Don't Forget You Can Still Donate to Dan Good!

Dan is currently out of pocket about $1,000 and he has 6 weeks to make it up. Your donations may allow him to buy Kart Dinner next week as he is a starving student doing his Masters in Kinesiology at Western.

Dans donation site is www.arthritis.ca/joints/ontario/dangood

Also I now have a Flickr site with my photos of Athens. Check out

www.flickr.com/photos/johnjohnston

A Huge Thank You to My Sponsors!!!

These are the folks who deserve a round of applause. Through their donations, one day, a cure will be found for this disease. It affects so many of us.

The inspiring stories that I heard in Greece brought me to tears. Stories of individuals, of husbands, wives and parents who were the heroes to many of the runners. To some of the runners who despite the pain and the tears managed to complete 10K or a marathon. These folks are just awesome.

To those who sponsored me, I will be writing to you individually but I wanted to make sure that you received mention here, in front of the world.

Corporate Sponsors

Human Resource Mgmt Solutions (John & Lori)
HR Impact (Fiorella and Sarah)
Sales Resource Group Inc. (David, Shawn, Amelia, Max, Tyler, Kyla, Matt, Tina)
HR Results Ltd. (Dave Binda)

Personal Donations

Daphne Overhill, Brenda Patten, Richard Rak, Carol Johnston, Jack Henderson, Moira Miller ,
Paul Jaggard, Jeff Good, Lynne Mealy, Bo Vujic, Richard Rousseau, Jodi Rainford, Mark Madott
Edith Barwell, Audrey Johnston, John Allen Doran, Susan Bourne, John Milborrow, Laura Henderson, Clifton Rhodes, Elizabeth Evans, Sandra Lim, Gwen Maxwell, Derek Cruickshank
Susan Skynner, Rejeanne Mottard, Deb Harcus, Ian Turnbull, Vanda Orsini, Ruth Long, David Bonk, Debbie Gracie-Smith , Ray Clews, David Hartwell, Oto Hroboticky, David Welch, Geoff Wybrew, Ernie Lynch, Ross McMaster, Don Armstrong, Gord Weber, Linda Campey
Steve Isaacs, Andy Martin, Gary Strevett, Brian Reidt, Willard Price, Ian Murray, Juanita Fiander, Jason Gibbons, Dermitt Duffy, Roger Neuman

It Takes a Village....

I did a bike class today and still had a bit of residual pain in my left knee.

I dropped into the Physical Edge Physiotherapy, on Friday, to leave them a picture for their "wall of fame" (in my case shame!) and it got me to thinking of the size and scope of my personal training team. So I would like to list and thank them here.

Birgitt Wilhelm - Physiotherapist - Physical Edge
Donna Wright - Physiotherapist - Physical Edge
Scott Harvey - Orthotics - Oakville Orthotics
Eleanor Hayward - Registered Massage Therapist - Oakville Shiatsu & Massage
Corey Henderson - Registered Massage Therapist - Oakville Shiatsu & Massage
John Hahn - Trainer - Arthritis Society Volunteer
Graham Westwood - Marathon Trainer
Dan Good - Personal Trainer and
the YMCA of Oakville trainers who provided advice and cross training

I also spent a lot of money at the Running Room and the Running Company in Oakville.

All of these folks helped to keep me in good enough shape that I could finish! Kudos!!!

JJ

I Went to Greece and All I Brought Home Was 4 T-Shirts and a Cold

No Running Today - I do have a cold (and I am wearing one of the t-Shirts!)

I bought the Marathon Photo Super Pak today. I have no idea if I would ever do this again but I wanted the first captured for eternity. Here's a shot I like.

Batman utility belt and all! I didn't really speak much about the race so I thought I would describe it here while it is still (painfully) fresh in my mind.

