#perth andover

This Saturday I ran that Dam Run! This is a 10k at Perth Andover. I really enjoy this race. It was raining and there was a head wind (I know that is hard to believe for runs here in NB!) but after the turn the rain stopped and it was full speed to the finish. Michael, my husband, ran this race alongside me. He would, under normal circumstances, be much quicker than me but has been suffering from injuries. After much discussion he has decided to take our (me and my running buddies) advice and build up gradually to full pace. He still placed 3rd in his age group so was well pleased with that. I do enjoy running this course but what makes this race so special is the awards ceremony, complete with meal, after the race. This is such good fun. The organisers are friendly and you really do get full value for your $25. It is great to sit around chatting and eating, with friends, old and new, after a race. It was well worth the trip.

For the last 5 weeks I have been doing some interval training under the guidance of Alex Coffin. Our group has been meeting twice a week, Thursdays at Rockwood Park and Sundays at the Nature Park. I have been totally amazed at how my times have plummeted during these weeks. I have never done interval training before but would certainly recommend it for anyone wanting to increase their speed. The group at Rockwood Park includes all age groups from teens to 70’s and this is one of the great things about running, all age groups can take part together. I should think it is challenging to put together a training programme that is accessible to such an array of different abilities but Alex succeeded and everyone had fun whilst improving their running.

The Nature Park is such a stunning place to run. You never know what animal you will come across next. This Sunday I saw a fox, a deer, loads of squirrels and birds. It is also a great place to train because of the hills. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right? This Sunday after a warm up we did a fast 5k round the Park and I thought my lungs had burst when I crossed the finish! They can’t have as I am still here and breathing so it must have made me stronger!!!!

This weekend I am off to PEI with Michael, Cindy and Sue. They are all doing the half marathon and I will do the 10k. I am looking forward to it for a number of reasons. First, I have never been to PEI so am looking forward to discovering another Canadian Province. Second, we are taking our two older whippets and I am sure they will enjoy the walks in the countryside and along the shore. Last but not least I get to spend what I am sure will be another fun packed weekend with some great friends. I envision lots of food in my near future, as Sue and Michael have already started discussing restaurants, types of food etc.