One of my New Year's resolutions was to run 700km. It was a bit of an arbitrary number, based on what I had run last year and was hoping to increase this year. I met that goal last week. I've swam almost twice as much as last year, but being away from home has killed my cycling and I'll fall about 600km short of my goal. I think if I really push it, I might be able to get to 1000km, but the early morning darkness is really killing my long runs.
Yesterday, I went for a 10km run and set out at what felt like a fast, but comfortable pace. In the end it turned out to be a 43:02 run (6:55/mile), crushing my old PR by 44 seconds. I never felt like I was working all that hard and my heart rate didn't even get as high as when I've raced. Woo hoo!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Hard Week
This has been a hard week. Darcy had a few break downs after her Papa left and Sue has to deal with it all herself. I just can't consider my being here to be fair to her, even in the smallest degree. I just really feel that I should be at home now. And on Tuesday I very nearly decided that it was time to pack things up and leave. Being away for 9 weeks has gotten to me and I want it to be over.
Fortunately, I have the most amazing classmates and several of them could tell that I was not myself before I even had the chance to tell them. We just know each other well enough to know when something is wrong. In the end I had a break down myself and again they were there to pick me up and to talk me away from the cliff. Some of the best advice someone gave me was, "If you quit now, you go home with nothing and this has all been a waste. If you stick it out, you go home with something. You've got to go home with something."
I'm feeling better about life, but still wish this was over. I had the first round of final exams today and feel that I totally rocked them. Two more weeks of learning, a week of exams, a week of orientation.
Fortunately, I have the most amazing classmates and several of them could tell that I was not myself before I even had the chance to tell them. We just know each other well enough to know when something is wrong. In the end I had a break down myself and again they were there to pick me up and to talk me away from the cliff. Some of the best advice someone gave me was, "If you quit now, you go home with nothing and this has all been a waste. If you stick it out, you go home with something. You've got to go home with something."
I'm feeling better about life, but still wish this was over. I had the first round of final exams today and feel that I totally rocked them. Two more weeks of learning, a week of exams, a week of orientation.
Friday, October 13, 2006
It had to happen
Groups start their training sessions roughly every two weeks. The group that is two weeks behind me got their exam results today. I remember how stressful it was sitting, waiting for your turn to get the results. But, obviously, I passed and was very relieved.
Things didn't go as well for a couple of people and they were escorted off the premises. I saw some of their classmates and every one of them looked like they had seen a ghost. They were relieved to have passed, but blown away by the reality that their friends weren't coming back.
On the bright side, I have now finished 8 weeks. I have 3 weeks of learning left, 1 week of exams and then a final week of orientation before heading back home!
Things didn't go as well for a couple of people and they were escorted off the premises. I saw some of their classmates and every one of them looked like they had seen a ghost. They were relieved to have passed, but blown away by the reality that their friends weren't coming back.
On the bright side, I have now finished 8 weeks. I have 3 weeks of learning left, 1 week of exams and then a final week of orientation before heading back home!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Marathoners
A quick shout out to Glenn & Krista (Sue's cousins), who are running the Toronto Marathon this Sunday. Go get 'em! You've trained hard, now race harder. A few short, mind you possibly painful, hours is all that remains between you and a lifetime of bragging rights.
Also to my former co-worker Jake, who makes his run at a Boston qualifying time in Detroit on October 29. Have fun Jake, but don't forget to change your clock that night! It would sort of suck if you were an hour early (or would it be late? I never get it right). I seriously hope you make it. That would be amesome.
Also to my former co-worker Jake, who makes his run at a Boston qualifying time in Detroit on October 29. Have fun Jake, but don't forget to change your clock that night! It would sort of suck if you were an hour early (or would it be late? I never get it right). I seriously hope you make it. That would be amesome.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
