A Comrades controversy with Mickey Mouse

Welcome to Thursday. A great day for doing things outside. What to do, what to do??? Trot for sure at 630 pm. Then??? Well go inside for fatty foods and brown pop. See you tonight?

As for Saturday, I may or may not be able to join the group for 8 am at the McDonald's Glenmore Landing. This location is perfect for a leaderless crew so plan for 8 and if I show great!
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Today at work we had what is called SAITday. A day to celebrate all that is our workplace. We invited speakers in to share knowledge in a vast array of topics, from gardening to wine and cheese pairing, and tours of the 'backlots' of our campus. We also celebrated a number of exceptional employees. Did you know that SAIT is a leading edge research school in water conservation and use? We also celebrated our best SAIT Volunteers, which brings me to...
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One of these kids is not like the other!

The Stampede Road Race on July 7th has a special spot in my heart. This was the race that I ran on my 40th birthday, which seems like four years ago! Dan kept me occupied to my right as a couple dozen friends stayed quiet with signs and noisemakers to my left. A tricky bugger he is!

“Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer”
   -Anonymous

They are in dire need of volunteers race day. I know many of you will be hung over from the biggest pub crawl in the world, but if you can spare a few hours I know Jay will shake your hands and possibly kiss your feet. Okay, a big smile is more likely but he will be most grateful!
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Weather is a wonder...we had some big rains over the last two weeks and today we are being pelted with sunshine. Weather is a wonder as you see Oklahoma, Germany, and other weather phenomenon change our history. Hopefully your weather only bathes you in vitamin D.
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When we ran the marathon in Lisbon back in 2004 I was victim of a terrible crime. While trotting along with our group and in full view of all, I was mugged. Yes, a bystander of the marathon dashed out on the course and stole...my chips. They were pinned safely on my back for others to  have their nutritional support. He grabbed these needed chips and was off into the underground of Lisbon. At least he didn't get my passport.

I recalled this event when our pal Greg forwarded a story from the Comrades Marathon in Durban. I hear this is the happiest race on earth...enjoy the read and give Arman a call when you are finished.
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The following story was featured in the Calgary Herald and involved our friends Lauren and Lindsay. 

Lindsay completed her first marathon  last week!
AND she finished top three in her age category!

Running a marathon is arguably one of the greatest feats of athleticism a person can achieve.

The only thing more tremendous than being able to keep moving forward for more than 42 kilometres, is having the mental strength to not call it quits before the finish line is in sight.

Running season is officially in full swing. And with the 49th annual Calgary Marathon taking place this Sunday , a lot of Calgarians are about to push themselves to their limits for the very first time.

I caught up with Lauren Milburn, Tech Shop store manager and running enthusiast (she has the Chicago Marathon under her belt), for a few pointers on racing like a champ.

Preparation is Key

If you did the training, you have nothing to worry about on race day.

"Most people will have been training for 13 to 16 weeks for marathon-length runs and will have overcome most of the common obstacles just during their long prep runs," says Milburn.

Everything that worked with your training: do on race day. Don't go changing anything, from your socks and shoes to your nutrition or pace and go the extra mile to get prepared the day before the run.

Gearing Up

Anyone who has completed a marathon will agree that the importance of moisture-wicking apparel (including your socks) cannot be emphasized enough.

"Moisture-wicking material will keep you cooler and drier and decrease the risk of blistering and chafing," says Milburn.

Letting go of your vanity and getting proper-fitting shoes at a running store also top most runners' lists of tips.

"Getting properly fitted for shoes insures that you are in the best model for your foot type," Milburn says.

Bottoms Up

Timing your pre-race hydration properly is possibly the key to endurance-running success. Just ask anyone who has been shut down by dehydration cramping during a race.

Making sure you have adequate hydration the day before the race is the biggest factor. Guzzling a bunch of water the hour before the race won't get you to the optimal hydration levels you need and will most certainly have you needing to use the washroom during your run.

She also advises bringing your own hydration belts or packs with you.

"Water stations are never where you want them to be," she says with a laugh.

It's All in Your Head

Just like golf, marathon running is a mental game. According to Milburn, most training plans will take runners on 32 and 36-km runs. Completing 42.2 km after that is purely a mental challenge, and not an easy one at that.

