Been so Long

My first entry in a few months.

Have been running quite a bit and Feel quite good.

I am in need of a new pair of shoes to run in but haven't had the time or money right now to get a pair. Will get a pair in the next week.

Facebook has been a huge success on the world wide web. Everyone wants to get on board and find friends.

Our Canadian Dollar is noy worth more than the American Dollar. We surpassed it today.

Basketball season has begun and our first game is in two weeks.

Autumn is here but the salmon haven't started the trek back upstream yet. Should be in a week or two and the Coquitlam River should be teeming with fish.

Five Peaks-Seymour Mountain

Well the race is finally finished. Erin and I ran yesterday morning. Quite a run let me tell you. We always get to these races early and yesterday no exception. There were however an infestation of Mosquitos where they set up the start/finish line. We didn't even think to bring bug spray. However it didn't stop the 600 or so participants from turning out. Cloud levels were really low and we started out in a haze. The race course was apparently the most technical of all the courses. Lots of rocks, roots from trees, lots of mud and a lot of rock climbing. I finished in 1:17:25. Erin finished in 1:14:23. Not bad times I guess. I took a good commando tumble. Luckily on a dry portion of the course. Erin tweaked her ankle a bit, but not enough to stop her race. Otherwise a good morning to run. Not hot at all. We were home by 12:30.

Whistler race is up next.

Holidays Summer 2007 (and running too)

Cathy at Pyramid Riding Stables


Three who need to smile. Me and Riley


Giant Windmills of Southern Alberta











The Hoodoos of Drumheller
















Riley Chopping a Log


Em and Riley with the dogs on the Icefields Parkway


Finger 11 at the Calgary Stampede


April and Dodger being good dogs











This is a short post of pictures of our Summer 2007 holiday.
We started out on Manning Park for a few days over the Canada Day long weekend with family and friends. We then took the lower provincial road through Osoyoos and to Moyie Lake for one night. We then travelled through the Kootaneys to Calgary. Along the way we saw these giant windmills which the Provincial Government has helped set up for alternative power sources. Quite cool the first time you see them.

We spent four days in Calgary visiting relatives, travelling to Drumheller to see the dinosaurs and the hoodoos. Spent the opening day at the World Famous Calgary Stampede. Took in the Rodeo and the midway. Rides galore for Emily and Riley. Cathy and I stayed quite grounded.

We were then off to Jasper where Cathy and I met twenty years ago. Quite nostalgic for us. The kids love Jasper but it doesn't have the same feel for them as for Cathy and I.

We spent five days in Jasper being quite touristy (gorbyish even). Maligne Canyon, Lake Annette, Laundry, Mountain Biking, Raft Tour compliments of Scott Eady and the Jasper Raft Tour Company, and a lot of relaxation. Man, two weeks sure goes by quickly.

We then travelled south to Lac la Jeune through blistering heat. It got up to 43 degrees just outside of Kamloops. Hot Hot Hot. We spent one night at Lac La Jeune and the second day were were supposed to stay, a storm blew through so, enough was enough. Home we went.

It rained quite a bit on the way home and for the next week as a matter of fact. We picked the perfect two weeks to vacation.

Now back to normal and getting ready for a race this coming weekend. (Did you think I could get through a post without mentioning running at least once?)

Five Peaks Semour Mountain Race. Looking forward to it.

Long Run

A good run on Saturday morning. Went out with Erin Tracy and Barb.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1164529

This is where we went. Cut and paste to see map.

Pushed myself quite a bit to get my heart rate up.

My running has increased since being home from holidays. Still haven't posted pictures yet. Will try for tonight.

Thursday Night

Ran out of Hyde Creek with a couple of ladies I don't usually run with.

Very nice people. We ran to the Coquitlam River and up to accrosds the river from Elizabeth St. and returned to Hyde Creek.

Nice to run.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1155643
Cut and paste to see our route.

Will post some pictures of my holidays on the weekend.

Crystal Falls

Ran with my friend Brian last night to Crystal Falls. A great trail from the top of Shaughnessy Street up for about 3KM and back. We took our dogs and they love that trail.

Feeling good which is good as the Five Peaks race is next weekend. Will have to speak with Erin about car pooling with her.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1149831

This is where we ran.

