15 going on 70

Ever have one of those days that tests every part of you.  A day that forces you to question yourself in every way possible. This week I'm shooting for 70 miles (112km), which is the most I've ever done in a week.   My goal is not just junk mileage either, I want quality.  Within that quality mileage there are workouts that must be done.  

Today was one of those days though.  Cold, snow, wet, and f*ing windy....Just a typical Canadian winter eh.  30 minutes of a continuous hill circuit, where every minute seemed to be running into the wind.  The kind of wind that damn near stops you in your tracks.  And that shooting wet cold that penetrates through your shoes when you step in a puddle, it just sucked.

But it tested me on every level.  And I succeeded.  I pushed through the pain, the cold, the wind, the wet and ran over 5miles of the hill circuit.  I held about 5:45 min/mile pace for the 30min, which on paper doesn't seem overly impressive but today was a mental game. Today was tucking my head down pumping my arms and cursing as loud as I could up Brimley Hill.  

Every workout has a purpose and today was that.  I throw that in the bank and move on to the next.  15miles today, and 32 in the past 3 days....on my way.

BRING IT!!!

What's Your Strong

 There are few things greater than the feeling of competition. The nervousness feeling as you prepare.  The doubting feeling that penetrates your mind, then immediately the belief in yourself.  The blood that is pumping hard and strong throughout your body.  Your mind racing faster and faster.  Oh man, even as I write it, I can feel it.  I love this sh*t.

However with all this, one thing that comes as close to that great feeling is the "RECOVERY WEEK".  It's a magical time in every athlete's life when they can ease off it for a brief period and just, recover. Typically you cut a % of your total volume down.  After weeks of putting in the mileage, the workouts, the weights, the....everything;  the recovery week has come. Mentally and more importantly physically I was ready for this.  Sunday I spent the afternoon/evening in a ball on my couch barely able to move from the exhaustion.  Everything hurt from head to toe.  And I loved every minute of it.  Despite being in the fetal position, I don't regret a thing.  It feels like I've accomplished something. That pain is success in it's own way.  Because each week that I push harder into that threshold, is another step closer to that end goal.

SO BRING IT!!!

THE BIG "O"....XXX censorship

WARNING: Shit might get crazy….

This past week the Carding list for Athletics Canada athlete assistance program came out, and troublingly I wasn’t on it.  It stung a bit.  I tried hard last season to best my times, push my body, and put myself in the best opportunity to achieve this and it didn’t pan out.  Athletics Canada has set up their carding criteria not based on the best overall athletes but a scale of an age and performance.  Their thought is not what you have done but what you have the potential to do.  At a certain age, a benchmark performance is set to be hit.  My age, to get assistance from the government I need to run 1:46.11.  For me to qualify for the Olympics and compete as a Canadian athlete I need to run 1:46.30.  So AC wants me to represent them on an international level at the Olympics before they'll help me financially.  Wait, what...isn't that what the support is suppose to do?

Another frustrating point is ages and events are not equal.  Based on IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation) points, people are receiving funding with a lesser point score than me. Every event, every performance, for both men and women, has a point score that can be related to one another.  So a 1:46.85 in the men’s 800m, and a Women’s Javelin throw of 63.31m is worth 1118 points.  On the list there are people with personal best who points would be equivalent to me running 1:49.29.

But it’s not just me who feels this sting.  There are many who are in the same situation.  However, AC has standards that need to be met and I didn’t achieve them.  So, I don’t deserve it.  I understand this.  If someone doesn’t meet the criteria set, one doesn’t make exceptions.  Then a special person in my life sent me a message and reminded me of something. I won’t tell you who this person is but let’s call her “Scotia”.

I started running because it’s something I enjoy.  I love the feeling of pushing my body to new limits.  Carding is set up to helping us achieve our goals.  It’s just help.  I don’t need athletics Canada’s approval to do this.  I don’t need them to say this is what I need to run.  I do this for me and me alone.  Then “Scotia” reminded me of something great; why I do this.

 

Chasing the big O;  It’s what we all want in life, the big orgasm.  Those little ones are great.  The day to day ones feel good and keep you going.  It keeps you hungry for more.  The little ones are the steps to achieving the overall goal.  I’ve had some great success in my life.  Practices and races have been great points of reference to what I’m doing this for but I want the best.  The big O……OLYMPICS!!!  It’s what I’m shooting for.  I’m going to keep pushing for it.  I always want more and I always want the best.  What the hell, aim big and shoot for it all.    I have a great support staff with friends, family and a couple ambassadorships  (RIVALUS, SAUCONY) to help along the way, and I’m pumped for this season. 

