Laments before moving on......

It's almost a year since I ended my term as a marathon organizer and I feel I need to share a couple of laments and then move on from here.

My original goal to showcase the marathon as an event unto itself fell short even with the help of a great committee and great sponsors. The marathon is the only internationally recognized foot race(i.e.Olympics) that uses the road ways as its venue. All other road races are secondary to the marathon yet here in this area its the other way around. The only way to properly showcase the marathon is to have it as a solo event. Also, because of our demographics we should only have one or two marathons a year. Run NB should take a lead with this. Developing the marathon this way would help aspiring athletes better pursue the sport and also help Canada place a marathoner on the Olympic team for the future.

My other lament is with respect to fund raisers using running venues to raise their funds. Road Running venues belong to the runners both recreational and otherwise who look to have their sport recgnized as such by the community and the media. Fund raisers do some great things to tap into disposable incomes for research needs, but they need to look to other venues such as science expos, etc that could not only generate funds but encourage people to get into science and research.

OK, I'm done. Maybe I'll get into politics from here. However, I must finish on a positive note by saying that it's been a good run and I wish Alex and other event organizers all the best in promoting this great sport of ours(running, the first sport of the human race).

Less than 2 weeks to marathon day

It's almost Thanksgiving so the marathon is just around the corner. I went out yesterday with son Sean for his last distance run before he tapers. It worked out to over an hour an a half with a couple of tough hills which showed that I'm lacking but Sean's ready and I hope all the other stalwarts are as well.

Being out of the organizing side of the event has been rather nice and allowed me to watch from the outside. Alex and company are putting together a good event and the numbers show. So, here's hoping for a good day. I'll be working the set up operations as a contract for the event. This will be a first for a local run as far as I know. If it proves to be successful and acceptable, maybe other events will do something similar.

Stay tuned.

Volunteering

The KVC Marathon is but 3 weeks away, so its getting down to crunch time for all the details that come together to make the event.

The most important aspect is the volunteers that are needed along the course and behind the scenes as well. When the KVC first organized back in 2004, we had an idea about meeting volunteer needs that was not fully explored, so I'm resurrecting it today. The idea was simple, but one that I think is necessary to sustain the event.

Every marathoner should bring with them a support team of 2 or 3 to track them and provide them with their needs at the resource stations along the route. In turn, the marathoner would return the favour by supporting someone at another event which would make the process sustainable and keep the events alive.

Hey, it could be just that easy.

I'm back

hey, I'm back after just meeting my counterpart Chuck Teed who's blog is tracing his prep for the KVC Marathon. Anyway, I met him out on the Fundy Trail doing the half marathon as a prep for his upcoming full. Wow, what a daunting course with all the hills. But, he looked no worse for the wear as I tracked him along.
So, I'm back on board and will now stay attached as the marathon is just 4 weeks away.

Where does a month go?

Hey, it's been almost a month since the last blog, so I need to catch up and remember all I've done. Summer time seems to make the days fly. On the running side, the intro to running group made it to their 5k goal at the Grand Bay Canada Day run and they all did well. Since then, the warm days have given way to a couple of lazy runs a week. I'm still not sure about a fall marathon, but will have to decide soon.
MBTS finally has their new summer time course. It encompasses a lot of the original east west course to Lorneville, so they're back to square one and the search for the elusive marathon course for Saint John continues.............
Having said that, time, I believe, will show that a fall course from the valley is still the number one option, but organizers from MBTS aren't ready to consider.
Stay tuned.

I'm back

Well I'm back after a busy 3 weeks with the prep and running of the Bikaru. The event turned out well with numbers up despite the weather. Results are at www.kvcmarathon.com. Besides that my introductory running group continues to progress with the goal of the Canada Day 5k almost in sight.
My other hat, the kayaking one, has been on more of late as well. River Bay Adventures is now officially set up in St Martins. We've already done several excursions.
As a result of all the business my own running has gone on the back burner. Perhaps I can get some running in out St Martins way in between tours.
On an aside, I see Marathon By The Sea has gone back to a version of their original course which is wise.
And on that note, I'll sign off for now.