First Run Post Holidays

Took Emily to a work out at White Pine Beach at Sasamat Lake. Ran the lake trail twice. Once clock wise and once the reverse. Second trip was two minutes faster.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1137269
Cut and paste this address to see where I ran.

Was a warmup first time around. A pretty good trail though. Good start back to the training. Two weeks until next Five Peaks run.

Home

I'm back from my holidays. Had an amazing two weeks on the road. Manning Park, Calgary and the Stampede, Jasper, and Lac Le Jeune. Round trip of about 3000 km.
Will post pictures when we get them downloaded.

A bad day for a Run

Attended a neighbourhood party last night and am feeling verrrrryyyy sloooooow today. Head is in the clouds (really high). Ran with Scott today. He hasen't run for three months so we did ten and twos. He did good. Pushed me a bit when I started to slow down.
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1078236
This is where we ran today. Cut and paste to the explorer bar.

Ran three times this week so I'm feeling better about my fitness.

Didn't get too mych done around the house today. Did some laundry, went to Lordco to get an exchanged battery. The one I bought last year (2 days short of a year so exchange was fine) died over the winter. Even charged it once a month. Will have to figure something out for this coming winter thought.

On holidays in five days. Really need the break.

Erin and Tracy were in the Scotia Bank Half Marathon today. Wonder how they did?
Will have to check the web site to find out.

Getting Better

After the week off without running, I have been out twice so far this week.
Ran with the ladies out of Hyde Creek. Short as Erin and Tracy are running the Scotia Bank Half Marathon this weekend.
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1071223
Cut and paste this address to see where we ran today.

Feeling better about my fitness.
The feelings I got when not running were not good mentally. It doesn't take long for the emotions to catch up with you when your body is used to excersize.

Will run once of the weekend.

Feeling Good to Run

Ran the short riverside route with my friend Brian, dogs April, Dodger and Kiera. I think we all enjoyed the trip. I took a tumble going through the bushes and did the old commando roll. Got up and continued to run though. A few scrapes butr nothing major.

Will be out again on Thursday night.

Empty Week

Didn't run at all last week. Life has been so busy with Emily and Riley activities and sports that there was no time to run. Sun up to sun down Cathy and I were busy.
I will run tomorrow night and then Thursday if there is nothing going on. Saturday and Sunday, Emily is in a swim meet in Burnaby so might get a run in there.

Feeling so out of shape. Will have to remedy that.

First Run All Week

Ran with Erin this morning. This was my first run since that grueling Five Peaks race last Saturday. Had to take a couple of days off during the week as I was exhausted. Slept for a day and a half to recover. Man my life is really busy lately.

A good run this morning though. Erin paced me for the whole run. I would have slowed down at a few points but she kept me going.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1031071

View this link to see where we ran.

I have a memorial service for my Aunt Hilda and Uncle John this afternoon. They will be interned at the Coquitlam Cemetery. Hilda passed away in December, last year and John was a couple of years before that.

A lacross game in between the Memorial and then dinner at my sister Romayne's house out in Langley. I hope this train stops soon. Two weeks of holidays soon.

Buntzen Bonk

Ran the Five Peaks Race yesterday and didn't have a very good time of it. I was very limited on my energy level for the majority of the race. I finished in only two minutes off of my estimated time of 95 minutes (97 and change was my finish time). The Run didn't feel comfortable at all. I didn't anticipate the heat. Tracey and Erin did great. They both had really good times.

A great show by Kathryn and her husband, Mark. They do a great job of organizing these events.
http://www.fivepeaks.com

Check out thier web site and the above address if you are interested in these races.

12.5 km long.

http://www.5peaks.com/maps/Map_Buntzen%20Lake-June%202007%20Enduro.pdf

Check out this map to see where I ran.

I think my body is more made for the sport courses. I will change my selections in the next few weeks.

A very busy week winding down. Busy day with Riley's party yesterday and this morning. A party for 10, 11 year olds. As well as a sleep over for three of his budies. Made them chocolate chip waffles this morning. They liked those. They stayed until about noon and I started work on the back yard. Finished what I needed to get done.
Monday morinign starts a new.