What’s your Big O…I know what mine is and I’m going for it.

It's been a bit since I've written and I apologize, but I'm committing now.  This past month hasn't been too entertaining anyways.  Mostly long runs and battling sore muscles and stomach pains

Now, is time to begin though. Begin the serious training. My first batch of workouts have been sent out by the coach and it was off to the hills for my first day.  15min warm-up.  a hill circuit that is  roughly 3min in length that will be continuous for 20 min.  Whats this mean....TEMPO RUN BABY!!!  I hate tempos.  It's a continuous run that holds a high intensity pace such as race pace. Plus the kicker with a hill.  

I took the run to Brimley Hill which is a bitch of a hill and gave'r my all.  It sucked, but it felt good to up my intensity.  Thus far it's been mileage run, from 5-10miles in length so it was good to get some quality in.

Today's about weights and an easy run.

Quick Recap of whats gone on in my life thus far...

1. Got a job at Fed Ex for the morning shift....It's pretty sweet

2.  RIVALUS sports Nutrition picked me up as an Ambassador.  They are an athlete tested supplements, which means 100% legal. (I'm looking forward to sampling new products)...I get deals so let me know if something interests you

3. I just rocked out my second 5km of the season with another win.  Variety Village 5km.  Myself and  Kyle's She Devils had some great performances.  Congrats to all

THE ULTIMATE QUESTION WHEN STARTING TO RUN

I was told by a few followers that with my blogs that I’m not writing like me, that I need to put more of my personality in it.  So here’s a personal story about me today.

Starting up competitive running again after a month off, at least for me, dictates one and only question on a run….To shit my pants or to hold it in and try and make it?   

Let me explain, after a month off, my body had become acclimated to the terrible food I ate, the alcohol I drank, and the lack of movement my body did.   It becomes so used to it that my intestines/colon begins to forget how to completely purge itself of waste before a run.  Yes, I’m able to go to the bathroom before I leave for a run, but yes I can also go when I have a mile left in that run.  Just so we’re all clear, a mile is an eternity when it’s forcing itself out.  At this point, during my mileage run I typically run a mile in 7min.

Many of you are probably saying to yourself, “really Kyle, why don’t you just stop?” –Yes stopping will momentarily delay the poo, but then I’m forced to walk 18min to get home for that last mile clenching. 

Others ask, “Stop and use a bathroom!”-While yes, some places allow entry to a person who hasn’t bought anything; many places see a sweaty, shirtless man in short-shorts coming in with a turtle head about to explode.   It’s easy to get turned away.

So finally “Let it out!” is the last answer. - Myself like many runners I’m sure, are not unacquainted to this approach.  I lost it a few times during a run/workout with a couple to the fact that it wasn’t a fart.  But no one wants this.  I mean shorts are expensive. 

Coming back into competitive running isn’t all bad though. My figure is coming back into looking like an athlete again, my cardiovascular system is starting to improve, my sleep patterns are getting more on schedule, and I’ve still got my drive to win. I pushed hard today to make it to my toilet.  I could have stopped somewhere else, I could have walked, but I thought,  “HELL NO, I WANT MY TOILET”, so I clenched by butt cheeks, put my head down and started to roll.

I can say that today……………..I won. 

No, not every one of my blog’s will be like this.  But I will inform you all of my progress, my goods and bads, and truly what it takes to do this.  I love my sport and I love the challenges.  That’s why I’m planning on sharing all of my progress with you on my chase for the rings.  You want to know something, ask me. You want clarification on something, ask me.  Don’t be shy because obviously I’m not.

-Dedicated to Catherine and Mark-

I'm getting ready to post soon, but here's a great commercial. Got to Love Canada!!

Saucony getting into the Game

Saucony Finally releasing some commercials to get their product out there. This years stuff looks hot!! and yes, no running video could ever leave out the super hippie runner

1:47.6

Season finale, with a 1:47.6.  Not too bad though.  I went in feeling tired and a wreck and came out with a decent time and a 3rd place finish.  That gave me 50 euros and a sweet ass 4pack of Duvel beer and two beer glasses.  51 point through 400, and 1:19 through 600m.  Solid splits.  but with 200m to go I was cooked.  100m to go I was in 3rd place and 4th started to push on me.  Then I thought of money and beer.  That was my motivation tonight.  Sometimes it doesn't matter what drives you to finish, but I pushed hard right to the line.  That was all I had left.  I wish it was better but I'll take it.  I'll write a sum up later, but right now theres a sweet ass party in Leuven and I have a date with vitamin alcohol.

