Marathon: field notes...

So it appears that I have not been writing weekly updates about the half-marathon training I'm doing. Well, two months, too many kilometers to count, and some minor aches and pains have past since then, with much to report.

It's Easter Sunday, in the am, just got back from a run. Today the faithful Running Roomer's and I set out for 16kms. 10 weeks into the training schedule, this is the biggest test, though not the farthest our group will run. Temperature wise, I couldn't have asked for a better day to run, though a little less wind would have helped!!

Today's course had us running from the corner of O'Connor and Wellington to down past the War Musem, along the riverside bike/running path, heading west toward the bridge to Alymer. (I forget the name). Getting to the bridge was tough this morning, the past two weeks I've had to keep the running to a minimum due to an ankle injury I can't seem to shake. I've been riding my bike alot to keep up the strength in my legs while I rest my ankle.

As I arrived at the bridge, I turned to face north to head across to Quebec, when I was greeted by a gale force wind!! Not really, but it felt like it. At this point my watch read 31 mins. I could definately feel the off time creeping up on me, as the bodies of my running mates ahead up me dipped below the horizon and out of sight. I was alone. However, training for something like a half-marathon is 90% mental, so you have to keep focused on the task at hand, even if it is getting across a damn bridge with 20km wind in your face!

By the time I reached the crest of the bridge, I regained the vision of my running mates, but that comforting visual quickly faded, as they ran behind some trees. Passing some bikers and a couple of runners, saw me reach the end of the bridge and head onto the path, to follow it back downtown. Running along the path was a great test of strength, as the terrian dipped and rose at several points along the way. It took me through marsh land, over some plank-covered bridges and through a small community park.

At this point, I could feel my ankel starting to scream at me, evidently I'd been ignoring it all this time. It didn't catch up to me until I reached a portion wherein, I had to cross a set of train tracks. One problem; a train was being loaded with extra cars, making ready for a trip. My watch read 67mins. An attendent working on the train told me to wait 5 mins, so I waited...and waited. I got fed up with waiting so I hopped a fence and continued on my route to the Alexandrea Bridge, past the mesuem of Civilization.

I stepped foot on Ontario soil, as my watch read 78mins. Before coming out this morning I set myself a goal, to run the 16kms in under 90mins. Though the pain in my ankle was increasing with vigour, I made it back to the corner of O'Connor and Wellington at 87 mins, and continued down to the store in a total time of 89:31. Not too shabby, for a guy with a throbbing ankle. Next weekend we run 12km, then two 18's, a 20km, and a final Sunday run of 6km, so hopefully i can rest my ankle enough to keep up my speed. Otherwise, I'll have to play through the pain!!