Having friends and family members come out to run the last 10 kilometres is a common strategy runners employ to distract themselves from what is going on in their head.

When the Going Gets Tough ...

"Join a run group!" says Milburn, who leads many out of the Tech Shop's 4th Street location.

This, of course, should be done during your training phase, but having your regular running buddies there with you as you are pushing your way through is guaranteed to make the experience a lot more enjoyable.

Mito Can

Well howdy folks. I wonder who has adjusted to the thought of an 8 am trot tomorrow? Certainly not me and my updating of my blog. With all the wet conditions let's aim for a dirt free trail and trot again from Eau Claire and the usual maybe routes. Perhaps a hill and then a view-check and then some high fives...sounds like a normal day for us! good morning!!!

Congrats to all that did the marathon, half, and ten km last weekend in Calgary. You all rock! It was a perfect day for a perfect trot in our perfect city. Okay, the pace car driver had to pull over and talk to a man about a horse...but my co-pilot guided me to a successful finish. Take that how you wish :-)

If you look really hard you can see Joy and me in the background. Okay - REALLY hard.

My co-pilot and bride Joy has finally found a foot without stitches. Her recovery is progressing and we look forward to seeing her trotting the trails with the rest of you soon. We also had a visit from Marj last week who had a terrible fall and concussion. She too is on the slow road of recovery and these two hope to share in the left right repeat success of the past. Let's pass our good vibes to them and hope they will high five you soon.

I always love to peek at the fun of Runner's World. I got to witness number three first hand. go ahead, take a look. I dare you. Okay, a hint...ten under three.

well done my friends.

So this was my first time using my new computer. Progress does slow us down...

See you on the trails.

John

A happy life

Long time no type. A happy wife is one that has had her husband call her 'Miss Daisy' as I drive her around after her foot surgery. I am sure there is also some driving up the wall too...She is slowly healing from her foot fix so hopefully a happy wife will be trotting with us all once again.

Blaine, Christine, Zoong, and yours truly following some muddy buddy training.
Picture by Carroll

If you have forgotten what the group looks like, we will be on full display Saturday at Eau Claire. I am thinking 9 am. Next week being the first week of June we will revert to 8 am and freak out some of the late risers! Sorry Susan and Sharon and Jodi and Char. Shar will be so happy!
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There are so many good opportunities to trot that our friend Greg shared some with us. I thought I would spread the love...

* Sunday, June 2 -- Camp Chief Hector YMCA 10K-5K trail races in K-Country. Incredible scenery, totally doable route (no mountain climbs), amazing post-race food. You can find a link on Camp Chief Hector YMCA Facebook page in a post for April 10

* Saturday, July 13 -- Spaghetti Western 15K relay or solo in Airdrie. New race, put on by Scott and Margaret of Quicksilver Running, who do the top-notch Back 9 in the fall. Takes place on paved bike paths. Info at 

* Friday, July 19 -- Sole Survivor 10-mile, 10K, 5K in Crowsnest Pass. Starts at 7:30 p.m. Gorgeous setting, fun atmosphere, terrific post-race food, and even beer and soda. Streets and bike paths around Blairmore.

* Sunday July 21 -- Bragg Creek Days 10K-3K. Awesome setting, nice small town race, lotsa draw prizes, 10K is probably half and half trail and road.  

   

* Saturday, Aug. 17 -- Brian Mazza 20K-10K-3K trail run in Crimson Lake near Rocky Mountain House. Beautiful setting, run on nice and wide trails around Crimson Lake, pretty shady. Course is not terribly difficult. link for Brian Mazza Trail Run is on main page. 

Now really, can any of these be boring? I think not!!!
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Our friend Gerardo has an art show this weekend. If you want to avoid the wet please take a look at his fabulous wood carvings!

Gerardo's work is all wood carvings. Bob, are you in???

The show will feature the work of different artists from the State of the Art Society, of which I am a member.

I will be at the Strathcona Community Centre this Friday, May 24th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Saturday May 25th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

I am looking forward to showing my new pieces that I have been working on.
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This weekend I will be joining Joy, Ally, Tamara, Dan, and Lorianne as we guide all the quick runners around the three distances of the Calgary Marathon, half, and 10 km. Look for us in our Subaru vehicles but watch out as we are all looking behind. We wouldn't want to create another speed bump in the road of trotting.