Last hurrah for the season

One last race.  That's what I keep telling myself.  This past week has been a struggle for me mentally to get out the door and get after my runs this week.  My hamstrings hurt when I wake up and when I run.  I've had two small workouts this week to try and kick-start my system one last time.  Monday's went well.  2x300, 1x200 all at pace.   The workout went well, 38.5, 39.0, and then a 25.3.  This transfers over to a 1:42.8.  So what does this transfer over too in a race.....who knows.  I had 2 minutes rest between stuff so it's really nothing.  It's just telling my body one more time, one more race.

So I'm looking for something in me to get my ass going. I'm a performer so when the gun goes I believe that I will perform.  I hate loosing and there is no way I want to go out with my performance last week.  Plus I do this because it's something I love.  I love the win, I love the fast times and that feeling of accomplishment.  But I also love that nervous sensation that comes as I warm up, or that burning feeling in my legs when I'm pushing to the finish.  I love telling my body to push further when it's telling me to stop.

But if you have words of wisdom or encouragement to give me, please do.  Something that may help snap this feeling a little sooner than just before the gun goes.  Feel free to email me or write me here.  

There is one thing great about Belgium besides the waffles and chocolate; they serve beer at the meets. My race takes 1:46 to run....I bet I can get to the beer line before I reach 2 min

DNF

I've always prided myself on being able to finish a race. Whether it was a really fast, tactical, or just plain slow. But I've always finished. Last night I was entered in the 1500m. Conditions were terrible. Cold, Rain, wind, and delayed races. Nothing you want in a race. You just couldn't get warm in the warmup. The rain got you cold down to the bone. The gun went off and I went straight to the back (no clue why). 400m in and I feel terrible. 800m in still just hanging on barely.  I get to 950m and stopped.

I never stop. I hate the idea of stopping. But I have no clue why I did. I just didn't want it at all. Inside and out, nothing wanted to be on the track. Some people can stop and it doesn't bother them. That it's just another unsuccessful races. That's fine for them but I hate it. I don't know if it was how I was raised or just something I picked up on the way, but it really bothers me. It's not in me to do this. I stayed up half the night tossing and turning analyzing what went wrong and where. And it's stayed on my mind into today. It's like that guilt feeling inside like I've let someone down. And I have....me.

I can say now that I've stopped once, and I hated it. I'd rather jog it in then stop. Why? I have no clue, because finishing whether first or last has never felt as bad as giving up, and that's what I feel I did.

One last race is next Saturday. You better believe I'm getting after it.

Recap

The past weekend in Ghent was one of my last chances at hitting the standard for the World Championships and I fell .57 short of the standard. It's a hard thing to swallow. A year of training to come up that short, is a little frustrating. But I'm still very content with my performances this year. I have posted 3x 1:46 which shows consistency in my runs (though I've had a couple really slow), 2nd at the Canadian Championships, and for the first time in my career I put running as a 100% priority in my life. Looking back into previous seasons, running was an important part of my life; one that I made a lot of sacrifices for. But this year was different. I changed coaches mid yr, and moved to a completely different environment where I focused solely on track. Moving to the US forced me not to work, and eliminate much of the daily distractions in my life I didn't know were there.

I'd work out 10-14 times a week; eat, and sleep and do it all over again. I got up to a 70mile week, tried altitude training, and Zero'd my bank account all to chase a dream. And as I near the end of my season, my only regret I have is that I should of moved to the US in January instead of March.

So two races left. One 1500m this weekend and one 800m next weekend. I've got nothing left to lose. My body is breaking down but I think I've got another PB in there somewhere.

My goal is still the Olympics, and this year has brought me within a half second of that dream. I jumped a full second from last year to this one. Lets hope I can do it again.

1:46.87 in Ghent

Last night went well for me. And with all the surprises in the night, it's nice that it did. No heats sheets were known until you stepped on the line and they were delayed 30-40minutes (and didn't tell you). A mob of mens 800m athletes swarm the starter to find out who's in what heat. I snuck in to the 1st heat with the 1:45 guys and readied myself in lane one.