Shortie

A really short run last night. 27 minutes long. Didn't want to push at all because of the race this weekend at Buntzen Lake. We ran for only 4.3Km. A good route though. A couple hills and some not bad speed included.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1008559
Cut and paste this site to see where we ran.

Have been on the go every waking moment since Sunday. The only break I have had is last night after my run. Sat down for a brew out on my deck. Very nice. Another busy day today and all weekend long. I will be busy with runing and Riley is having his Birthday Party on saturday night. Emily has her first swim meet all weekend too. 10 X 11 year olds swimming and feasting on junk food. Good times. Three are sleeping over. Shouldn't be too bad.

I'll let all know come my next installment.

Hard Run

A fairly hard run today. Went from home across the bridge to Pinetree and down to the Park entrance. I then went back into the neighbourhood behind the firestation and went up Walton to Johnson. Down Johnson to Guilford and to the Coquitlam Crunch trail. Up the trail to almost David Avenue and then returned the same route. Ran most of the way up the Crunch except about three minutes worth. When I got back to the Bridge, I took the trail down the river to Elizabeth and stopped there. Took about two minutes off the time out. Felt good after the run. Jodie couldn't make it as she has been sick for a few days. Will get together in a couple of weeks as we are both busy next weekend.
Feeling a lot stronger the past few weeks. I am losing a few pounds too. I should do OK at the next Five Peaks race. I am doing the Enduro (Longer) course this time.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=995256
Copy and paste this address to see the map of where I ran.

Practice Run

Went for a run last night of a route I have never done before. Riley had a lacross practice at Terry Fox High LAX box so I ran from there down to Dominion Street to the Dyke and down to Prairie Avenue then to Freemont and back to Terry Fox box. An interesting run as Dominion is totally under construction so it has some good size rocks on the road. Twisted my ankle a bit so will take it easy over the next few days. I have the next Five Peaks race next weekend. The venue has changed to Buntzen Lake. Shouldn't be too difficult.

A pretty easy day today. Took Riley to Riley Park Arena in Vancouver for his Lacross game this morning. He loves the game. Always tries hard when he is on the floor. Went shopping afterwards for his friend Cierans birthday present and then home for lunch and a nap on the couch. A couple of beers will make it a really easy day.
Running in the morining with Jodie. About 75 minutes. Getting up in time and distance of our runs.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=997481
Copy and paste this addrerss so you can see where I ran today.

Minnekhada 2

Ran with my friends Erin and Tracy, Erin's two dogs and my two dogs, yesterday through Minnekhada Park. The puppies are really good pacers as we did the whole outside loop in abouot 51:30. Four minutes faster than when I did the loop on my own. We even rested quite a bit so if we went without stopping we would have done 50 minutes for sure.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=997512
Copy and paste this address to see where I ran today.


Worked on installing decking over our sun room cement slab all weekend. Hamstrings are really stiff today. Haven't given them this kind of pain for a while.



A beautiful sunny day today.



Hooray.

A Great Run

A really great run last night. We ran from Hyde Creek Rec Centre down Prarie Ave to the Dykes and along the Dykes looping back to Hyde Creek. The sun was out and the temperature was perfect.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=997526

Copy and paste this address to see where I ran today.

River Loop

I have a great loop I can do down the Coquitlam River. Ran it with my dogs April and Dodger last night. I was pretty tired before the run and I stopped a couple of times (thank goodness) as the dogs wanted to take a dip in the river. Finished the run (run time only) in 30:20. Just over 5K. Felt good to run. Next Run, Thursday night.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=997536

Copy and paste this address to see where I ran today.

Haney to Harrison Relay

I have decided to put together a team for the 2007 H2H in November.

I would like to put a mixed team into the event. We need eight people to run (minimum four women) and one volunteer to help out as well as one or two support vehicles.

I know a lot of you out there want to participate in this race.

http://www.bcathletics.org/H2H/index.htm

Here is the web site address. Check it out, pass it along to anyone you know who might want to have a day of fun and lets get a team out.

Another Week

Mothers Day went over well.
Brunch and dinner for Cathy. She had a relaxing day.

I have sort of planned out my next years racing. Will finish the Five Peaks races (four to go), runthe Turkey Trot in October, run a half marathon in the Autumn, try to enter the First Half Half Marathon for February 2008, run the Sun Run in April 2008 and then the Edge to Edge Marathon in June 2008.