Something profound

So much for the week to week commentary about me and the weather, although the temperature is getting into the high 20s this holiday weekend and one should be outside enjoying it.
Anyway, I thought I'd take a new route and try to say some profound stuff where I'm touting myself as a founder.
Let's start with the question of the day, why do people run? Good question, eh?
A friend of mine said he thought about getting into running, but commented that any runners he saw weren't smiling, so that doesn't look like any fun.
Somebody asked my 92 year old father if he ever did any running and he said, "no, we always stood there and fought".
When Armstrong the moon walker was asked about running, he said, "you only get so many heartbeats in a life time, so why waste them on running".

So, what might we learn from this? Well for me, I'm not a fighter, so I'll keep running and if I run properly* my heart will become more efficient and beat less. But, I too have lots to do on the smiling side. Maybe I'll start by clowning it up and make someone laugh along the way and maybe I'll smile too.

*my discipline in this regard is Chi Running. Check it out at: www.chirunning.com

Summertime activities

With summertime weather approaching, it's a good time to get into a mix of activities that are conduicive to the warmer weather and can help the motivation. For me, it's a mix of biking, hiking, kayaking and running. It was with that thought in mind that I introduced a fun event to kick off preparations for the fall KVC Marathon/Relay. On the first Sunday of June, people are invited to the Bikaru:
The annual Bikaru this year goes on Sunday June 6th.
The 3 part event(10k run, 25k bike, 7k kayak) is an intro to the course for the KVC Marathon. Participants can do it all, do it as a team or just do one leg.

- The day concludes with a noon hour barbecue on the wharf at Renforth.

This event is sponsored by the KVC Marathon and River Bay Adventures at no charge.
- Monitoring services for bikes in Hampton and kayaks in Rothesay will be provided.
Register with River Bay Adventures: riverbayadventures@gmail.com

Check out either www.kvcmarathon.com or www.riverbayadventures.com for updates

So, for anyone reading, spread the word and come for a different and fun experience.

Post race analysis

The 2010 running of the Fredericton Marathon is now history and history was made with Chris Brake setting a new course record of 2:34:30. For me, the history is that I beat my half marathon goal of 1:55 with a 1:53:24. So, I now have motivation to continue and look to a fall marathon. But, as said, first things first and that is to get my diet and weight into sync. I've set up a tracking mechanism using the Canada Food Guide.

So far it's been a process of monitoring my present diet and looking to improve it with changes in food choices and/or supplements. Already I'm seeing that my current diet has too much sugar. So, my first step is to substitute some of my processed foods with natural choices.

Hopefully these suttle changes on a gradual basis will get me where I need to be. Stay tuned.

The weigh in

It's the night before my first race of the season and I just did the 'weigh in'. Not a surprise, but I'm about 15 lbs over my fighting weight. Needless to say that's going to be a factor tomorrow. However, it's also going to tell me that I need to take this opportunity to assess this aspect of my condition and in turn check my diet. So, on Monday I'll roll out the Canada Food Guide and do an assessment. My goal would be to take off 10lbs in three months and then prepare for a fall marathon. The rational behind this order of things is that it is best to trim the weight from a diet adjustment first rather than through the extra running in a marathon preparation.

Running culture

It's the first week of May and already the season seems like its going too fast. I mowed the lawn yesterday and will soon be complaining about that ongoing task of mowing and trying to appreciate the beauty of the dandelion. Having said that, why don't I turn this around and look at it from a different perspective. The dandelion is one of the most resilient of plants. After the drab colors of winter the sea of yellow it provides is somewhat uplifting. On a practical side it puts down an amazing root tuber that could be used for a vegetable. The top of the plant has potential for a salad green and the basis for a wine if so inclined. So as they say, it's what you make of it that counts.

The culture of running and the events that support the activity are much like this. Take the Fredericton Marathon for example. It's the first of the main events in the maritimes and it will bring out a sea of colorful runners that will cover the streets and trails of Fredericton. I've run Fredericton numerous times and have had some good runs and some tough ones as well. Fredericton has had numerous courses over the years and their amenities vary also, so one is never sure what to expect. For the runners who put down a good root in preparation for the event, they will feel well about the experience and may even taste the wine. For those like me, who are not so well prepared we could be prone to comment on the amenities or lack of rather than the rewards of the personal experience of being one of many dandelion runners who will brighten up the Fredericton landscape for a brief but hopefully notable time.