Spaghetti Westerns and age old mistakes

They were good, they were bad, and for sure some were ugly. For those of you that don't know a good spaghetti western from a sci-fi flick (May the forth be with you, always and especially tomorrow) the genre was always there to offer suspense, action, gunfights, and bad overdubbing of the italian actors. I am considering my own spaghetti western, but may need your help. Click on the photo above for a link to my kind of spaghetti western fun.
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I am late on the draw (I kill me!) but I know many will be ready for a trot to the wild side. Tomorrow I promised a few of us a trot through the trees of Fish Creek. I would love to see you there at 9 am.

The map above is small but the link is attached. We are meeting at Shannon Terrace, the western most lot in the park. Take Anderson westbound to 130 Avenue, turn left (east), and then your first right into the park. We will park at the last lot along the road.
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April has more info for you on the TEDx event next week. Here it is:

Hi Friends,

TEDxCalgary’s May 11^th Event is officially sold out, but…there is another chance to participate!

You can hold an “IDEAS PARTY” and watch the event live streamed in the comfort of your own home.  All free, and you won’t miss a thing.

And, after it’s done come on over and join us for the AFTER PARTY!  Just follow this link to get yourself set up.  We have a party package eagerly awaiting your download here:

http://watch.tedxcalgary.ca

And it even includes your very own ‘x’ for premium photo opps!  Please let me know if you have any questions, and pass this along to anyone you think may be interested in the event.

Cheers

April L Clay, R. Psych.

Bodymindmotion

Mental skills for sport and life

www.bodymindmotion.com

www.ridingoutofyourmind.com

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If you don't feel like being stuck in a room watching video you can always make friends at the Friendship run out High River way. Same bat time, different bat station. 

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Our walking buddy Teresa shared an article on exercise mistakes that prematurely age you. I personally think that I age myself every time I get out of bed, but that only happens once a day.

We all have the ability to keep our bodies young, but for a 'Fistful of Dollars' you can certainly look younf forever.

Volunteering can be hazardous to your health

And I see Willie and Jodi and Carroll and Carol and Liz and Neil and Peter
Did I mention Coco Chanel and Merlin were the short ones?

Hello and happy Friday. Gloriously bright sunny day in Calgary with a hint of spring in the air. It must be spring as the street sweepers are dusting up a storm on the main roads. Perhaps by May we might see the start of April showers as I think we haven't seen any yet. What do May showers bring?

The photo above is from a trot two weeks ago that I advertised as one of the best city and mountain views in Calgary. As you can see I was foggingly wrong! All was happy in the state of Denmark and the dust on Carol's knee luckily did not leave a mark - after washing.

Who says I don't know the shortcuts?

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My volunteering at the Calgary Stampede has allowed me to be a part of the biggest outdoor show on earth for over 20 years. My dad got me started in 1989 after the Olympics. Standing on a street corner in the east village (then it was just deserted buildings) I watched the crowds watch the parade as it started up the strip for the 2.5 mile meander through downtown.

I also got to watch families grow up, as year after year the same families would line the streets with kids in tow. I recall Sue and Carol Corkey, as St. Francis High School fellow alumni and parents, they would faithfully plop their lawn chairs every year until the kids became too old and 'cool' to watch the annual event. Am I uncool for still enjoying it on this 44th birthday year?

Why do I ramble about the parade and volunteering? Well if you must ask:

Jamie is a fellow SAIT employee who last year only ate free Stampede food for the entire ten days.

The Midway department seeks volunteer food judges (or the very best fair foodie opportunity you never knew existed)

Title: Volunteer Food Judge

Position Summary: Seeking adventurous, experienced-in-food-eating individuals to journey deep into the gastronomic landscape of Stampede Park during this year’s 10-day Stampede, July 5-14. Like culinary Lewis and Clark, these individuals should be willing to venture into the unknown, try anything (yes anything ) and then report back to the world faithfully on what they have seen, smelled and tasted—from the classics to the brand new, the dangerous to the irresistible. When you hear the words double-deep-fried-bacon-wrapped-corn-dog , do you think calories ? Or at long last! The food gods have answered my prayers! ? If you answered the latter, this job is for you!

