Race!

So I entered the Whistler Valley Trail Run today. I wasn't going to do it, as I wasn't feeling race-ready.

Then yesterday I was at work, and decided I need to get out there and race, whether or not I'm in racing condition. Racing will help me get in shape and back in a racing mindset, and this race could be a small step toward the larger goal of running a successful marathon in October. There was a 10K course and a 5K course. I opted for the longer route.

I looked at the results from past years, and was happy to see the race wouldn't be too competitive. There were no staggeringly-fast times posted by elite runners, so I figured it would be a pretty low-key and friendly race. This atmosphere would be perfect for where my fitness and training is at the moment.

I ran the inaugural Whistler Valley Trail Run back in 2004, and it was a disaster. That race was a 5K. I got to the starting line, and looked about. There were few serious-looking runners there, so I figured I might have a shot at a high-placing finish.

About 500m into the race, I overtook the leader and began to lead the race. This was the first race I had been winning since the Field Day races in primary school. I was excited!

I was running well, but had trouble finding the proper route. There were no marshals, and very few markings on the trails. Since I was leading, I didn't have anyone to follow, and there were no rabbits on bikes to help out either.

I heard voices and cheering, sensing I was getting close to the finish line, and was still feeling extremely fast. I looked at my watch and was impressed with my blistering pace. I approached a fork in the trail, looking forward to breaking the tape for my first racing victory.

Turns out I took the wrong turn, and kept running into the woods when the rest of runners figured it out and exited the woods, running towards the line and finishing as they should have. Confused, I emerged from the forest quite a ways away, coming at the finish line from the back. I would get a DNF because of this mistake. I was very frustrated and irritated.

My pace was so fast because the race wasn't actually a 5K, but was measured very poorly and was actually something like 3K. I remember the race organizer telling everyone over the mic that she was sorry about the race problems, but it was all about the children, right? (The race was in support of some child's charity.) This comment was successful in frustrating and irritating me more. I was in a foul mood.

Because of the past blunders at this race, I was a bit nervous going into this 5th edition, but as I was running I saw there was caution tape everywhere, marshals at all junctions, and arrows along the route in chalk. I had no problem knowing where I was supposed to go.

The race was really fun because I was up near the front for almost all of it. My favourite moment was about 2K in. There were two fast guys way up front, and a pack of about five of us giving chase. I found myself leading this dense group of runners from a wide trail onto singletrack that led into the woods. I felt like I was in the Olympics or something, leading the chase pack against the leaders. I was feeling like a superstar and it was awesome.

In the end, I believe I got 4th. Results won't be up for a few days, so I'll post when it's official. I had a really good race, and was able to pick off runners throughout the course. There was a runner in a blue shirt in front of me, and I was able to stay in contact with him for the whole race, and then took him with about 2K left. I finished strong, and was happy with my performance.

My time was 42:03 for 10.24K, which isn't bad considering it was a trail run with a tonne of climbing and numerous hairpin corners. I'm happy with this time, as it tells me I'm right where I should be at this early stage in my training. I'll be able to break 40 mins soon enough, on a paved, fast course.

Now, I'm going to nap. I had a late night last night, and then put in this stellar performance early this morning. I deserve a good nap, even though it's sunny. I've accomplished a lot, and it's not even noon.

I wish I was in Bali again.

So I'm bored at work, and I wish I was in Bali again. I sure could go for some time on a surfboard again. I was reading and surfing pretty much every day, and eating fantastic Indonesian food.

I was thinking last week where my ideal vacation would be. Part of me wants to go back to Bali because the waves were good for me, and I really liked it there. But part of me wants to try something new.

I guess it's a moot argument because I can't see myself affording a similar vacation anytime soon.

I will post this pic instead of going there again.

Comfortably Numb race

I just registered for the Comfortably Numb trail race here in Whistler. It's a 25K race on a biking trail with the same name. I ran it back in 2004, and now I'm going to make a return appearance. The trail slithers through the forest, and there are big trees and moss everywhere. It should be awesome.

It happens on Saturday, June 27th.