The Start

They picked us up from the hotel at 6:15 prompt. The walkers had already left the hotel at 5:15. I had hardly slept the night before. For me, this was unusual. Even Mark commented on it. Normally I sleep like someone hit me with a hammer. I kept thinking about finishing and all the people I would disappoint if I didn't. I thought about the people that I ran for Aunt Edith, Mom, Daphne Overhill, Elizabeth Evans, Marisa Connolly, Ross McMaster and others. I finally roused Dan and Mark at 4:45 and we went down for a surly breakfast with the hotel staff who had been called in early. (For those who plan to go to Greece, the Royal Olympic does not hold itself to Olympian standards)

We had pictures in the lobby. Here is Dan Good, Kari Barnard, Karleen Heer, Scott Carr and I getting ready to leave. Photo thanks to Donna Carr - Scott's Mom. The buses took us to the start just outside the city of Marathonas in a sports stadium that I suspect had something to do with the 2004 Olympics. They had a torch flame going and there were tons of people warming up on the track. I warmed and stretched (and went to the bathroom!). I was drinking water (probably a litre or more) before the race and wound up taking an unscheduled urinary disposal just like all of the Frenchman who nonchalantly stopped along the road for a public pee break.

We lined up in sections with the elite runners up front, the good runners in the middle and the "virgins" or unqualified in the back. We stood there waiting with the helicopters roaring overhead and a Greek Army band playing loudly.The announcer (four languages no less) was talking himself hoarse and THEN the gun went off! And we stood there! It takes a few minutes until we began to shuffle forward and the difference between my Gun Time and my Net Time represents this 3.5 minutes to get to the start. Photo credit Stratos Safioleas

As you start, you are trying to establish your pecking order like Alpha dogs and you spend most of your time looking over your shoulder seeing if you are going to get run over by some keener in the back. It is a little like playing the video game Frogger as you laterally shift back and forth trying not to get creamed by someone behind. This takes about 5 K to sort out. I came out doing about a 6:30 pace which was what I planned. Photo credit Stratos Safioleas

At the first water station they were cleaned out by the time I got there. Other runners were picking up discarded bottles that were half full and chugging that. I saw one couple go into a store to buy water, I guess. This early the water problem was not bad and I had 1 litre on my belt and a bladderfull inside. We ran a 5K detour (I guess to get the mileage right) into the middle of nowhere. I never did see the burial mound for the Battle of Marathon where the Athenians defeated the Persian Army. That would have been cool.

Some folks dressed up. There was a Athenian Foot Soldier and two people in togas. The French were all wearing beret's. It had a carnival atmosphere. People were all very focused but some had fun! Photo credit Stratos Safioleas


The Greek people came out of their houses to clap and cheer and the kids were all high fiving the runners that came near. Plenty of barking dogs but thankfully they were chained up or behind a fence. Many runners stopping to pee by this time. I joined them. I thought I would sweat it out but I was too late and needed to lighten up. This was much more convenient for the men. I saw a few women buddied up looking for a discreet place to go. There were portapotties along the route but I think the wait was a bit long.

At one point Jeff Galloway (a very well know US Marathon Coach) came up behind me and we chatted for a while but when his minute was up - I was left in the dust. But What a nice guy. No wonder he is so popular!

At about 12 K I paired up with Renata (Who complained about her earlier picture posted on the blog so here is a new one). Looks like she is trying to get some modelling work here! Photo credit Terrence Fowler

We began running together as we were both running ten minutes running and 1 minute off. Her watch had broken so I took over as the timekeeper and we both kept the same pace. Her third marathon, my first - so she was easy on me!

The chart below gives a profile of the course and a picture of how we managed the race. The green line is the course elevation. Pretty flat for the first 10 K and then uphill after that.

The red line is my heart rate. All in all not too bad and bizarrely it begins to come down a bit as we go uphill. I suppose I was going slower although the blue line doesn't show it.

OK - we did take a couple of extra walk breaks at the last 10 K but we EARNED them.

A couple of the small towns we ran through had the high school bands out playing on the sidewalk and the police had blocked the traffic so people were watching us pass and yelling "Bravo" like we had just sang an aria instead of peeing on their doorsteps. Again you can't say anything worng about the Greek people. They were so nice.

The last 5 K you forget about. It was a blur. We were moving through downtown Athens headed for the stadium. People were clapping and we saw lots of people from the JIM cheer team with Canadian Flags and they were jumping up and down for us. It was very moving.