My first race of the season

Two weeks today and I'll be running my first race of the season, a half marathon in Fredericton. My training has been hit and miss, so I need this race to re-motivate. My goal is to be around 1:55. The numbers are looking good for the event and son Sean is doing the full. Another running buddy is doing the half, so it should be a good day.

I was in Windsor NS this past weekend for a wedding and also to a do little research of my family roots around the Minas Basin. Its always good to catch up with family past and present, but the real plus is all the other people to meet along the way. As soon as conversation begins, one soon realizes that we're all pretty closely connected. Yesterday morning I met a guy at breakfast who ran the 2009 Boston I did and is going to Fredericton this year as well.

Where does time go?

April seems to be a month when time flies by. Here it is almost two weeks since my last post, so I need to update. The beginner running group I'm leading has grown to 11, so that is working out well. It's always interesting to see how new runners approach the sport and always there's something to learn from the new perspectives.

Over the past two weeks I've been on a mission to appeal my property taxes and have gotten a real insight into the complexity of the political process between provincial and municipal jurisdictions. Both sides have lots of work to do to become more accountable to taxpayers. The only reponse I've been able to get is that one blames the other and that taxpayers have no recourse when it comes to challenging these cohorts of sorts.

On the marathon side of things it was good to see so many locals do well in Boston. Boston kicks the running season off and so we'll soon see many more of the locals plying their trade in the numerous events around the Maritimes. In the Saint John area, we've finally heard that Marathon By The Sea has a new terrain for their marathon. They've moved to the hills of Lily Lake. Using the Lily Lake center makes some sense for festivities but the parking will be a challenge. No word on the marathon course but speculation is that it'll be a double loop of some kind. I still have hope that some day the KV course from Hampton to Saint John will be part of this event.

Back to Basics

Now that my vacation is over, it's time to get back to a schedule of sorts and what better way to do it than by going back to basics. So, starting on Monday I'll be leading a 10 week running program for beginners. They say that one of the best ways to perk up your running is to run with a group that's running slower and then also with a group that's running faster for a good mix.
The beginner program is a mix of walking and running with a goal of running a 5k at the end. Part of the program is also focused on good running technique to ensure a good experience.
Anyone interested can email johnkell@nb.sympatico.ca for details.

Back home after holiday break

Well here I am back home after a shortened spring vacation in Florida. It was shortened unfortunately because son Christian developed a brain clot and had to be hospitalized. I've waited to say because I can now report he is on the road to recovery with no apparent damage at this stage.
It really shows how fragile life is and that we should be thankful for what we have and use it to the best we can, everyday.
I'll leave that thought for mulling and resume my writing in a day or two.

Looking north to New Brunswick

Every time I think about what I want to do on my vacation, I look north and wonder what's going on there. But, I know that regardless of the weather at home I can always find an activity to do. Down here in the sunny south, I'm looking for some warm weather activities because my running's not going all that well. I was out the other day and I looked up and saw 4 vultures circling overhead, so I guess I need to find some other things to do.
Today I was down on the beach and there was quite a lot going on with surfing and some kayaking plus lots of scenery. So, I'm cutting my message short and making plans to venture onto the water tomorrow in some capacity or other if I can find an outfitter. I've checked out 2 on the web, but they're both out of business. I'll have to check further up the coast. I wish I had my kayak with me. The vacationers lament, eh?

Running in warm weather

Here I am down south and enjoying some warm weather. I've been doing a fair bit of biking which is quite relaxing on the flat terrain of Florida. However, when it comes to my running, that's another story. I find that when I get into warm weather running, it quickly shows my level of conditioning. I'm probably carrying an extra 10 pounds at this time, so that's a factor. Coupled with that is the extra one eats during vacation.
So, my message today is a notation on the balance of diet in one's active life. Obviously I'm not dealing well with this on vacation, but now I know it's time to start and cut back and take off that 10 pounds for the upcoming running season. One of my problems is that I eat too many carbs, so step one is to go to the Canada Food guide and plan a balanced diet. Then the other part is to cut the portions.
Wish me luck and stay tuned for updates on my progress.