The gun went off and I tucked into 6th position. Going through 400 felt good; felt smooth. I got to 600m and that slow burning feeling started to come on. I heard what I think was 1:18 as I passed. I started to swing wide and accelerate. Off the turn I saw the gap shrinking from me to the front pack. 70m to go I went to the "well" to find a last kick and there was something. I moved by a group and snuck across the line in 3rd with a time of 1:46.87. Not a PB but so freaking close. I raced some solid competition today and I came out on top. I can stick with these guys.
What to take away: I need to make a move earlier and stronger, and set myself in top contention.

My dinner the night before was pasta and meatballs. Nothing gluten free about this meal. I ran well without the special diet. And post race I had two amazing types of belgian beer called Gruut and Orval, which I took the glass as a souvenir. But today I do feel like I've been partying all night. I'm hurting

Race in Gente

I've made my way to Belgium back to my where my European journey first began 2 yrs ago...Turnhout. It's a medium sized town in North East Belgium population 60, 000. Myself and 3 other Canadians are staying in an old convent called DeRank. I've got a lot of great memories here from meeting new people to meeting my girlfriend here....ha ha. But this time around I came here for a mission. I'm trying to set a new personal best in my event. I've got a great race tomorrow. with some top times. I've got a good shot at running well and even making a little cash. My goal is simple, race the competition. I don't want to get caught leading the entire thing and I don't want to be too far back from the front group that I can't make up the difference. Positioning will be everything and staying strong when it counts. Gente here I come

Bitch Slapping Frenchies

Every four years everyone and their grandma becomes an expert on track and field because of the Olympics. People have opinions on racers and give their input on what they think certain athletes should have done differently. It would be great to have track and field as popular as hockey, football etc. Two athletes decided the other night how to pack the stands and make Don Cherry shed a tear.
Mehdi Baala and Mahiedine Benabbad had a little scuff after some misconstrued words were said between the two in the Monaco Diamond League. Remember their 1500m runners

BMC-Manchester

I went for it and couldn't hold. The pace went out in 50.0. The leader couldn't help himself from pushing the pacer off the track at 350. I had a choice, stick with the lead pack and go through fast, or settle back. I went for it. We went through in 64 through 500m and the leader through 600m in 1:17. I was on the heels of the 3rd with 200m to go. The front three start breaking away and I go to the "well" to find my kick....nothing. With 120m the group pulls further away. I get passed by one other guy with 50m to go. I held together and crossed the line. 1:48.75.
All I can say is I went for it. It wasn't there today. It could have been the race on tuesday (second fastest time), could have been the weather, it could have been anything, but I just didn't have it today. All I know is I went for it today. My body will learn that pace a little better and it'll handle more next time.
I've got a few races left to find that perfect pace to go through and still have a kick. I'll get it.

1:46.97

Watch more video of Lignano 2011 - Meeting Internazionale di Atletica Sports Solidarity Meeting on flotrack.org

Saturday night was a great turnaround for me. My plan was to race. Stop overthinking and just race the competition. As we lined up along the line, there are some big names (from Olympians to top Americans and Australians). 13 guys line up on a waterfall start which I haven't done since high school, and the gun goes. Immediately we crash for the inside lane. I get bumped and pushed to the back, which works because the pace in this race is a little quick. 51 high through 400m. At the 500m mark the front group starts to move and I want to follow. A lane opens for me and I start to rev up. 200 to go I keep it going. At 100m left I swing off the turn and go wide to pass a couple guys, but someone else has the same idea. I go back inside and push till the line. Finishing 7th with a 1:46.97. I just snuck under. It's my second fastest time ever, and I was all over the place.

Saturday is another race. I'm back in the UK prepping for another BMC meet. I need to redeem myself after my first race in the UK.
Keep racing the competition and the times will come.

Vai a casa grande o Go (Go Big or Go Home)

After a frustrating week and an even more annoyed coach (mainly because of me), I have my second race confirmed.  Where is it...ITALY BABY!!!  I'll be heading to Lignano Sabbiadoro.  My initial plan was to run a 1500m at a low key meet on the 13th, but the morning of the 13th I get an email from Coach Wynn saying to book my flight to Italy.  HELLS YA!!!  


This last week I've been frustrated like many athletes with trying to find meets.  As I've recently found out, the track world is no different than any other business in the world.  It's all about who you know.  Meet directors can pick and choose who they want in races.  Whether they want to stack a race, or set it up for one athlete in particular. So I just sit and wait.  Usually until it's last minute.

What this means: When I get an opportunity I need to take full advantage of it.  So the plan; race with the best.  I'm a competitor.  I'm going to put myself in a position to do well and maximize this opportunity.  