Responsibilities in this role include, but are not limited to:

• Tour and taste the food vendors of Stampede Park.
• Rate and judge these foods in the following categories: Best Food On a Stick, Best Value, Best Healthy Choice, International Favourites, Best Deep Fried Food, Best Sweet Treat, Best Food Between Buns, Best Food Under $2, Best Classic Fair Food and Best Beverage.
• Live blog, Tweet (#omnomnom) and Instagram your thoughts and discoveries.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have/be:

• A discerning palate.
• A knack for describing food (‘delicious’ and ‘tasty’ ain’t gonna cut it folks.)
• A proven Social Media junkie, addicted to shares, hashtags, filters and likes.
• An adventurous spirit.
• A long, storied history with food.
• An omnivore. You will be consuming meat, lactose, gluten and all else.
• The ability and desire to expose the good, the bad and the criminal-but-delicious.
• And, most importantly, will love to eat, (like, in a spiritual way.)

To apply: submit your food resume by Friday, May 3. Your food resume can be anything—the more creative, the better! All media will be accepted: audio, video, power point, performance art, etc. Four Stampede employees and four Stampede volunteers will be selected. You can e-mail or snail-mail your application to James Radke in the Midway department. Please call James at 403.261.0251 (local 3251) if you have any questions.
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The Golden Arches are where the runs always start!

Oh hey, if you need to burn off those calories before you do the ten days of gluttony, join us at McDonald's in Glenmore Landing for our Saturday trot around the reservoir, or just a nice walk! Joy will be doing the latter, I will be dancing with dirt and the former. See you at 9 am!

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Another good April Clay in May event. This sounds quite interesting and I wonder who will take that Saturday as a wonderful learning experience? April is volunteering at the event - don't we have great volunteers? - her words:

I will be volunteering so I will look forward to seeing some of you there.  If you don’t know about TED, please check out www.ted.com and see the world’s best ideas being shared…for free.  This TEDxCalgary event is a not to be missed inspiring event.  Please spread the word and start your registration process today! (see link below)  Any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Cheers, April
Bodymindmotion
Mental skills for sport and life
www.bodymindmotion.com

TEDxCalgary's Energy: Full Spectrum event will be an exploration across disciplines and frontiers, bringing together speakers and participants to jointly explore how we as humans have understood and harnessed the energy systems of our natural world, our societies, our bodies, and our minds. From technology that changes possibilities, through entertainment that stimulates our thinking, to design that sets a pattern for future generations, we'll cover the full spectrum.

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Sadie is watching for your arrival at base camp!

Last year you might recall that Joy, Sadie and I ventured up the Banff to Jasper highway and did the Mount Robson Marathon. It was a very memorable trot up the highest peak in the provinces. I would strongly support anyone who thinks this would be on their to-do list and encourage you to sign up starting May 1 at 10 am PDT. 

It is also the 100th anniversary of the park so there should be some great happenings there this year. Let me know if you need more info.

Have a great week and play safe.

It's not supposed to end that way

Years of sweat are not supposed to end that way. Years of waking at the crack of dawn, shoe purchase after shoe purchase, check-backs, high-fives, blisters, chafing, and bloody nipples are not supposed to result in that finish line. Tears do happen at the finish line, pain is inevitable at the finish line, but nobody should have to suffer. It was a sad day for us trotters on Monday. One of our pure joys of putting on our shoes and doing the left-right repeat for hours on end to hit that finish line with hands held high in the air in sweet victory was interrupted by a non-trotter who just doesn't understand.

This act did affect some of our friends who didn't get the opportunity to finish on Monday, but it will not affect their resolve to cross that line again. We athletes are a resilient bunch who don't take kindly to being told we can't. We can, we will, and we will raise our hands once again! Just try to stop us!!!

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 Saturday one of our SAIT Cross Country runners has created a run in honour of those affected by Monday. His words:  In wake of the events that have transpired in Boston, we need to remain strong as a community to show our support for those who are affected. The idea is to get as many people out for a run on Saturday April 20th at 11am in Edworthy Park. It doesn't matter if you run 1km or 40km's, a run is a run and the whole idea behind this event is to show support for those who were effected on this day by being one as a running community. Invite as many people as you can and I hope to see a whole bunch of people on the pathway Saturday. 4501 Montgomery View NW, Calgary Alberta is the address for Angel's and that is where the start point is.