Time for vacation

Well here I am ready for a little vacation down south, but I feel a little sad leaving this great weather behind. To usher in spring a group of us kayakers did a loop around the Irving Nature Park on Friday and then another group crossed the Kennebecasis to Minister's Face for one of the earliest spring crossings ever on Saturday the 20th of March.
My running has taken a bit of a back seat to other activities, but I'm looking to gear up with some warm weather running in Florida. I still have a goal of the Fredericton half marathon in May and a yet undecided run at the Grand Bay Canada Day event.
To further motivate, I'm offering to lead a group of new runners in a beginners progam* that starts April 12th. Then on June 6th there's the Bikaru to kick off preparations for the KVC Marathon. Check out the Bikaru details at www.kvcmarathon.com

*As I did last year in the aftermath of the Core Program, I`m offering a beginning running program this spring. It begins April 12th and has as a goal to do the Grand Bay 5k on Canada Day.

The program has a pace that`s geared for anyone. We typically run it out of Longwood Park because its a central and a safe area to do a group activity.

Let me know if you want more detail or if you or anyone you know would be interested.
There`s no charge.

Knees, Knees, Who Knows Their Knees.

As I continue with thoughts about Stretching/Strengthening Routines, let’s move up the ladder to the knees. Knees can be a real challenge to runners because we think they’re taking the brunt of the impact from running. However, that’s not necessarily the case if we condition them properly.

First, we must realize the knee is a hinge of sorts and to protect it we must keep it aligned and lubed. So, let’s look at some of the muscles that keep it aligned. In the front of the leg we have the quad muscles. If we run only and don’t strengthen these muscles, typically we can develop a muscle imbalance between the inside and outside quad muscles. This imbalance can cause misalignment and friction in the knee joint. A conditioning routine for this is to sit in a chair with a 5-10 pound toe weight and do leg lifts. Another is to do squats out of a seated position, using the chair as a squat height guide for the repetitions. Also, one can do a quad stretch/strengthen by pulling the leg up and behind using the arm and then activate the quad muscle against the arm force. This is an example of muscle activation in the stretch mode, which improves range of motion and mobility. Similarly we can do the hamstring by putting our foot up on a chair, and then bending over for the stretch and in turn dig the heel in to activate the muscle. The groin muscles can be conditioned with a simple routine whereby we sit and hold the legs together with arm strength, then force them open against the arm strength. For the outside muscles, force the legs open using the elbows against the inside of the knees and then activate the muscles to go against the arm strength. Once you’ve done all this, then grab your knees and do some hoola circles both ways to help open the joint and get the synovial fluid into those key knee areas for good lubrication.

Now, when you’re out running with your strengthened leg muscles, concentrate on good running posture, landing on your mid-foot and thus transmitting the impact straight up through the legs and into the upper body

Balanced approach to fitness

Well here it is Monday again. I just got back from a weekend in Halifax for a family visit. Also, made a visit to Mountain Equipment Co-op and spoiled myself with some new kayaking gear. What a great store for the outdoor enthusiast!
Last week I started a discourse on conditioning around the theme of combo stretching/strengthening routines and began with the feet and lower leg. Before I continue I'm going to take a little diversion and comment on another theme I mentioned and that was balance. Not only should one have a balanced approach to conditioning but also a balance of activities. For a number of years, I put all my activity into the running game and it was good till I ran into an injury and then I was lost for a while. Since that awakening I have diversified and taken on a number of activities including a mix of running, biking and kayaking. This way, if my running is not going well, I can concentrate more on the others.
I put this theme into action in my KVC Marathon Founder role by creating a fun event to kick-off preparations for the Marathon. Its called a Bikaru and is a way to experience the Marathon Course with a 10k run from Bloomfield to Hampton, a 25k bike from Hampton to Rothesay and a 7k kayak along the Kennebecasis from Fairvale to Renforth. The event goes on June 6th this year with details on the marathon site. www.kvcmarathon.com
On the site you can also see some pictures from the previous year as captured and shared by Malcolm Brett. Mac has been a behind the scenes supporter of the marathon since day one, not only for pictures but technical support to the event as well. Mac has also agreed to help expound this blog with a picture gallery, so stay tuned.

