Sunday, April 30, 2006
Sens-ational Sunday
It's a great day ... to be an Ottawa Senators fan! Last night they eliminated the defending Stanley Cup champions (Tampa Bay) in 5 games and they're through to the next round of the playoffs.
Just back from what I thought was a 21k route. Checked the route mapping site that I use and turns out it was a shade under 20k. No wonder I finished in 2:04:58. The first two thirds of the run felt great but was struggling a bit the final few kilometers. No worry though, I still feel very prepared for the half marathon (21.1 km) the weekend after next. For the next two weeks my training distances start to taper off as I get prepared for the race.
Today is also sensational because our nephew, Gavin John McDougall (aka the G-Unit), son of Tara and Steve, is being baptised. Wish we could've been in Belleville with all the families for this wonderful event but it was a bit too far to drive for the weekend.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Donations and Gizmos
Another on-line donation, this time from Trent and Diane in Ottawa. Thank you very much for your support of me and the Canadan Diabetes Association.
If any of you have read the comments being left on this blog, you will have noticed the one from my brother Bill jabbing me for the gizmos that I keep adding to the site. Well, he ain't seen nothing yet because today I got told about a website where you can download the html code for zillions of these gizmos. As you can see, I've added a link to The Weather Channel. Watch for other exciting new features in the days and weeks to come ...
If any of you have read the comments being left on this blog, you will have noticed the one from my brother Bill jabbing me for the gizmos that I keep adding to the site. Well, he ain't seen nothing yet because today I got told about a website where you can download the html code for zillions of these gizmos. As you can see, I've added a link to The Weather Channel. Watch for other exciting new features in the days and weeks to come ...
A 500 Pound Ballerina
I love this picture!!! The runner is a fellow that I have "met" through the blogosphere. He goes by the handle "UltraMike" although when we first "met" I believe he was "UltraClyde". His is an amazing story. He has lost roughly 70 pounds, run a marathon and now runs Ultra Marathons - races that are 50, 100 or more kilometers. The picture was taken in the recent Vancouver Sun Run. Ultra ran the 10k in this crazy suit to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. You see, Ultra and I have in common not only an interest in running but we also both have a child with Type 1 (aka. insulin-dependent or juvenile) diabetes.
I am embarassed to admit that Ultra's time for the 10k in this suit is better than my personal best for the same distance.
For his full story I encourage you to read his blog:
www.bostondiet.blogspot.com
Finally Friday
Having been away and working all last weekend, this has felt like a very long week. TGIF. Even better, today is a rest day in preparation for my 21k LSD on Sunday. Also today, we are recognizing Administrative Professional day in our office with a pizza party at lunch. Its only 7:45 a.m. and I am hungry already just thinking about it.
Another on-line donation notice when I got to work this morning. Thanks to my (wealthy) young brother Bill and his wife Kristy for their support. I am looking forward to returning that support sometime soon when Bill registers for a Team Diabetes event.
Another on-line donation notice when I got to work this morning. Thanks to my (wealthy) young brother Bill and his wife Kristy for their support. I am looking forward to returning that support sometime soon when Bill registers for a Team Diabetes event.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Beautiful Freddy Beach
The last few days I have been running along the trail (former rail line) that crosses the Saint John river and then heads up the Nashwaak river. To cross the river I use "The Walking Bridge" as its known to locals, seen in this picture. It was formerly a train bridge and it used to have a section that swung open to permit boats to pass. It is apparently the longest pedestrian bridge that is part of the Trans Canada Trail system. How lucky am I to live in this great city?
Feelin' (if not lookin') Good
My schedule called for a 6K run but actually did a bit more. Beautiful sunshine, temp was reasonable and a brisk wind. Here's a pic of me from the Fredericton Fall Classic 10K a couple years back. Note the pained expression and the absence of other runners. Most had long since finished and were enjoying a beverage at the hopsitality tent while I was still out chuggin along. We back-of-the-pack types often refer to ourselves as penguins. Waddle On !!!
