The Virtual Runner Running Blog

It’s a horrible word meaning “surplus to requirements”, and that’s what I might be!

We had a bit of a discussion at work this morning because we were told last night that we all had a meeting today with the MD of our company.  We all thought this was a bit worrying considering our company recently bought another company that does that same things we all do!

My colleague who works with me was telling me to be “positive” and that it might not be that bad.  This goes against my (so-called) cynical view which is to expect the worst and hope for the best.  Personally, I believe this is also the realistic way to view a lot of situations or potential out-comes.

Scenario 1:  I think that if I go into a meeting expecting to be made redundant (but hoping otherwise), then if we get the bad news… I’m not surprised.  If we get good news (anything other than redundancy) then I’m on a high instead.

Scenario 2:  If you go into the meeting being positive that everthing will be fine and you find out you’re being made redundant then you’re on a big downer.  If you get good news (anything other than redundancy) then you’re just… the same.

All-in-all, I think my scenario (1) is the best way sometimes and it was what I did today.

We were all told officially in a meeting this morning that the company is “restructuring” and we are all facing potential redundancy.  Overall, 9 positions of about 30 will go but there could be more (or less).

So, not a good day at work…

As for running, I can’t post my splits from this morning because Garmin Connect is down for maintenance or something.  So, you’ll have to take my word for it that I did 400m repeats with 400m recovery in between.  I did four of those with 1600m warm-up.

Tomorrow I’m off to the gym to do some exciting cross-training…

intervals, non running, training

Another Sunday and another long run.  This one had me cover over 18kms, but at a slow pace of just over 6min per km. 

My legs were very tired at the end of this one and my knees felt very puffy.  I’ve been on the paracetemol and ibuprofen since the run…

One thing I need to look into is the hydration during the run.  How much should I be drinking?  How do I carry the fluids I need with me?  What do people do during a marathon?  Do they carry a water bottle with them?  Do they take water or an isotonic drink whilst running?  Which is better?

So many questions… any ideas from other runners would be greatly appreciated!

long run, marathon training, pains and niggles, training

Allllllllll aboard!

So far so good with the running; and I mean that sincerely.  Especially since I’ve been sick with a cold off and on since around Christmas time.  In fact, I’m only now just getting over my most recent one which was especially nasty.

Last Sunday I did a long run of over 16km so the build up of distance is going okay.  However!  The pain.  I keep getting pain in my right foot across the top and I end up having to have the laces on that shoe/foot quite loose or it drives me nuts.  Also, I’ve recently bought some off the shelf ortho inserts for my running shoes because the Kayanos do not offer enough arch support and my right foot (again) was hurting on my long runs from the constant pounding. 

I think I see a new pair of running shoes in my future.  I may have to go back to some old favourites like the Adidas Supernova Sequence or even waaaay back and get a pair of Nike structure triax.  They were very cushioned when I last had a pair with loads of arch support. 

So I don’t bore you with all of my runs, here is my long run from Sunday and an overview of my runs since end of Jan:-

Overall summary:-

Now, I suppose you’re wondering why I’m not posting that much?  Well, I’m just busy lately.  But I’ve been running and that’s what really matters.  As for this site, I’ll be making more of an effort to keep it updated over the next few days and updating my spreadsheets with runs and working out the total distance I’ve covered on my run across Canada.

canada run progress, long run, marathon training, pains and niggles, training

The running is still going on.  I must say, it was a bit difficult at first but it is getting easier each time.  In fact, today was my long run and I managed 14km (even though Garmin only recorded 12km).

Here is a summary of the runs I’ve done recently from Garmin Connect:-

Today (31/01/2010)

28 January 2010

27 January 2010

24 January 2010

21 January 2010

I’ll keep running and I’ll let you know how things are going. 

I was wrestling around and playing with my wife earlier today and I think I’ve thrown my back out a bit.  Same side (right) where I always get the sciatica.  I’ve been stretching it all evening and it’s feeling okay-ish.  I’ll just keep up the stretching and ibuprofen and it will be fine.

As far as the Fredericton Marathon (09 May 2010) is concerned… I’ve registered!  $60.00.  I have no idea what that equates to in good ole British pounds but I know it’s pretty cheap compared to some marathons over here!

Fredericton Marathon, garmin forerunner 405, long run, pains and niggles, training