" kinda stinks, so click on the "audio mp3" button on the podcast page and download it to your mp3 player that way - John's conversation about both his journey as a runner and his evolution into Canada's authority on running is full of fun and some great information! La-Cross Training? One of the things on my weekly training schedule is "cross training". Intended to be something like swimming, cycling, yoga, etc, lately, cross training days for me have been my side-gig as the in-game host for The Edmonton Rush. It wouldn't seem like much to be the guy on the big screen crackin' jokes and hosting contests, but moving around Rexall Place from section to section amid stairs, fans and even mascots (yes, that's actually a job hazard lol!), it's a pretty solid little workout by the end of the night. The battle against my schedule is one I'm happy to say I'm winning. It's a good thing too, because as the days count down, the distance of the runs the next morning become longer and longer. A Saturday Long Slow Run - 15K for 2h20min As such, it becomes a little less exciting to see the same old trails along the river valley here in Edmonton. Hailed as the most beautiful part of our city, too much of a good thing can still be too much. I'm sure even those who live in Vancouver can say that running the same old spots can begin to grind on a runner's interest level. Normally we stay relegated to the areas within the trails and off the main streets. A couple weeks back, Coach Julia, my pal Jeff and I decided to embark in a different direction. Secretly, I was hoping we could do something crazy like run to Sherwood Park (which we probably will end up doing by the time training is over), but instead, we decided to enjoy one of Edmonton's most famous spots. Whyte Avenue is arguably the hotspot in Edmonton. The daytime offers trendy shopping, great restaurants and everything vintage from clothing to theatres. A hipster's haven, Whyte ave is also one of those areas that is a must-see whether you are into vintage neighborhood. It's also near the University of Alberta's main campus which has undergone some MAJOR overhauls over the past couple of years. Following that run, we've ventured out in a few different directions, and it's helping me keep my interest in getting "out there" alive and well. Now that we're finally getting some warmer weather, it's also easier to look out the window and want to actually be out there for longer than absolutely necessary. If you remember me talking about the ice a few posts back and how there is a benefit to running on it out here, that became apparent this week. There is nothing more rewarding than having a nice stretch of clear concrete to see the improvements that come with speed and hill training. Even though I still have my struggles, there are times where I can really open it up and get a great pace going. As the countdown to May 5 continues, I'm reminded that changes in training can be both frustrating and rewarding at the same time. What are some struggles you've managed to overcome this training season? Leave your comments below! Thanks!
2 Comments
BMO Vancouver Marathon
3/10/2013 05:35:01 am
You rock !!
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Karen
3/10/2013 06:25:41 am
The "walk of shames" you can observe along Whyte Ave and the University area on Sunday mornings often help to break up the monotony of a long run in Edmonton too! :)
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