Tuesday July 19th is the 22nd  Meeting Int. di Atletica Leggera Sport Solidarieta. 


Think good thoughts.  1:46.30 or faster..........
   

On to the next one

What I've learned.....Don't race 3 days after a 9 hour time zone change.  It felt like altitude.  I pushed hard for as long as I could. I made it 50. through 400m and then 1:19 through 600m then completely died. 

UK is eh OK!!

Tuesday 6:45 AM I left the University of Victoria dorms and touched down at 11AM wednesday (over 20hrs of travelling) morning in Birmingham UK!!!! Welcome to England. I go through customs only to find they have lost my bag (still waiting), but it wasn't raining so first sterotype shattered, though it did off and on the rest of the day.

My family picked me up at the airport and I was off to Rugby, UK to their house. Walked to the car and, oh ya I get in on the other side. ha ha.

Other than that I've been trying to pick up "the Queens language" as Tat (second uncle) calls it. Words like "bugger", "bloke", "bloody", "bub",
"bonnet" etc I'll be a local in no time.

Today I'll be heading out for a little shake out to try and get my legs under me after the flight. I've got a race on the 9th. It's part of the British Milers Club. It's in Solihull, UK which I've been told is the "posh" area.

Europe is all about winning and running fast. I can't focus on times. They'll just need to come. Just win the races and times will come.

There it is...found it

Watch more video of Victoria International Track Classic 2011 on flotrack.org

Last night was a good turning point for me.  After a disappointing race on Friday at the Harry Jerome Track Classic I stepped onto the UVic track to compete in the Victoria International.  Sharing the line with me, were 4 Olympians, an NCAA stud and some other top contenders.

My only plan was to get after it.  Stay in the front pack for as long as I could. and give'r with 100m left.  That was it.  Simple and to the point. The pace goal was 50 sec through 400m and 1:17 through 600m  (actual time 52/1:19).  The starting gun shot and the pacemaker went right to the front.  I was sitting comfortably in 3rd.  With 250m to go Khadevis Robinson (8x US National Champ/Olympian) went by me and I tensed. Rookie mistake!!! With 100m left I snapped out of it and turned on what was left finishing 4th overall with a time of 1:47.11.  It was my second fastest time of my career so I can't be too disappointed. Live and learn from my mistakes.  I need to run my race, and not get out of my zone.

I'm happy with the result because I committed to the pace.  World Championship "B" standard is 1:46.30, so I'm off to Europe to chase some times.  I'm feeling good and feel confident that I've got another fast time in me.

Prince William hide the wife....I'm coming to England

   

 

Shut down

I've got nothing to say about this race except I had nothing. Today the whole race felt out of my league. It was set up perfectly to run fast and I couldn't. Big congrats to Andrew Ellerton on a huge PB.
It's only one race. I didn't have it today.  One race one day...that's all it is. Anyone who doubts me on my path is  about to have an awakening.
Rest up for sunday.  It's another chance to roll.

Flotrack race

Harry Jerome race today is being broadcasted today on flotrack.
www.flotrack.org
I race the 800 today at 4:07pm pacific time.

Silver's still a great colour

First and foremost, thank you all for the kind messages and thoughts throughout the entire weekend.  I was on a mission and I still believe I succeeded.  Yes, the colour of medal isn't exactly what I was after, but I still ran a great race.  Anyone who knows me, knows I gave it all in the race.  I set myself up for the win as best as I could.  Silver at the Canadian Championship is a great accomplishment, and I couldn't be happier having it around my neck.  There was great competition in my race and I ran right through the line. So thank you all.

A special thanks to my dad for making the trip out to Calgary to watch the race.  He's flown all over North America to watch a race that is less than 2minutes.  

Thanks to Greg and Frankie (Leanna's parents), Kim and Danny, Ryan, Cathy and Abigail for all coming out and giving me a cheering section.

The stressful part is over.  To make the World Championship team, part of the criteria is to come top 3 at Nationals.  Canadian Championships is all about tactics; anyone who watched my race can see that.  Heats and finals are some of the hardest things to do because it's all about timing and patience. You have a group of guys in a race who can all run similar times, so it's hard to outrun them.  Now it's all about running fast.  It's all about time now.  Now I just have to "Nut-up or shut-up".  

BC here I come, it's time to roll out!!!