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Mid Week Update
Had a great run at lunch today. Followed the trail across the Saint John river and then parallel to the Nashwaak, through Marysville and a bit beyond. Covered 11 or 12 km in total. Same route as I will be doing for the F'ton Half Marathon except not as far.
Also today I received another on-line donation. Thank you very much to my UNB colleague (and fellow St Theresa's parishenor) Judy R.
Also today I received another on-line donation. Thank you very much to my UNB colleague (and fellow St Theresa's parishenor) Judy R.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
How To Make An Online Donation
For any reader interested in supporting me by making a donation directly online, it can be done through the Canadian Diabetes Association's secure portal. Follow these instructions:
1. Copy this link and paste it into your browser:
http://www.diabetes.ca/section_donations/TeamDiabetesIndex.asp
2. Clink on Pledge a Participant
3. Fill in your contact information so that the CDA can send you a tax receipt for the donation.
4. Choose the "New York City Marathon" event from the list.
5. Enter my first name - Peter - and my last name - McDougall - where indicated. Spelling matters!!! My city of residence is Fredericton.
6. On the next screen enter your donation amount, credit card details and click on Submit.
Once you've done this I believe you can download a copy of your tax receipt directly from the website. Otherwise, they will send you one in the mail.
1. Copy this link and paste it into your browser:
http://www.diabetes.ca/section_donations/TeamDiabetesIndex.asp
2. Clink on Pledge a Participant
3. Fill in your contact information so that the CDA can send you a tax receipt for the donation.
4. Choose the "New York City Marathon" event from the list.
5. Enter my first name - Peter - and my last name - McDougall - where indicated. Spelling matters!!! My city of residence is Fredericton.
6. On the next screen enter your donation amount, credit card details and click on Submit.
Once you've done this I believe you can download a copy of your tax receipt directly from the website. Otherwise, they will send you one in the mail.
Ghost In The Machine?
For some reason, a post that I did yesterday appeared on the blog twice and now it has disappeared completely. What's up with that?
The post mentioned that I was just back to town after 3 days on business in Halifax. I managed to get in a run each day I was there including a 90 minute session on the hotel treadmill Saturday morning. Talk about BORING!!
Fundraising total has now exceeded the $4000 mark. In the immortal words of Fred Flintstone, "Yabba dabba doo".
The post mentioned that I was just back to town after 3 days on business in Halifax. I managed to get in a run each day I was there including a 90 minute session on the hotel treadmill Saturday morning. Talk about BORING!!
Fundraising total has now exceeded the $4000 mark. In the immortal words of Fred Flintstone, "Yabba dabba doo".
First On-Line Donation
I was thrilled to get an email notice yesterday that I had received my first on-line doanation through the Canadian Diabetes Association's website for Team Diabetes. Thanks very much to Michael C. for supporting me. Thanks also to UNB colleague David B. for his donation.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Terrific Thursday
Just back from a 10k run. Weather is somewhat improved since yesterday although still quite windy. Last night we lost power at 5:30 and it didn't come bac on until midnight.
As I was running today I was listening to a podcast about the NYC marathon. It was talking about how windy it can be crossing the bridges there. So happened I was crossing a bridge (Westmoreland St.) being buffeted by the wind at that very time.
I've added a link to the Runner's World podcasts about the New York marathon. Check them out. It'll give you a sense of what I'm involved in.
http://www.runnersworld.com/events/nycm05/podcast/
I'm off to Halifax for the next 3 days but will try to keep my blog updated on progress.
As I was running today I was listening to a podcast about the NYC marathon. It was talking about how windy it can be crossing the bridges there. So happened I was crossing a bridge (Westmoreland St.) being buffeted by the wind at that very time.
I've added a link to the Runner's World podcasts about the New York marathon. Check them out. It'll give you a sense of what I'm involved in.
http://www.runnersworld.com/events/nycm05/podcast/
I'm off to Halifax for the next 3 days but will try to keep my blog updated on progress.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Windy Wednesday
Wow, what a wickedly windy wednesday!
