I am beginning to make my plans for the Marathon training. I just completed a Half Marathon (21km) on October 21 in Detroit after an 18-week training program that started in July. This was the second time I had done this event. It is quite unique being an international event, starting in Detroit, crossing the Ambassador Bridge into Windsor, Ontario then across the riverfront in Windsor and back through the Tunnel into Detroit. I ran with my brother-in-law and regular race partner, Chris (that's him on the right), and we finished just shy of our mark set in 2010 (about 1 hour 40 minutes). Not bad for a couple of masters athletes!
My challenge now is maintaining my current training level, and transitioning into full Marathon training. I don't want to start too early, and then peak before May. I don't want to start too late either and lose the fitness level I've built up since July. I am looking into training plans developed by Hal Hidgon, a well-known running coach (www.halhigdon.com). I have a dream of running in the Boston Marathon in the next few years - maybe 2014, if I can qualify. At my age, I will have to complete a qualifying race in 3 hours 15 minutes and even at that result, entry is not guaranteed. The faster you run, the better your chances of gaining entry to Boston. Therefore, I am leaning towards the Advanced programs on Hal Hidgon's site. That will mean training 6 days a week with some pretty technical and intense runs. For now, I am running 5 days a week, keeping my long runs around 20km, and beginning to increase some intensity for developing speed.
On the fundraising side, things are progressing well. I've been busy contacting family, friends, colleagues and other acquaintances, asking for a contribution to the cause. It's a great feeling when I get those automated e-mails from the Canadian Diabetes Association confirming that a donation has been made. I've become a little bit addicted to them now! I am also working on a poster concept with a local designer, Mariachristina Design (www.mariachristinadesign.com) who has donated her time and expertise to assist me. We have designed a poster that divides the 42km run into 42 squares, each of which can be sponsored for a donation. Look for the poster to be uploaded here on the blog on November 1 to mark the beginning on Diabetes Awareness Month. I've had 9 sponsors come forward so far, without even seeing the concept! I am also planning a garage sale/fundraiser this month with all proceeds going to the fundraising. Let's hope the weather holds out. We had heavy winds and rain from the post-tropical Hurricane Sandy this past couple of days. I even deferred my early morning run today because of the high winds.
Stay tuned for the poster preview this week. If you would like to donate to the campaign, please visit my pledge page at: https://ocp.diabetes.ca/Pledge/csPersonalPage.asp?prId=td&tId=19089&oId=15555744#.UIqt-D7ImMk.email.
Thanks for following my progress.
Jack
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