GOING FOR IT

Tomorrow will bring the Canadian Championship finals.  I've got one thing in mind...GOLD.  The 800m is a race that is completely unpredictable.  You can get boxed in, you can fall, you can just have a bad race,  or you could have a great race.  Anything can happen.  The pace could go slow, it could go fast, either way I have my plan, and it's going to set me up for big things.  I'm giving it all till I cross the line.  Bang or bust baby!!!

CBC is broadcasting it tomorrow from 4pm - 6pm ET.  or it's being live streamed on cbcsports.ca  
I run at 3pm Mountain time (5pm ET). 

This was last yr.  Silver medal.....

Finals baby!!

I did what I needed to do. Won my heat and moving on to the finals. HELLS YA!!
Thanks for the vibes. I'll need big thoughts for saturday.

Race Day

Semi's are today.  Top 2 go on to the finals. If you're sending me the good vibes, think Top 2.  Race starts at 8:10pm Mountain Time.

Less than 3 days to go until the 2011 Canadian Championships are underway in Calgary.  Thursday is the semi-final for the 800m which because of hitting a standard, I get an automatic bid into.  Don't be too quick to high-five me though.  There are quite a few more athletes who also get to skip the first round.  But it still means one less round, which means once less day to get tired for the finals.

Semi's are all about top 2 finishers.  There will be three heats of the mens 800m which the top 2 from each heat then the next 2 fastest times from all the heats move on to the finals.  All I read is top 2.  Anyone who knows me knows Nationals is a bit of a mental game with me.  Last year was a breakthrough year where I placed 2nd, and my goal is to improve again.

I'm already getting asked, "are you ready?" or "how are you feeling?" or "Are you going to win?"....  Right now all I'm doing is relaxing and not focusing on the race.  There will be no over-thinking, or over-analyzing this weekend.  I know what I need to do and my body knows how to race.  Giving all my energy now into planning means I'm going to be burnt out for the actual race.  You know that feeling...when you've stressed about it all week then the day actually comes and all you think is let's get it over with.

One race at a time and the race starts Thursday.  So am I ready? ......I will be on Thursday!!!

CALTAF

Sorry, it's been a bit since my last post.  I'm in Calgary, AB soaking in the altitude once again at 3500ft.  Just to clarify, Toronto is a mere 347ft above sea level so 3500ft is a big adjustment.

I raced last night at the CALTAF classic.  A 400m.  With Calgary's great weather, the day was filled with sunshine and thunderstorms; changing every 5-10min.  So my shoes were soaked and you needed sunglasses to race.   I finished 2nd in the race.   48.44.  Not a PB but I`m happy.  I got out hard my first 200 which was a new thing for me (I have a tendency to wait a bit) and rigged up hard my last 50m to the point where I thought I was going to fall on my face.  Each step my knees got lower and lower to where I felt like I was shuffle stepping.   I was just hoping a wouldn`t clip the track with my spikes and go face first down (which I have done before).  

Oh man my lungs burned after the race.  It was my first above sea level performance.  It`s leaving me fully confident in my performance for Nationals and hungry for more.  I`m jacked to race at Nationals.

Bad Race Card

Last night was a bit of a flop for me.  I walked in with big expectations and I let myself down.  I had two openings to try and make a solid move to challenge for the win and I hesitated. I can't tell you why I did this.  It just happened.  I placed 2nd overall in a meet that had a couple of my competitors that I'll face at the Canadian Championships in Calgary.  I have one bad race each year, and I'm using my card for this race. So if this is as bad as it gets, I'll take it.  2 yrs ago my bad race came at the Canadian Championships where I was ranked 4th going in and then finished a disappointing 10th.

A mature runner takes each race and analysis it finds the strengths and weaknesses and move forth from it.  I've done this.  I know what needs to be done, and this mistake won't happen again.  I only make them once.

It's time to make a push for the top.  I want the win at Nationals.  No more mistakes, I know what I need to do 

Race Day

Just a quick note this time.   I've been in travel mode all week.  From Flagstaff, to Victoria, and now I've just landed on the mainland of Vancouver, revving up for a race tomorrow.

Tomorrow I'm rocking out an 800m at SFU against some of the Top runners in the event from Canada.  It'll be a  great battle royale because we're all shooting for the World Championship standard.  Send me some good vibes for tomorrow as I'll lace them up and step on the line at 7:45 Pacific Time.

P.S.  for the Beaches Blue Devils rolling out this week for their semi finals.  Give it your all.  You never want to look back after the race and wonder "what if".  Lay it out on the line and there is nothing left to worry about.