Ways to minimize injuries

Just about to head out the door for a weekend in Halifax, so here's a quick start to my thoughts on injury prevention. As mentioned earlier, I'm a strong believer in mixing strengthening and stretching as part of a balanced approach to body conditioning. The concept of balance is multi-faceted, so you'll here it often from me. I'm also a strong believer in finding conditioning routines that can be built into everyday avtivities. So, in that vein, let's start with the lower leg. The foot and lower leg get quite a lot of abuse in the run of a day. The myriad of muscles in the foot get the total brunt of gravity, so why not give them a break. During the day, take some time to walk around on your toes and then your heels to flex those muscles along with the muscles in the front and back of the lower leg. Also, crunch up your toes as you walk or run along. Then at night, roll a ball under your foot, pick up marbles with your toes and rid yourself of calluses with a good vaseline massage of the feet.
This could be the start of warding of such ailments as plantar fascitis, achilles soreness, etc.
So,there's a start. Everyone can do these things and you're only limited by your imagination of other things to do to look after your feet. Guaranteed this will stand you well. Stay tuned.

Running injuries

I just thought I'd throw out a little 'food for thought' in regards to injuries, because one of the running buddies in our group is on the sideline with an injury. We all deal with this especially in the spring when we start to ramp things up. I've always felt that many injuries result because of the fact that we do so much of our running in a rote fashion. Over time muscles and ligaments become cast and shorter, eventually leading to a friction of sorts that gives pain and possibily an injury. Preventive medicine for these conditions is the best policy. One type of routine that I recommend is to incorporate a strengthening/stretching routine into the weekly schedule. There are many routines out there for the respective muscle groups, but one that I like best is a combo of sorts that stretches the muscle and then activates the muscle in the stretch mode. The idea is to not only increase strength but to increase range of motion which ultimatley helps to prevent injury. The first thing to do before beginning these routines is to check your present range of motion for the respective muscle groups. So, I'll let you do that and next time I'll get into specifics.

Coast Tire a 'Founding Father Sponsor'

In the establishment of the KVC Marathon over the first 6 years we were blessed with good sponsors especially Coast Tire and Auto Service. Ron Outerbridge, John Correia and Rebecca Parker from Coast Tire provided a backbone of support that gave many runners the incentive to set a marathon goal. I always thought it was pretty neat that Coast Tire, a service company to the motoring public, opened up their operation to support a sport that plies its recreation on the same streets and roads. Also, as a marathon supporter, they recognized the KVC in their 26 stores around the maritime provinces which certainly helped to establish it in running circles around the area.
On race day Ron always ensured there were vehicles and staff on the course to support the runners and volunteers. As well, he was usually present himself to cheer the runners. His suggestion of a marathon relay in 2007 helped to bolster numbers and give runners a taste of marathoning in the process.
So after 6 years, Coast Tire passes on this legacy to other sponsors and the only other thing the KVC Marathon could ask is for Ron to anchor a Coast Tire team in the 2010 Marathon Relay.

KVC Founding Fathers

Alex has gotten the new web page up, so the info for KVC 2010 will soon start flowing. I'm thinking this is a good time to mention the founding fathers and so provide a back drop for this transition time in the history of the event.
Bill McGuire was a co-chair of the event from 2005-2009. Bill is well known in the community and was able to bring numerous sponsors such as Coast Tire to the event. His determination and hard work was responsible for really making this arguably the 'best bang for your buck' marathon in the Atlantic Provinces. Bill and I worked well together and even when we didn't agree, we always found the middle ground that ensured all participants were well accomadated.
Bill ran the event a number of times and qualified for Boston at the 2004 KVC. He went on to run Boston twice. Bill and I had opportunity to run KVC together in 2006. I was trying to qualify for Boston myself and went out fast. I knew Bill would be close behind and sure enough he caught me on Rothesay Ave. As he went by me he paused in front of Crosbys seeing that I was slowing down and started to chat me up. No sooner had he done so and his legs spassed and froze. He was now walking along like 'Kramer in tight jeans'. I didn't know what to do, so I kept saying, "Walk it Off, Walk it Off", slapped him on the back, almost knocked him over and then I took off because my Boston time was slipping by. Bill re-grouped and finished shortly after, but he never let me forget how I left him stuck in front of Crosbys.