I did get passed by a couple running with a stroller containing an infant - UPHILL!!!! AGAIN!!!! See this post. Also was passed by old geezers again AND a guy with two knee braces. BUT I DID NOT FINISH LAST!!!!! I met my goal.

We ran PAST the stadium for 250 yards and then reversed course and ran into the stadium. (I guess to make sure we did the full 42K). As usual in Greece, there was a dog sleeping in the most inconvenient place you could find - the ramp up the stairs into the stadium. (In Athens, the dogs live a good life, the sleep everywhere and the people just go around them.)

We passed a guy right at the finish - Renata has this thing about passing the guys! Me, I just wanted to get done!

The finish was emotional but I was posing for the cameras so I tried not to trip and fall or burst into tears like Paris Hilton going to jail and Renata and I crossed the line at the same time.

TOTALLY COOL!

I Did It! 5 Hours 20 Minutes and 27 Seconds

Weight: 214, Distance: 42K, Time: 5:20, Pace:7:27, Avg HR 170, Achievement: Priceless




WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!



I guess this just goes to show, that, if you put your mind to it you can do anything! The last time I really ran, it was to get to the bar. Now I have completed a marathon. Not just A marathon, but the 4th hardest marathon in the world apparently. They told us that you can knock at least 15 minutes off of your time for this marathon (as it is all mostly uphill) compared to others.


Here is the semi official race photo. I have ordered the package (a wise investment because I may never do this again) so I will have more photos and blog messages for a few weeks as I had a lot of thoughts that I wanted to communicate. I'll try to make them short as it gets old trying to read a long blog.

Besides the hairy armpits, you might want to notice the two spots on my arm where I managed to rub the skin off. The friction against the seam in the singlet rubbed right through my arm and bled. That is the one place that I didn't put lubricant (Body Glide not KY!).


I also thought I would be smart and put Band-aids over my nipples (read this post if you hadn't before). I didn't think about how much they would hurt coming off. I felt like screaming "Kelly Clarkson" as they pulled the hair from my chest like an insane Brazilian Waxer (What a great job description by the way).


Here's the unofficial official results page


Some quick general comments:

• My time was pretty consistent throughout the race. I slowed down a bit at the end but that is a bit natural I guess.


• Right below me is the time for Renata Duma. we crossed the finish line together. At about the 12K mark I came up on her. (the JIM people were not hard to miss in out lime green singlets). Her timing watch had just given up the ghost and we were keeping the same pace so we egged each other on and I can probably say that, although I would have finished the race, she was the person to keep me on track and encouraged me all the way through.


• The Greek people along the route had come out to cheer us on. Even though the beginning was rural/industrial and therefore not a lot of people around, the locals had come out and their kids were delighted to "high five" any runner who came near.


• The race was exceptionally well organized, water every 2.5K, gels, Poweraide, snacks etc. The Organizing Committee did a great job!


• We finished in the 1896 Panathinaiko Stadium (where the first modern Olympics were held) which was an incredible feeling


• The whole race was run in 10 minute increments. It helped me to get through to know that "I only have 10 minutes until I get a walk break!"


• The whole damn course was uphill! Starting at the 10K mark we climbed over 1000 m and descended the same amount in the last 10K



• The esprit de corps and team development among the JIM participants was probably the most intense I have ever seen (even with many corporate offsites and team building events). As Dan said " I came home with 60 new friends". He really did. The trials of a marathon form friendships and support groups very quickly. The experienced people take us newbies (or virgins as I like to call us) under their wings and really encourage/support you.

Lori picked me up at the airport but another surprise awaited. My whole damn family was there with signs and flags. It felt like the troops were being welcomed home after the war. My Mom and my Aunt Edith were there with my brother Dave, sister Cathy, son Grant and wife Lori. We had a tear jerker moment when I showed them this photo

Anyway more later.

Here is Renata and I crossing the finish line. She was wonderful and I owe her a lot

JJ

Things to Do When You Are In Athens

Incredibly busy day yesterday. We started early in the AM with a meeting at the Syndagma Metro station (which contains a terrific set of ancient archeological displays) with Athens Walking Tours.

