They said it would be windy up here and damn is it ever! It doesn't have much of an effect on our training though. We're only on the track a couple times and wind is one of those things you can't control so it's not worth fretting about.
The track workout went very well on Friday. It was at the end of a 166km week which has been about average this winter. I'll hit that kind of mileage in 11 or 12 runs, doubling usually 5 days a week, something like 30 & 70min. It'll be only turnover on the track this week, then another full session the week after. Plan to spike up for the 6k of work, toughen them calves up. I want to be used to them by the second 10000m in Stanford. It'll be the first time I've worn spikes in a race that long on the track.
We've got a couple longer threshold workouts on the go this week. Our coach Dave Scott-Thomas is scheduled to spend a few days here later this week. It'll be good for us to have him out here to catch a workout and get set up for the next few weeks of training and racing.
ps
This week Emily and I would like to say our thoughts and prayers are with a former teammate and her boyfriend as they recover.
Eric Gillis Canadian Marathoner
Monday, March 31, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Spring!
Spring has come to Flagstaff treating us with double digit temperatures and bright sunny skies. You can still find snow patches on some trails and at higher elevations but for the most part they're clear. It's nice to be back on trails after a long winter of asphalt streets.
Fridays workout in Buffalo park went very well. The park has a two mile loop with 1/4 mile makers. Reid Coolsaet, and fellow Canadian Steve Osaduik (marathoner) did a measured fartlek totaling seven miles. I made sure to run controlled from the start. Never being at altitude before, along with a few easy days to start and I can see how people may think nothing of it. With some sound advice from Reid who come up for the first time last year I got through the workout feeling good and finishing strong.
So far the most noticable effects of altitude is the need for more sleep, lovin nap time, and how some bagged foods look as though extra air was pumped in, like chips.
Back to the trails for a tempo session on Tuesday and then track w/o Friday. We're going to stay up here for both of them, in fact we'll probably do all our workouts here in Flag. Some travel down to Sedona for the lower elevation but with no car and there only being a dirt track there we're content to stay put.
Fridays workout in Buffalo park went very well. The park has a two mile loop with 1/4 mile makers. Reid Coolsaet, and fellow Canadian Steve Osaduik (marathoner) did a measured fartlek totaling seven miles. I made sure to run controlled from the start. Never being at altitude before, along with a few easy days to start and I can see how people may think nothing of it. With some sound advice from Reid who come up for the first time last year I got through the workout feeling good and finishing strong.
So far the most noticable effects of altitude is the need for more sleep, lovin nap time, and how some bagged foods look as though extra air was pumped in, like chips.
Back to the trails for a tempo session on Tuesday and then track w/o Friday. We're going to stay up here for both of them, in fact we'll probably do all our workouts here in Flag. Some travel down to Sedona for the lower elevation but with no car and there only being a dirt track there we're content to stay put.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
7000ft
Left Guelph in the wee hours Sunday morning for my first training stint at altitude. Flew into Phoenix arriving just after noon. Reid booked a one way rental to Flagstaff, ~2h drive. The cactus forests just outside Phoenix were a cool sight.
Weather forecast said snow for Flag Sunday so we planned a run stop in Sedona (4500ft), and to check out the track that guys travel down to for lower altitude workouts. To our surprise it was snowing there too. Only 45minuts from cactus forests we drive into a healthy snow fall. Got in a slow run, both feeling tired from travel and the last few days of training.
The remaining 50min drive had the most amazing views I've ever witnessed. It was truly jaw dropping driving on roads cut into the side of massive slopes. Finally arriving in town we went straight to check out our rented house. Found it ok and were pleasantly surprised with the size and look of the place.
So far I can't tell if my legs are feeling heavy because they're not used to running on soft trails or the 7000ft factor. Never the less I've already started coming around after three days and a couple good nights rest. Tomorrow morning we're taking in the "bagel run". It's simply a place folks meet to go running every Wednesday morning and everyone grabs a bagel at the local shop afterwards.
First workout Friday, sure I'll notice the altitude then!
Weather forecast said snow for Flag Sunday so we planned a run stop in Sedona (4500ft), and to check out the track that guys travel down to for lower altitude workouts. To our surprise it was snowing there too. Only 45minuts from cactus forests we drive into a healthy snow fall. Got in a slow run, both feeling tired from travel and the last few days of training.
The remaining 50min drive had the most amazing views I've ever witnessed. It was truly jaw dropping driving on roads cut into the side of massive slopes. Finally arriving in town we went straight to check out our rented house. Found it ok and were pleasantly surprised with the size and look of the place.
So far I can't tell if my legs are feeling heavy because they're not used to running on soft trails or the 7000ft factor. Never the less I've already started coming around after three days and a couple good nights rest. Tomorrow morning we're taking in the "bagel run". It's simply a place folks meet to go running every Wednesday morning and everyone grabs a bagel at the local shop afterwards.
First workout Friday, sure I'll notice the altitude then!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Getting Fit
It's been a long winter here in Guelph. People have mentioned it's the worst in recent memory. Today is March 4 and the forecast calls for another 15 cm tonight, yuck! Doesn't look like it'll be leaving us anytime soon, only one day in the next 14 is supposed to get above zero.
I'm looking forward to getting out of town. My training partner, Reid Coolsaet and I are heading to Flagstaff, Arizona for a stint at altitude. The city's at 7000ft which will hopefully produce a beneficial training effect by simply living and running at that height.
My racing plans for the spring are, a 10000m at Mount Sac April 18. I'll travel there straight from Flag. Goal is to run 28:30 or faster which should insure me a spot on the line at the always fast Paton Jordon, Stanford May 4. Between those races I'll come back to Guelph and train.
Feeling great these days. Trainings been going better then ever despite the nasty weather. I've been doing a lot of long workouts getting up to 45mins of work. Only ran once on the treadmill this winter and it was PB, 2h!! That was my low point, -25 outside and windy as ol' heck. Spring can't come soon enough!
I'm looking forward to getting out of town. My training partner, Reid Coolsaet and I are heading to Flagstaff, Arizona for a stint at altitude. The city's at 7000ft which will hopefully produce a beneficial training effect by simply living and running at that height.
My racing plans for the spring are, a 10000m at Mount Sac April 18. I'll travel there straight from Flag. Goal is to run 28:30 or faster which should insure me a spot on the line at the always fast Paton Jordon, Stanford May 4. Between those races I'll come back to Guelph and train.
Feeling great these days. Trainings been going better then ever despite the nasty weather. I've been doing a lot of long workouts getting up to 45mins of work. Only ran once on the treadmill this winter and it was PB, 2h!! That was my low point, -25 outside and windy as ol' heck. Spring can't come soon enough!
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