I don't know what my time was back in 2004, but it wouldn't have been very good because my training partner at the time was having a rough go (I think it was her ankle), so I stayed with her and finished when she did.

I'm going to race it this time. I'm not expecting much though, just looking to get back into race mode, and get some inspiration to keep training. Whistler has a fast running community, which isn't surprising because running is so pleasurable here; I don't think I can expect to perform in the standings like I did in my Hong Kong races.

I'm still hoping to run the Royal Victoria Marathon on Thanksgiving this year, which is 42.2K. Training for The Distance will be the hardest part, so I will be able to guage better after the Comfortably Numb race if I'll be able to stay focused enough to stick to a program.

I must maintain focus! Carol, you must make me another sign.

Birthday x2!

So Emily found out yesterday that my birthday was last week, and she wasn't pleased that I didn't mention anything!

The reason I didn't mention anything was because I didn't really want to draw attention to myself. Emily wanted to do something for my birthday though, and quickly went into action.

Without me knowing, she threw together a surprise party for me! I was snowboarding with Carmella all day, and they both plotted together throughout the day and were able to make it happen without me knowing. Carmella was successful in getting me to the house on time and making me stay here, and Emily was successful in making a fantastic dinner and rounding up some of my friends.

It was pretty fantastic. There ended up being six of us, and we had a great dinner that Emily made, and we finished it off with a lively and spirited game of 6-person Settlers. Really, there was nothing I'd rather do on my birthday!

In addition to Emily, Derek, and Carmella, my friends Louise and Renae were able to come. The times were good, and I'm very fortunate to have such good housemates and friends.

I'll post a picture tomorrow once I get it from Derek's camera.

A day in my life.

Today is a special day. It's my birthday! Here's a photo essay of how I spent it. Remember, click on the picture to make it bigger, then click 'back' on your browser to return to the blog. Look at all the pictures...some took quite a lot of effort!




I woke up, and checked my blackberry while still in bed. Many birthday greeting await! Heather wins for the first of the day. Heather, you haven't missed one of my birthdays in something like ten years, yet I always forget yours. Thanks for the note!

Mom called while I was still in bed, so I spoke with her for awhile. Then it was time to clamber out of bed and greet the day.



I went straight to the washroom to see if I look any different, now that I'm 28. Nope, still as masculine and muscular as ever. Definitely more mature though!




I decide to go for a run to start the year. It's sunny and I'm ready. I tuck my credit card into my sock for safekeeping. While I hate wearing black socks with running shoes, it's necessary here because my white socks don't go high enough to contain my plastic.



Stretch 'em out!



I ran through Lakeside park. There were a few people there, playing with their dogs. The dogs enjoying swimming. I wouldn't have enjoyed them if they chased me, so I stayed away.








Then I hit the tracks. Don't worry Mom, I was careful to listen and look carefully!



I stopped at the junction of Old Gravel Road and Alta Lake Road. This is a great spot for hill reps. I did five. I started on the gravel road, crossed the paved road, then ran into the woods up a really steep pitch. Whistler is training heaven for me...so many great spots to run. I was running across the valley from Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, so it's less busy, with barely any people around.



On my way home, I stop at the grocery store to use my credit card I had stuffed in my sock earlier. I buy Birthday Cereal!



I also buy True Blue blueberry juice.



Here is my birthday breakfast. I should have bought some fruit but I didn't think about that until later.



When I get home, I do some push-ups in the yard. Must work on my core strength!



I then settle in to read a bit before I go to work. I reading M Scott Peck's "The Road Less Travelled." It's a psychology book, but I hesitate to call it a self-help book. It's quite meaty and takes awhile for me to read, understand, and digest. I read it in small bites.



Here's the chapter I'm on, called "The Healthiness of Depression." Intriguing title if nothing else! HEAVY material!



I pump up my bike's tires before heading off to work for 3pm. They've been a tad low, so my speed should now increase.



I stop into the grocery store again on my way to work, to grab some food. The friendly girl at the cash commented on all my books spilling out as I opened my bag. She said I was the only other person she knew (other than herself) who carried a dictionary around with them all the time! We talked a bit about books and grammar, then I continued on to work.