Then we walked through a number of districts with the guide ending up on the Acropolis where we got the complete explanation of what we were looking at. It was a great tour because there were only 6 people vs the Arthritis Socienty tour which was 25 to a group!

We had lunch in the Plaka district and then explored the Ancient Agora, the Roman Marketplace and the Temple of Hephaistos. (Unfortunately I can't post pictures at this internet cafe).

We walked back through Monastiraki and window shopped and then saw the guards at the Parliament (the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) having their "Walk Break". Like the guards at Buckingham Palace they cannot move and stand at rigid attention. They have the cutest little pompoms on their toes (Like a cheerleader for the army) and little short skirts. The guns and bayonets appear all too real. When they march it looks like toy soldiers because of the exaggerated goose step that they perform. All in all though - very cool.

We followed up with a walk through the National Gardens and then back to the hotel.

Dinner was a group affair in the Plaka with 10 of us having dinner and getting to know each other. We ate "family style" with everyone sharing. Mark and I followed up with an Ouzo to wash it down. (Think liquid black licorice).

Afterwards Mark went with me while I took some night photos of the Acropolis. He was beat between all the walking and his meds. So snoring was big on his agenda that night.

I got a cool e-mail from the organizing committee of the marathon (Stratos - the press person) who read my blog and sent me an e-mail.

"
Dear Lori:I hope I got the right e-mail address, and that I don't sound like some lunatic to you! :-)

I am working for the Athens Classic Marathon, doing International Media part of it. So I run into your husbands blog, http://johnsmarathon.blogspot.com/ and I spent a good one hour I think reading through it.(I hope to God all this makes sense to you ...)

So, I just want to wish him well. It's very moving to me that he decides to come to Athens to run the original Marathon.After he is done, he may want to get in touch with us in the Organizing Committee, and share his experience! Perhaps we can use it as a feature story in our web site for next year. Or simply learn from his experience.

Again, I wish John good luck, and I hope that he enjoys his experience in Athens.

Warmest regards,

Stratos

PS. For some strange reason I couldn't find his e-mail in his blog, but he posted yours!"

Stratos - Mine is john.johnston@globalhrms.com

Dan is still having a blast and making all knds of friends. (You will see when I can post pictures). The boy is a babe magnet!

Today, I skipped the idea of renting a car. We are going to the museum and then walking the town.

You can post questions and I will try to answer if you have any questions.

JJ in Greece

Foggy in Frankfurt

What a trip.

First off, Mark is on a different plane than we were. MArk, Dan and I were in the Business Lounge and when we left (somewhat well lubricated) we realized Marks plane was boarding. He made it all the way on his own and got here at 2PM.

Dan & I had to check our bags (Thank you surly Luftansa lady) for being overweight so er had to stay in Frankfurst with the rest of the group for our scheduled 5 hour layover which turned into 6.5. We didn't get in until 10PM. Poor Mark had been waiting in the lobby.

At fist they were notgoing to let us use a cot and were going to throw Mark to the curb but while we were out at dinner one magically appeared. Dan thinks that they should have thrown Mark out. Mark doesn't snore. It's more like a cross between a running chain saw, an outo crusher in a junkyard and a 1972 Pinto with a rusted muffler! Dan actually was sleeping at one point on the bathroom floor with the door closed and earplugs in. I, of course, was undisturbed.

Today we took a walking tour of the Acropolis and then afterwards had lunch and wandered the city. I have shot 150 photos but many are duplicates. I will prune them tonight.

We decided not to rent the car and will spend tomorrow touring the city and taking photos.

We are having an awesome time and Dan continues to pinch himself. He can't believe he is here.

Neither can I. But everyone is pumped about the run.

My Cheering Section

This is a , "Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that..." type of day.

Some of my friends sent me quick notes. I have posted them here. Thanks for your thoughts


Hi John,
I'm happy for you that you have reached the $ objective.
My thoughts will be with you Wednesday night.
Take care,
Richard Rousseau


Not sure exactly what day you are leaving but I know it is soon!! Best of luck on the run…..!!!!