Cadence and Olympic Reflections

Well here I am, like most Canadians, dealing with the post Olympic syndrome. Now that we're over the hype, I think we'll all agree that these Olympics have left us with a renewed motivation to be more active, especially after seeing all that diversity of winter sport.
For me tonight is an 8k run and tomorrow is a kayak paddle down St. George way. Now that's diversity, eh?
Last time I described cadence and how important it is to running efficiency. As I mused on this in the aftermath, I thought of all the times it has been mentioned to me by others. Darrell Travis gave a talk on this many years ago and I never forgot. Darrell's definetly got cadence as shown by his marathon results and most recently in Florida with another 3:20 marathon. Another source for this was from a discipline I follow called Chi Running. Check it out if you like at www.chirunning.com
Another guy who's showing real cadence is Eric Gillis. Eric, from Ontario, spoke at last year's Saint John Half Marathon about his exploits as an elite 10k runner. This year he toke his exploits a notch higher by running the Houston Marathon in 2:13:50. Now that's an Olympic performance. Keep an eye on this guy in the future. I'm sure he's going to be another athlete to make Canadians proud.

Cadence and KVC Marathon Memories

Oh how the week has flown by with all this spring like weather. The weekend is here and I'm looking at a 10k run, 11AM Saturday from Good Life. Last time I mentioned cadence and its a good topic as one gets into longer runs. Its quite basic in concept but definetly helps efficiency. The ideal cadence is 85 foot strikes per minute (counting one foot). Also, because the arms are in sync, one can use the arm as well. So, give it a try. I also find that during a longer run it can be a mantra of sorts.
With the 7th running of the KVC marathon coming up in October, its a good time to reminisce. The first 3 years of the marathon used a Hampton to Saint John course and was strictly a marathon. Chris Brake prevailed in all 3 and set a course record of 2:37:43. This record was also set during the memorable rain filled marathon of 2005. The DVD collection of the days events really captured the essence of how marathoners meet the challenge even under extreme conditions.
The next 3 years incorporated a marathon relay as well as the marathon. 2007 was memorable for the duel between Alex Coffin and Dave McLennan that saw Alex and Dave exchange the lead numerous times before Alex overtook along the Rothesay Rd with the finish line in Renforth just around the corner.
I was fortunate to have run the marathon in 2006 and enjoyed the course. Some say the new course of Bloomfield to Renforth is better but the debate continues.
In closing today, I should mention Chuck Teed who is preparing for this year's KVC with the hope of qualifing for Boston. Check out his preparations at http://www.kvchallenger.blogspot.com/

Hill Running

Hill running, although a daunting term, is really quite exilirating and a great way to experience the endorphin aftermath of running. A group of us local runners, who have been mainly recreational over the past few months took on a series of 7 hills last night breaking them down with fitting walk/jogs in between during a one hour outing. Talk along the way was about heart rate and the importance of staying in your personal range. A heart monitor is a great asset but a routine 10 second pulse check(x by 6) at the top of a hill will work to give you an idea of what a certain heart rate(bpm) feels like. A method for determining your max(MHR) is: 220-age and then do workouts in the 70-85% range or more specifically for workout HR:(MHR-RestingHR)x% + RHR. The other thing we talked about was cadence or foot strikes per minute for maximum efficiency, but we'll discuss that next time. In the meantime, with this being heart month, take care of yor heart.
'And the beat goes on..........'

Spring like weather

Just a small blurb with all this sunshine outdoors to enjoy; Yesterday was a good one for a paddle around Taylor's Island and today was a 10k run in the valley. At the paddle session, I met a kayaking enthusiast who has a residence here in Saint John and one in Hawaii as well. He wished he could have captured the exhilirating briskness of the day and share it with his kayaking buddies back in Hawaii. He went on to say and I quote, "A lot of people who live in this area don't appreciate what a treasure the Bay of Fundy offers."
Scheduled for Monday is some hill training with a group leaving Good Life at 6PM.