When I got to work, I realized I forgot my black belt at home somewhere, so would have to wear my white one with my uniform. I couldn't wear it with confidence, but at least this sort of thing is more accepted in Whistler than other places. I must remember my black belt tomorrow!



There's a stereo at work that doesn't have a CD player spot, but a spot to hook up your MP3 player instead. I hook my BB into it and enjoy my own music.



I helped some friendly people with their luggage, and they tipped me! They were loving me because I was having banter with the grandmother who was trying to lug her own suitcase. I told her I was a young(ish) barrel-chested man and she should let me haul it up the stairs instead.




I leave my work clothes and shoes at the desk, since I'll be back there at 7am tomorrow. Finish at 11pm, roll back in for 7. It's worth it though, since I have some good social times planned for tomorrow evening!



My chariot awaits to take me home. I ride home with my lights and my reflective leg bands, and now I'm here writing this.

It was quite a good day. I was very happy with it.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes, notes, and calls.

I'm 28!

**I may edit this tomorrow, but I'm tired now and want to go to bed. While I usually comb my work for grammar and spelling errors, I won't even bother today. I'm tired.**

Has it really been a year?

I guess it has. Here are some select posts from around this time last year.

A few recent pictures.

A few race pics.

I've lost it!

Last driving pictures

I took some pictures on what turned out to be my last drive. They've been sitting on my desktop for a few weeks now, so I figure I'll post them before I toss them in the trash.

My drive involved taking a Mexican family from Whistler to the South Terminal of YVR. The South Terminal is where private and chartered planes arrive and depart.

This family had a lot of stuff, and it wasn't packed very well. Most luggage I pack is put into a number of suitcases and other large bags. This family had grocery bags, backpacks, and lots of loose things.

I was able to fit it all in, just barely. I had to use the roof box for a number of the bags, and also had to cram luggage into the trunk by opening the glass door. Whenever I put stuff in through the glass, I always remember to open that same glass door first when it comes time to unload. I had to put an XBox game console (in a paper bag) and a metal briefcase into the trunk via the glass door.

I arrived at the South Terminal, and went in to speak with the people in charge. They said I should drive out to the tarmack and unload the truck right by the plane. All I had to do was drive up to the gate and they'd let me in.

When I was inside the building, some overzealous pilots thought it'd be great to help the family unload their luggage. Since I wasn't aware of who they were or their intentions, I didn't bother to tell them to open the glass first.

When I came back out, they were busy apologizing for letting the metal briefcase and the XBox fall four feet onto the pavement. The XBox was likely pretty ruined, and the briefcase would have made quite a racket.

I didn't feel responsible for their mistake, and figured the family could buy whatever they needed to replace anything that broke. They were flying home in two private jets after all.

I enjoyed driving out onto the runway and helping unload the truck. I had to maneuver the truck up to the plane's door without smashing it into the wing, which was neat.






The South Terminal is also close to the Sea Plane docks, and I had to pass this sign which I felt was fun. It's a Plane Crossing sign! It happens because every day the planes must be towed from the water, across the street, into their hangars. The first time I drove by the sign, I wasn't sure what it meant, but then I understood.

So, that was my last drive. I'm glad I got to drive out onto the runway, and also glad I wasn't responsible for ruining the family's XBox and the contents of the metal briefcase.

Our Settlers Tournament

We're having a Settler's tournament, and this is the scoreboard on the fridge.

Derek and Emily have one win, but I don't have any. My name is Van Housen, a name I didn't make up. It's my vicious and competitive alter-ego.

You'll notice we're keeping track of points. It'll be either a separate award for the largest point total, or it will be just a tie-breaking procedure. It keeps the game competitive and the players playing hard all the way through to the end.

In my mind, Emily is the strongest player right now. She always seems to be ahead, and I always want to put the robber on her, as she's the biggest threat.

Derek contemplates his turns, and it paid off for him in Game 2 when he took victory while Emily and I sitting on his doorstep with nine points.

Good Fun! You'll notice Klaus is also on the board!

I'll keep the blog updated with results, more often if I win, less often if I don't.