To Gluten or not to Gluten

Changes to me are always a good thing. They bring new adventures that I can gain new experiences and allow me to grow as an athlete and a person.  This year, I've had some major changes in my life from my living arrangements (first from the gf living with me, phoenix, flagstaff, and soon Europe), to training partners to coaching, and now to my diet.  I've always been a healthy eater during my season.  Off season is all about  fat, grease, sugar and booze (and not in that order).  But during my track season it's all strict moderations of whole grains, vegetable, protein, and fruit to keep my body firing it's fastest. 

That is until a month ago when I switched to a gluten free and dairy free diet.  What foods am I really missing out on...THE BEST KIND!!  No pasta, no breads, no cereal, no milk, no chocolate milk, no yogurt, no cheese no ice cream, no etc.  It involves reading every label and looking for specific ingredients.  I know, the dreaded question, WHY?  The theory behind this that the body can have intolerances to dairy and gluten. These intolerances cause inflammation in the body. So if my body has just done a workout and my muscle fibers are ripped up, inflamed and need repair,  it'll be trying to repair too much at once.  Yes, it's just a theory and there are studies are both ends, but I figure why take the chance.  

I now spend an extra 45 minutes in a grocery store staring at the ingredients listing and an extra $20/visit to switch my diet from:

Milk to Almond milk

whole wheat bread to gluten free bread or corn tortillas

Rice

Whole wheat pasta to rice pasta

Any cereal to gluten free cereal (chex), granola, oatmeal (yuk)

It's not the same taste at all, but I do feel less bloated after meals, and have shredded body fat.  It can get upsetting eating a burger with two lettuce pieces instead of buns with no cheese and making sure they don't use bread crumbs in the patty;  But a 1 second PB in my race last week is making it all worth it.

    

The Bird

So what's next...   This week has been nothing but feeling like crap and slow runs.  I'm back in Flagstaff slugging along my runs.  But it's whats expected.  I just pushed my body to a new level.  There's pros and cons to doing this.

PRO-- my body will get used to this new speed and I'll be able to get to it easier and push further next time.  The more and more you do something, the easier it gets

CON-- My body right now is flipping me off and has gone into a recovery state.  

The best thing for me to do is active rest.  Basically this means easy runs to let my muscles repair.  Tomorrow is the first workout of the week and it's pretty easy (Hopefully).  Saturday is back revving up the pace and back to the same old.

Thanks for all the emails and wall posts about my new PB.   Keep the fingers crossed thats it's just a stepping stone to me getting even faster.  I've got my goals set on the World Championships.  The time to run is 1:46.30.  

1:46.85

In a small suburb of Los Angeles, there's a small school call Occidental College.  Up to two years ago, this school has been known only to a the academically enriched as a smart kid school.  However, on Saturday May  21, 2011, "Oxy, Occidental" will be known in the track and field world as one of the top meets in North America.  Event after event was stacked with some top names.

The conditions were perfect and every race had a rabbit (pace runner) to keep things moving fast.  My race had a world class competitor from Australia, a couple fast American's, and the typical trio of fast Canadians I seem to race again and again.  I could describe the race, but I'l let you watch it first hand.  

I entered this race with a PB of 1:47.71 and left with a 1:46.85. HELLS YA!!!!!!!!!!!!  To qualify for the World Championships, I must run a 1:46.30 or faster.  I'm right there.  It's only May and I'm just starting to rev it up.

I'm the 10th runner on the start line in Orange.  You can't see too much, but enjoy.  The announcer says I'm leading but thats not me.   I finished 4th.

Watch more video of Occidental Oxy High Performance Meet 2011 on flotrack.org

Watch Live 7:30pm Pacific

I just found out the Oxy Meet will be broadcasting live on flotrack.  Check out me live this evening at 7:30pm Pacific Time.  I'm in the Orange singlet.
http://www.flotrack.org/coverage/238774-Oxy-High-Performance-Meet-2011/live

A complete coverage listing is on the website also.  There's some big names with some big times racing tonight.  Even if you know little about track, this meet will be impressive.

Run fast, turn left.

Redemption

One thing I love about racing is there are no second chances.  Yes, there are alway more races, but that specific race, there is only one.  There is no 2nd or 3rd attempt, or next play or shift to get another shot.  You get that race and that's it.  

But training's different.  You can't let one training session be the determinant of where you stand.  Thats why I was pumped to know the group was heading to Sedona, AZ for another session.  My last session there was me tightening up 50m before the line and the coach laughing at me.  