Boston musings

With spring now looming, I'm starting to hear more of those stalwarts who are preparing for Boston 2010. Last year I was fortunate to be in that boat and did run my 4th Boston. As a marathoner, I always feel blessed to have done Boston. And I believe the Boston connections might run deeper than I really know. My great grandfather Kelley came from that area, so maybe I'm related to my famous namesakes of Boston lore, John and Johnny Kelley.
And perhaps this was in the back of my mind when the KVC Marathon was born in 2004. This event, similar to Boston starts in the outlying communities. Boston has connections to the Charles River as it winds to the Atlantic and we have the Kennebecasis River as it connects to Saint John and the Bay of Fundy on the Atlantic.
So on that note, all the best to those preparing for Boston and remember that the hills of Kennebecasis can toughen you up for 'Heartbreak Hill' where Johnny Kelley met his Waterloo.

Signs of Spring

It's Wednesday morning and just got back from the starting service at church for the Lenten season, a sign of spring coming but we must persevere for a while yet. Last night was another recreational run from Good Life with 5 joggers out enjoying the mild temps and the ususal banter around sports, politics, etc. Four of this group are still planning the Fredericton half marathon in May, so the mileage will increase this weekend.
Just got a note from Alex Coffin about ongoing meetings and updates re plans for the 2010 KVC Marathon. He's got some new sponsors and some interesting perks already and says the re-vamped website should be up soon. Stay tuned. Other events will soon be happening this spring, so check it out at www.anb.ca for the Run NB Calendar.

A day to ponder

I find its good to take a day during the week for limited physical activity. As with any training, that we might do, the body needs time to reflect on what has been done and in turn prepare for what's ahead. Sometimes when one is feeling draggy, even a couple of days doesn't hurt.
And on the topic of reflection, I should now begin comment on the reason for starting the blog which is the founding of the Kennebecasis Valley Challenge Marathon.
The original plans were all around the word challenge; a challenge to start another marathon in the local area and a challenge to make it sustainable. Also, there was a challenge to prove the course of Hampton to Saint John as viable in light of the fact that the Marathon By The Sea Committee had overturned the Board decision to go with this route back in 2003.
The sustainabilty factor which is a challenge to any event was first addressed with the idea of keeping the event simple and making it driven by the marathon participants themselves. Perks were to be basic(a badge for finishing and a meal to celebrate the accomplishment). Support along the course was to be provided by a group that each marathoner brought to the event. Marathoners were also encouraged to enter as teams and challenge other teams as a new way to marathon.
So, there was the idea of the Kennebecasis Valley Challenge as it began in 2004.
Stay tuned for further commentary.

Skating day

The local arenas have free noon hour skating for seniors, so what better way to get a little different type of exercise. There are usually 30 or more participants and thus a good chance to chat up some old and new acquaintances both. The rest of the day involved a retrofitting project for my trailer to accomadate 6 kayaks for the coming season.
Looking ahead to the weekend, there is a 12k run scheduled for Saturday noon and a game of pick-up hockey for Sunday night.

Snowshoeing/Hiking

February the 10th entailed a trip to St Martins and the Fundy Trail for some snowshoeing/hiking. The trails were bare in spots so we hiked as well as snowshoed. We went in as far as Melvin's Beach and experienced a good mix of hills and varied terrain so it turned into a good leg workout. The views from the cliff edge of the trails provided spectacular views of the bay and its beaches. The cool crisp air also gave great viewing of the distant shores of Nova Scotia and its bay cliffs laced with ice tracks. Summertime doesn't often give these NS views so it pays to do the seasons.
The day finished with a Core Exercise session at Lakefield School for a group of 6.

Tuesday Feb 9th is a running day

Tuesday evening at 6PM I meet a group of 4-6 runners at Good Life Fitness Ctr in Quispamsis for a 6-8k run through Quispam and Rothesay. At this time it is typically a recreational run, but some in the group are thinking about adding some training in order to do the Fredericton half marathon.
Stay tuned and join in if you wish.(we also go Thursday evening and have recently added Saturdays.

Intro to KVC Marathon Founder

As an intro to John Kelley the Founder I would like to say I enjoy the elements of recreation that allow people to be active, to set goals and to be innovative.
At this time, I lead a Core Exercise program, run twice a week, kayak(even in the winter), operate a small repair shop and outfit for recreational activities like road races and kayaking ventures as part of my retirement life.
See my kayaking business side: www.riverbayadventures.com