PS…..you should have your movie camera strapped to your head…..that way you can relive the run later!! (I’m sure you will want to relive it!!!)

Good luck!

Richard Rak


Good luck in your “MeatLoaf” marathon journey. My best wishes are with you and I want to hear all the details when you get back.

Elizabeth Evans

I read your blog and while you were running on Sun. I was trying to get up and down 5 stairs at Marylou's.

Please keep me updated on your marathon journey and the best of luck in Athens.

Nancy Markley


I truly admire what you're doing, especially since half the time I don't have the energy to get out of bed in the morning :)

I'll be following your blog. Best of luck at the Marathon and keep in touch.

Ruth Long


I will be cheering for you, I admire what you are doing. I don't think I could do it. Well I will follow your progress when will you back from your trip

Rui Martins

Lots of people have also wished me luck in person and on the phone. You know who you are!!!

and then Lori decided to get into the act. Here is a string of e-mails between Lori and Ingrid Schumacher at CHUM FM in Toronto.


-----Original Message-----
From: ingrid.schumacher@chumfm.com [mailto:ingrid.schumacher@chumfm.com]
Sent: October 30, 2007 12:47 PM
To: lojo1@sympatico.ca
Subject: RE: Lunch request
Wonderful ... and I'm sure nothing's going to break his stride!
-----Original Message-----
From: Lori Johnston [mailto:lojo1@sympatico.ca]
Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 12:45 PM
To: Ingrid Schumacher
Subject: RE: Lunch request
Thanks Ingrid


He was thrilled.

Lori
-----Original Message-----
From: ingrid.schumacher@chumfm.com [mailto:ingrid.schumacher@chumfm.com]
Sent: October 30, 2007 10:50 AM
To: lojo1@sympatico.ca
Subject: RE: Lunch request
I'll mention him today Lori, thanks!
-----Original Message-----
From: Lori Johnston [mailto:lojo1@sympatico.ca]
Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 10:46 AM
To: Ingrid Schumacher
Subject: RE: Lunch request
Tomorrow is not to late as his flight is at 6pm.
Any song will do

How about Born to Run (springsteen) or running with the devil (van
halen)

All the best and keep playing that great music

Lori
-----Original Message-----
From: ingrid.schumacher@chumfm.com [mailto:ingrid.schumacher@chumfm.com]
Sent: October 30, 2007 10:23 AM
To: lojo1@sympatico.ca
Subject: RE: Lunch request
That's wonderful! You must be so proud.
I may not be able to get Meatloaf incorporated today on short notice, but I can certainly mention John if that's alright with you?

All the best!
Ingrid

-----Original Message-----
From: lojo1@sympatico.ca [mailto:lojo1@sympatico.ca]
Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 10:03 AM
To: Ingrid Schumacher
Subject: Lunch request
Hi Ingrid
My husband John is leaving tomorrow to run a marathon(yes the original one from marathon to athens)in Greece for the arthritis society. He has been training to "meatloaf" so any song by meatlaof would be great, or if you can think of a song about running that would be great also.
Dedicate the song to John and all people that suffer from arthritis.
Thanks

Lori Johnston


She is such a thoughtful person!

This Just In...

The trainer for the joints in Motion Team sent out a bunch of inspirational quotes. Some of them weren't so inspirational but I thought that this one was certainly worthy of posterity.

I wish I had said it.

We are different, in essence, from other men. If you want to win something, run 100 meters.

If you want to experience something, run a marathon.

Emil Zatopek

Emil Zátopek (September 19, 1922 - November 22, 2000) was a Czech athlete probably best known for his amazing feat of winning three gold medals in athletics at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki. He won gold in the 5 km and 10 km runs, but his final medal came when he decided at the last minute to compete in the first marathon of his life. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest runners of the 20th century and was also known for his brutal training methods.

Havin' a Party!!!

No Stats

I am done with the running until next Sunday.