Did a short (5k) route at lunch today, per my training schedule. First half was straight into the wind. The whole time I was thinking how much quicker I would be on the way back. Felt strong and was striding along feeling like I was setting a land speed record. Arrived at the finish, checked my watch and realized I was barely 45 seconds faster on the return leg. Shucks.
Just noticed that the countdown to the New York City Marathon is now less than 200 days!!
Did a short (5k) route at lunch today, per my training schedule. First half was straight into the wind. The whole time I was thinking how much quicker I would be on the way back. Felt strong and was striding along feeling like I was setting a land speed record. Arrived at the finish, checked my watch and realized I was barely 45 seconds faster on the return leg. Shucks.
Just noticed that the countdown to the New York City Marathon is now less than 200 days!!
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Tuesday Update
Today was a rest day after my long run. Tomorrow I am scheduled for 5k. Received a couple of generous donations today from folks in the neighborhood. Thanks to Ron and Maureen for (once again) supporting me. Also to Process Management Inc.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Easter Monday/Boston Marathon
A super motivating day today. I got out early and did my scheduled 21k run. Finished in 2:11 and felt great the whole time, in spite of the cold temps, the wind and the rain. There are days where every 10 minutes feels like 30 and others where 30 minutes feel like 10. Today was the latter.
When I got home I watched the 110th Boston Marathon on TV. We get a Boston CBS station on our cable so got full race coverage. In less time than it took me to run my 21k, the Boston winner finished 42k. Sinply amazing. I will never win a major marathon but for me (and for the 22,000 running Boston today) that's not the point - it's the journey that's important.
Besides, in my mind, I'm Kenyan!!
When I got home I watched the 110th Boston Marathon on TV. We get a Boston CBS station on our cable so got full race coverage. In less time than it took me to run my 21k, the Boston winner finished 42k. Sinply amazing. I will never win a major marathon but for me (and for the 22,000 running Boston today) that's not the point - it's the journey that's important.
Besides, in my mind, I'm Kenyan!!
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Holy Saturday
A bit of a lull recently in my fundraising but received a generous contribution from neighbours Tom and Gillian. Thanks very much!! Tom is himself raising funds for a very worthy cause. Over the Victoria Day long weekend he will be part of a group bicycling "Tip to Tip" on Prince Edward Island to raise money for an organization that provides small loans (approx. $50) to business start ups in South Africa. Check out: www.thetownshipsproject.com for more information.
My total raised for the Canadian Diabetes Association is inching towards the $4000 mark ever so slowly. Still awaiting several promised donations so feeling very confident that I will be at my goal amount before long.
Tonight is the Easter Vigil mass at which I will be singing the "Exsultet", solo and a cappella. Yikes!!
Check out the links that I'm assembling for other Team Diabetes participants across the country. Quite the cyber community!!
My total raised for the Canadian Diabetes Association is inching towards the $4000 mark ever so slowly. Still awaiting several promised donations so feeling very confident that I will be at my goal amount before long.
Tonight is the Easter Vigil mass at which I will be singing the "Exsultet", solo and a cappella. Yikes!!
Check out the links that I'm assembling for other Team Diabetes participants across the country. Quite the cyber community!!
Friday, April 14, 2006
Good Friday
It's Easter - a nice 4-day weekend. Missed my run yesterday but did a 5k route today to compensate. Would normally do my LSD on Sunday but I'm taking the family out for brunch (thanks Mom!!) so will defer the run until Monday. Time for me to get registered for the Fredericton Half marathon. Only 3 weeks to go. I'm starting to wonder whether I've prepared enough. Hopefully.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Today's 10k
My schedule called for 10k today which is the longest run I've tried to squeeze into my lunch hour in quite some time. Weather was great and so I relished the thought of being out of the office for a bit longer than usual. My route went from the gates of UNB down the trail to the Green, along the St John river to the Westmoreland Street bridge, across to the Northside, along Union St to Carleton Park, across the old train bridge and then a loop along the river to the Princess Margaret bridge and back to campus. Total time was 1:04.