Saturday Morning workout, 

40m, 50m 60m  flys 

1x200m at 800m pace (25-26 seconds) 5minutes rest

300m (90 seconds rest) 500m   All at 800m pace.  10min recovery  6x120m

This workout is a variation of the 200m, 600m I did last week.  It looks so easy on paper but when you incorporate that little variation called altitude, it brings a whole new factor.  (Remember altitude means less oxygen which mean your body feels like a fat kid running for the first time)

The first 200m felt fast.  25.6.  I want to feel relaxed not fast.  It's okay, 5min recovery to shake it off.   6 guys step on the line for the 300.  The coach starts us and we're off.  39.6 seconds,  PERFECT!!  Now 90seconds rest.   Typically 90seconds is that just enough rest so where you've just caught your breath.  At altitude it's going when you're still deep breathing.  We start the 500, the layout again 3 partners in front then me.  The flashback of my wheezing attack hits me hard.  "Stay relaxed" I say to myself, "you got this".  I move the backstretch closing the gap on two of them.  Coming around the turn I get this boost from my body telling me it's time to go.  I pass one, but still have my eyes set on the other two.  We all reach the home straight away.  Each step getting closer to the front runners.  I get beside the number two and I suddenly hear breathing on my outside shoulder. Someone's closing on me I surge just past and we finish all finish one body length apart from one another.  65.7seconds (1:05.7).  I FINISHED THE WORKOUT!!!!  A big smile comes across my face and a confidence comes across me.  I'm back and feeling good. The simulator added up to a 1:45 which is the Olympic standard.   

Second chances are great eh...    

 Up next is a flight to LA for the Oxy Occidental meet.  Low key meet with lots of fast competition.

Beginning

Finally!! After a year of saying this is in the works, I've finally got this blog up and running.  So first and foremost, WELCOME TO MY SITE.  I will try and update this regularly on my season's progress.

Where to start, 

Let's start with right now.  The past two months I’ve been training with the Canadian middle distance High Performance centre, headed up by the worldly know middle distance coach, Wynn Gmitroski.    I have just undergone a crash coarse with the group experiencing a new outlook on the 800m.  The motto, all spikes all the time.  Minus my college career (where we raced every weekend), I've never trained in spikes this much.  But I feel good and I feel confident in myself and the training.  I’ve enjoyed my time so much that last minute I decided to follow them on their next training block to Flagstaff, AZ.   With a quick flight home to Toronto on Monday, then back to Arizona on Thursday, I'm back with the group.

For those who don't know Flagstaff, it has an altitude of just less than 7000ft or 2100m for my non-Americans.  I know what you’re thinking…what the f* does that mean? Higher altitude creates thinner air, which means less air resistance.  This is why sprinters, jumpers etc perform better at altitude.  For aerobic training, it means less oxygen. Basically, you feel like a fat kid just learning to jog. 

 On Saturday I found this out first hand.  The workout (all at 800m pace):

1x200m (25-26seconds)                 2minutes recovery 

1x600 (1:18-1:20seconds)               10minutes recovery 

6x200m                                         60seconds recovery

First 200m-25.6 seconds; perfect.  It felt smooth and relaxed. (Remember sprinting is easy).  Now it’s time for the 600m.  The two minutes recovery is up.  My breathing has just returned to a comfortable state.  The coach says go and we’re off.  There are 10 of us in the workout.  I’m following right behind two of my training partners.  We go through the first 200m in 25seconds, which is perfect for this.  Coming off the turn of the track, I decide it’s time to start working the backstretch and get close to the two in front.  350m in to the workout, the wheezing starts.  “Relax Kyle, control your body”, I say in my head.  I pass 400m in a 53.5 sec, and two guys blow right by me.  I hit 450m and my breathing sounds like a train. 3 more go by me.  I reach 550m and I step off the track, bend over and start dry heaving in between the wheezes.  Yup, Altitude training at its best!!  I spend the next 10 minutes repeating the same steps, stand up, walk, cough, kneel, and cough.  The 6x200m was all over the map ranging from 26-29.

I talked with Wynn (coach) post workout and he just laughed.  You know what, so did I.  This could discourage me but it didn’t.  I loved it, and I want more.  Tuesday has talk about an all out 600m, and I’m pumped for it. 

So for my people I train who say “Kyle it hurts to run, you don’t know what it feels like to start out.”  Yes, I do and I crave more.  This just means that when I get back I’m going to up my training with you all.