Last night there was an impromptu going away celebration at my brothers house (Thank you David and Carol for your hospitality and thoughtfulness). Brent Henderson, my nephew, is off to Sydney for the World Skydiving Championships and I am off to Athens for the Greek Classic Marathon. All the family gathered to say goodbye.

There was my Mom, my Aunt Edith (who has arthritis too), David and Carol, Jack and Carol, Cathy and Cam, Laura, Brent, Craig, Kyle, Adam, Scott, Grant, Evan, Natalie, Christin. It was really nice and everyone made a big fuss. I LIKE BIG FUSSES!

Today I went and had a massage. I didn't realize how nice that was going to be. Eleanor (the masseuse) recommended an Epsom salts bath later today. An excellent suggestion. I was rubbed so much I feel like a chunk of Kobe beef.

I have packed and am ready to leave. There are a number of websites that you might need dear reader so I will list a few things here.

Athens Classic Marathon Site http://www.athensclassicmarathon.gr/html/ent/012/ent.1012.1.asp

Race Results (Should be there on Sunday)

http://www.athensclassicmarathon.gr/results/default.asp?Lang=English

Athens Weather

http://www.accuweather.com/world-forecast.asp?partner=netweat&zipcode=EURGRGR007ATHENS

Now , I will be blogging while away but if you need to reach me try

john.johnston@globalhrms.com or john4travel@gmail.com

Later Dudes!

I Don't Have to Shave my Legs! Praise Allah!

Weight 209, Dist 15.6k, Time 1:49, Pace 6:59, Avg HR 153

Getting ready this AM I used the ProWrap that I bought from the Physio to make my home made Patella Strap. This supports the kneecap and tendons ( I think) and it might help with the knees, although in the end, if it doesn't hurt me then who cares. If it does, I can just rip it off. The problem with using the ProWrap to make it is, that you wrap this thin foam around your leg and then roll it up. That makes the band that goes around your knee under the kneecap. The hair on your legs (usually a male problem) gets caught in this stuff and is pulled out like someone doing a wax job on you. OUCH!!!!

In my case, if I am careful, I can pull the hairs out of the foam before they are yanked out by the roots like an unwary turnip in a farmers field. But enough about that. Suffice it to say that I don't need to shave my legs (this would be good as I am going to Greece - Right?). Greek men don't need any more encouragement.

It was cold this morning, ON MY LAST RUN BEFORE I GO TO GREECE, I could see my breath and that was kind of cool (no pun intended).

I was listening to music (Light Up by Styx - best song) but I also had some Basic Greek as well. So I ran and learned, kind of like "Greek on the Go". I should patent that before someone else does!

I have enough slime to get me through (9 packs left) so I am OK. I will go out today and buy Nipple Bandaids so that I am good to go. I am starting to think about packing. It will be hard not to overpack. I am only taking carry on luggage so I need to keep it light.

Yesterday I went to pick up the travel documents and Joints In Motion Team Shirts for Dan and I. It took almost 2.5 hours for me to get to downtown. Between the traffic tie ups, the movie shoots and the road construction it was almost as bad as I hear Athens traffic is. But I have our stuff and we are READY!.

Lori is going to drive us to Mark's and Bernita (Marks wife) has arranged a taxi chit for us so that we can get to the airport in style.

This is gonna be fun!

Knee Rubber - It Might Work

Weight 208, Distance: 10.0K, Time 1:11, Pace 7:08, Avg HR 149

It was cool so my Heart Rate was low.

I did my 10K listening to Pimsleurs Basic Modern Greek. I ripped it to the Samsung and set it to play while I ran. I got up to lesson four (each is about 30 minutes). I am learning the basics Hello, How are You, Thank You, Excuse Me, Where is the Beer?, Where is the Bathroom?, Hospital... you know the usual travelers requirements. The kids playing football must have through I was nuts as I ran by them muttering "Ven Kalevenatou Hellenica" in my fractured Greek responding to the lesson. Funny, I found Arabic easier than this!