This will keep me focused on the long term goal of the marathon.

57 weeks to go.

Planning on Minnekhada Park again this week. One long run and another thrown in for good measure of Thursday. Will add in another day of running per week in July or August.

Mothers Day

I did a few things of accomplishment and one not so proud of due to my lack of attention yesterday.

Ran with my friend Jodie early. It was a great run. We ran the dykes and through Minnekhada Park and back down the low level road to our starting position. A good honest 10K run. Then took care of some pre-mothers day stuff and then back home.

I was supposed to meet up with my friend Brad for lunch and he was supposed to call me when he was done his morning errands. I went by bike with my family down to the May Day Parade and was expecting Brad to call me on my cell. He didn't call me on my cell. He called me on our land line at home. My mistake. I didn't get his messgae until 10:30 last night. I have to call him this morning to appologise.

We did have a great afternoon at the parade. We went over to the carnival for a while. Riley, my son, wanted to go on some rides and play some games. We had a good time.

Went home after that and finished cleaning up the sun room area and got prepared for today. Had a nap in the afternoon too. Needed one I think.

A good day all around.

Making brunch for my mother and Cathy today. Crepes with Yogurt and strawberries as well as some other decadent foods. We will top it off with a dark chocolate mousse cake.

Will also make Cathy dinner, as my mom and dad will be going to my sister Romayes for dinner.

Will make a conscious effort to run three times this week.

Same Day Different Memory

I forgot to send Bruce his new program we worked on Wednesday evening. Bruce if you read this, consider my day off as taken.

Will get it to you tonight.

Missed Again

Another training run missed. I did however get my Sun Room support beams finished last night. It was a little late to go for a run so I played a little basketball to get the heart rate up a bit. Good cross training.
Mothers day coming up on Sunday. This will be the first Mothers Day in six years I haven't been too busy to take care of my wife and Mom. Always been organizing a kids running race. Gave that up this year so I can papmer Cathy.
Definitley going for a run on Saturday morning. Jodie an I will meet for a long run along the dike at 7:00 AM.

Day 2

Missed my run last night. Had to continue with repairs on my sun room. Still not finished. A couple of more days and I should be done. Had a meeting last night at work which ran an extra 90 minutes, so got home late and worked late so missed my run. Too tired anyways.

Will go out Thursday night.

Feel guilty a bit for missing but maybe my body needs a rest.

Hello from Today

My name is Kurt and I am a runner. I am other things too like a father, husband, friend, coach, jerk, enemy, son, brother, uncle and the list goes on. I am best known as a runner though. I am 43 years old and found my passion for running when I was 34. I have run in all sorts or races from short 5K's to a marathon. I am a big guy so the longer the run the more it hurts.

I used to keep a journal for my own personal satisfaction. Now it seems I need an outlet where I can invite people into my life and share my thoughts with and get some reaction. I have plans for myself for the future but sometimes need some guidance. I hope you can help.

My wife Cathy is a great inspiration to me. She has kept me grounded and sane. She offers me insights for my life. She sometimes does not understand me and that's ok. We all have our moments where we are missunderstood. We are quite happy together. Been together for 20 years and married for 17 years this month. She is not a runner but she seems to understand that I need to run. Thank goodness she is the way she is.

I have two kids. Emily and Riley. They are both great kids. They definately have personality differences. One is quite outgoing and the other is very reserved.

I will get into my family more if they consent, as my Blog continues.

I am currently training for a mountain running race in June, July, August and September and am doing some off road and high trail runs to prepare. Finding it tough on the old body but pushing myself harder than usual. I really want to do good at these races lately. I have found a space in me that wants to compete really hard and be the best I can be at running. Don't get me wrong. I want the best for me in all parts of my life but for some reason running is really important to me.

I am a running coach. I teach adults how to progress into runners from scratch. I have taught well over 500 people over the years. Some have stayed with the sport. Others have gone back to where they started. Most of my friends are runners. We run for comfort, we run for joy, we run in sadness and we share a lot. I usually run with a group of ladies who sometimes call themselves Kurts Angels (on a good day I guess). We have all been together for three or four years. We are all from different backgrounds and lifestyles but we all have running in common.

Let me know what you think. I look forward to hearing from you.