I would like to propose to our group that we trot from Shouldice Pool Saturday at 9 am which will allow those of us that want to do this as well the opportunity to stroll over and participate in the 11 am second trot. See you at Shouldice Pool for 9 am!

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I have had the pleasure of doing Boston twice, once in 2000 and again in 2004. I had two memorable occasions with some great people. It is hard to believe it has been nine years since I was last there. The opportunity to train and then win the opportunity to do this race is something I will never forget. I have had some great influence-rs that have helped me gain the pace and the experience to qualify for this event. 

We have all seen the negative images this week of Boston, so I thought I would share some of the good. They are some of my fondest memories that I relish to this day...

Our running pal and Boston tour guide Ed, Maggie, Rochelle, Bill, me,  Dave and Jill
check out where everyone knows our name

adidas always had great motivational signage

Runners, yeah we're different

Better to have loved 26.2 miles of asphalt than to have never loved at all.

When one finds another with the right shoes, one must stop to share in  fashions' greatest sense.
At least they matched my hat!

Imagine a million of these peeps along the route!

"Legendary Hill seeks runners with nose-to-the-grindstone-stick-to-it-ness, legs of steel a plus."
Yep, Heartbreak Hill has claimed the best trotters over time.

What we were lucky to achieve

My horrible photography of Maggie and Bill at the finish line!

Bill and Maggie after crossing the line in 2000

The volunteers are what it all about. Remember that volunteers are how we are able to achieve these  memorable finish lines. Get out there and be THAT smile for someone else.

The best way to cure athletes foot

Johnny Kelley in 2000. He did the race 61 times winning twice

Another adidas poster in honour of Johnny

You've been voluntold!

Happy Friday from the best view of downtown Calgary. Sometimes it can be tough to motivate yourself when you see our deep blue sky combined with a ray of sunshine. Add the smell of spring and you have a glorious day, even with a touch of winters' chill.

What is your office view?

Speaking of great views of downtown, let's meet for our Saturday rendezvous at Max Bell Arena, located at Memorial Drive and Barlow Trail NE. You can't miss it. It has to be the brightest arena around, clad in red and white bold bricks. I think I own the shirt! See you at 9 am. Still not bending for eight, unless someone wants to convince me???

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It is coming hard and fast. You can feel it under your feet. You can see preparation on the paths. You can hear the creaking bones of the long winters lag in training. You can smell the sweat of hard work. And perhaps you have touched the keyboard to accept the need - It is for the trotting season. Yes, we all have our favourite events that we must do, Winterstart, Mother's Day, Police Half, Calgary Marathon, etc. We would do them all but our body refuses to be beat that way (well, except for Greg who does 52 events a year minimum), and our pocketbook probably can't afford the travel. I have a great way that you can do many more events a year - volunteer!

Every race we do is staffed by hundreds like minded people who pass you water, spread Vaseline on your wounds, who hand you the medal around your neck, who make sure you know where you should go. Races require manpower to support their movements of trotters and ensure safety is part of your experience. I have a rule for us: you need to volunteer at least one event for every two that you do. That is many weekends of dedication but the need is important. If no-one shows up to volunteer your favourite event, it will not happen!  Can you imagine a Winterstart without the free beer hander-outer? How about Mother's Day without the Rose for the moms person? How could you finish a marathon without the water person at 36 km? And what about the pace car driver???

Ally, this is your ride!

We are in need of volunteers for the first big three events of 2013. The Calgary Police 1/2 marathon, Mother's Day, and the Calgary Marathon. Have you ever wanted to do your fastest 10 km ever? I do need a pace car driver for the Calgary Marathon 10 km! Ally is driving the half and she has a sweet ride!

Contacts:

CPSHalfMarathonVolunteers@calgarypolice.ca

tbirss@forzanifoundation.com

cheryl@calgarymarathon.com

I haven't done any of these events since 2006 as I do believe that volunteering is way more fun than the sweat! Perhaps this might be the cause of the extra 30 pounds since then...

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And finally...

Have a great weekend. 

John