I went by the Physio Clinic and got some of the under tape wrapping material. If you wrap 4-5 times around your leg and then roll it - it makes a cheap IT or patellar strap to ease the strain on your knees. I figured I would try it on the next couple of runs to see if it helps with my knees. If not, it rips off very easily. No harm, no foul!

It seemed to work but who knows if it was the strap, the cushy track surface or the short distance? In any event, I will go for one more physio treatment and I think I will book a massage too for this weekend.

Because I am between projects, I have been working out every day at the Y (bike, core etc) and will run on Thursday 10K and Sunday 10-15K and then that will be it until THE BIG DAY.

I looked at the site for the official photos. I will have to figure out if I should buy them (they are a little pricey) but I only plan on doing this once (I think). They Physio Clinic indicated that if I give them a photo they will Plak it and put it on their wall of fame! Maybe it can be on the new Johnston Wing that I paid for! Just kidding!

JJ

I'm Getting Lazy (Two Blogs for the Price of One)

Thursday - Weight 208, Distance 10.0, Time: 1:16, Pace 7:37, Avg HR: 150

Sunday- Weight 208, Distance 20.3, Time: 2:27, Pace 7:17, Avg HR: 168

Click Here to donate to Dan Good. He needs your support because he is still a student and your donations will help him to get the money back that he needs for school.

I should have written an entry earlier than this but I have been lazy and just got around to writing up stuff today.

I went to the Y to run on Thursday, because it was threatening rain, but got bored after 10 minutes and headed to the great outdoors for a run. Sort of a slow run but I did get to see more Oakville houses of the rich and famous (I suppose). Gads - these people are rich!

Friday I treated the Physio clinic like a drop in centre and just showed up. I swear I thought that the receptionist said to just come in if I felt I needed it. So I did. Donna worked me over anyway on the various bits and pieces that hurt. (More than all of the other places that hurt). Maybe the Arthritis Society does these runs to get future business (No - that's not true, they are good people)

Sunday- I did a 1/2 marathon up 3rd line to the pipeline trail , across to Dorval and back down and across Bridge St to the house. Just under 21K (I guess I should have run around the block, one more time to make it official, but I AM LAZY) with a time of 2.:27. Adjusting for .7K, I should run the marathon in 5:00 hours. BUT - no predictions! I will do it in whatever I do it.

I will definitely not get a DNF (Did Not Finish)!

I am now officially in what is called the tapering period. I get to run less so that my body can recover and store energy for the race ahead. I still need to stretch, do my core work and cross train (bike, ellipical etc) but my knees and ankles are going to get a bit of a break! Yippee!

I have arranged for a guide to give us a walking tour of Athens (much cheaper than the one used by the Arthritis Society and not in a group of 30 people!!!!). I also booked a car for Nov 3rd from EuropCar (my usual European rental company) so that we can tour around a bit. I hear Greek drivers are nuts, but I have driven in Florence, Paris and MONTREAL so I expect I will do fine. If not, "What the hell - it's only a rental" (The most common quote heard from consultants)

I continue to be intimately involved with frozen water applied to my lower extremities and pop ibuprofen like Skittles.

The Pain Never Ends (It Just Moves to a Different Location)

Weight 210, Dist 9.27K, Time 1:06, Pace 7:07, Avg 148 bpm

This was Tuesday's run. I am out again tonight on the track up at the school.

On Sunday my knee was sore and I stopped at 22K. Later on Sunday I noticed that my foot hurt. The knee was iced and settled down but 4 days later the top of my foot still hurts. It feels like someone stomped on my foot and bruised it.

I have iced and heated and it's still there. It seems to be tendinitis. Thank the Lord it is not a stress fracture. According to the internet I would be in more pain if it was a stress fracture. It feels more like my shoelaces were too tight and then my foot swelled and it resulted in pain in the top of the foot. It feels like a bruise. You know one of those that bruises the bone. Painful suckers!

Since I started running: I have had pain in my right knee, pain in my left knee, pain in my shins, pain in my Soleus, pain in the upper thigh/hip flexors, pain in the kneecap, pain in the plantar fascia, black toenails, pain in the lower back. It's like a free floating pain festival! It's like a teenager - It never leaves home - it just flops around to different parts of the house!