Tomorrow I'm back down to 5k and then a rest day before I attempt 21k on the weekend.
Tomorrow I'm back down to 5k and then a rest day before I attempt 21k on the weekend.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
A Large Day
Not sure if it is only here in the Maritimes that the expression is used but it means a beautiful sunny day with not a cloud in the sky. That was today. Did a 5.5k route at lunch hour and it was wonderful to be out. Followed the trail that runs along the beautiful St. John river. Fredericton (aka Freddy Beach) is certainly hard to beat on a sunny day!! Tomorrow I am scheduled for 10k at lunch - I told my administrative assistant not to book any appointments for me too early in the afternoon, just in case I collapse trying to do that distance mid-day.
Monday, April 10, 2006
What a Difference A Week Makes
Last Sunday I wrote about the misery of my LSD run. Today I'm writing about how well things went this week. It was a gorgeous day and my route was 17.5k. I finished feeling strong in 1:45. I don't want to get overconfident but this puts me on track for a PB (Personal Best) in the Fredericton Half Marathon next month. In my only previous Half I finished in 2:20.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Running In The Rain
After lovely weather yesterday, it turned nasty for today. Did my scheduled 5k at lunch, in spite of the rain, wind and wet snow. Rest day tomorrow and then a big step up to 16 or 17k on the weekend. Better start getting psyched up for it now!!
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Wonderful Wednesday
Due to a work commitment I wasn't able to get out for a run at lunchtime but probably just as well because by the end of my workday it was lovely and with the change to daylight savings time it was still nice and bright out. I did a 50 min run which I estimate was 8k.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Week 7
Today was my first run of Week 7 but due to the week of illness I am doing some modifications to the original schedule. Its a shame when everyday life interferes with plans but its to be expected.
Today I did 5k and although I was anticipating the worst, it went pretty well. I finished my route in just over 30 minutes and felt like there was lots left in the tank. My left knee continues to twinge a bit, especially at the beginning of the run, but by the midpoint I was no longer noticing it.
As you can see from the thermometer, my fundraising total continues to climb and the funky scrolling list of donors continues to grow. Thanks to Dr. Brian R., Sally W-D., Mel and Anne Marie M., and Alex R. for your tremendous support.
My new goal - reach the $5000 threshold by May 14th when I plan to do the Fredericton Half Marathon.
Today I did 5k and although I was anticipating the worst, it went pretty well. I finished my route in just over 30 minutes and felt like there was lots left in the tank. My left knee continues to twinge a bit, especially at the beginning of the run, but by the midpoint I was no longer noticing it.
As you can see from the thermometer, my fundraising total continues to climb and the funky scrolling list of donors continues to grow. Thanks to Dr. Brian R., Sally W-D., Mel and Anne Marie M., and Alex R. for your tremendous support.
My new goal - reach the $5000 threshold by May 14th when I plan to do the Fredericton Half Marathon.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Thoughts and Prayers
My colleague and friend, Helen L., is scheduled for surgery tomorrow after recently being diagnosed with breast cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
Misery
After spending all evening working at the Canadian Diabetes Association's Food & Wine Fest and losing an hour of sleep last night, I had a feeling that today's LSD run would be miserable ... and I was right. Started out and felt some minor pain in my left knee but that seemed to fade as the run progressed. Midway I joined up with a pair of folks, one of whom turned out to be my wife's running instructor. It was nice to have company for a while. As soon as we went our separate ways though I started to fade. In the end I ran about 45 minutes. Checked the distance and it was just over 8 kms.
Oh well, its the start of a new week and so rather than focus on the negative, I'll simply strive for better over the next 7 days.
Oh well, its the start of a new week and so rather than focus on the negative, I'll simply strive for better over the next 7 days.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Lest We Forget
Private B. Costall, 1PPCLI, was killed in action in Afghanistan. With respect and gratitude.