I went out last night and did my stretching, core and knee machine work at the Y and then had a steam. Tonight I will run. In the AM, I think I will go over to the physio and see what they can do. Yep, more infrared and electrostimulation.

This Sunday I begin to taper (Ya gotta love Wikipedia!). Tapering is the practice of reducing, or tapering off, exercise in the days just before an important competition. For many athletes, a significant period of tapering is essential for optimal performance. The practice is most common in endurance-based sports, such as the marathon.

Catch ya later

JJ

Girding my Loins

Weight: 209, Distance 21.6, Time: 2:36:00, Pace 7:16, Avg HR 160. Temp: Cool

Yes Girding is a word (Pay attention SCRABBLE players). I looked it up. Here is the link so you can see http://www.thefreedictionary.com/gird.

I refer here to the "Prepare oneself for action" version. I was thinking about this this morning as I started to get ready to run. Last night was my high school reunion (more on that later) and I got a late start today. Not that I was out late, I was home by about 11:30. I had a good time but I had met everyone from my year and I was getting antsy to go - plus Jeff was my ride and he was ready to go.

So here is another myth of running to explode. I had said earlier that running was cheap and then proved it wrong. Today I take on the myth that you put on the running shoes and just run.

I start with:

Putting "Body Glide" on my chest, thighs and feet. If you want to know why see the "Bleeding Nipples" Post

Then on goes the chest Heart Monitor strap across my chest 1 inch below my manly breasts

Then the special tight underwear that goes on under the special "wicking" running shorts

Then the special "wicking" running shorts overtop of the nylon undies (hopefully I don't build up static while running - I could be disastrous if I go into the gas station).

Then the special "Running Room" non blister socks that give me blisters

Then the "CoolMax" running shirt - again see "Bleeding Nipples" post

Following this I put on my "CoolMax" special Canada baseball hat

Then the Garmin gets strapped to my wrist like Spiderman's web shooting device

Think we are ready? Not by a longshot...

Then Samsung gets strapped to the upper right bicep

My Batman utility belt gets filled with three packets of Poweraide slime, Lori's little cell phone and the waterbottles filled with water and loaded into the belt

I then fill my Nalgene drop bottle with water and carry it in my right hand to the door.

I pull on my running shoes (with the custom inserts) and lace them

Now - I am READY!

It is no wonder that the Knights of Old had equerries who would get them ready for battle by strapping on their armour. Anybody want to be my equerry?

The reunion was great. Given that the school was only open for 12 years there were over 550 people there and the event was sold out. I saw a lot of people that I have not seen since 1974. They don't look any different (of course neither do I - let's all pretend together!). I saw many of my teachers including my old track coach who must have been stunned that I would run a marathon (he only remembered me as a pole vaulter).

I was also immortalized (although no one knew it was me) for my winter day exploit many years ago. I was bored and loitering in front of a third floor window. A pristine field of snow lay before me on the football field.

Donning my winter clothes and boots, I recruited a couple of guys and we shuffled across the football field, three abreast, spelling out from sideline to sideline and goalpost to goalpost a large four letter expletive deleted. I thought that people would look out of the third floor window, like I had earlier that day, and would be amazed (and laugh).

I forgot that my high school lay under the main flight path for Pearson airport (YYZ) and just south of highway 401. I guess that a traffic helicopter first noticed it and mentioned it (not the word - George Carlin can explain why) but the circumstance. Then the phones began to ring in the main office as every early morning arriving passenger on the left side of a plane was treated to my morning wake up call. Air Canada was NOT amused.

The principal, John MacNeill, now deceased, was out there in about 20 minutes with two of the custodial staff in their cars obliterating my message to the world!. I never fessed up. I was terrified that I would be kicked out of school. I didn't breath easy for a month.

I had forgot about it until two of the speeches mentioned it. I guess I am a rebel at heart!

I ran today across Oakville from Bronte to Mississauga. I was wrong - the mafia guys live in East Oakville, not Burlington. HUUUGE honkin' houses. These guys live like the old Robber Barons.

I even saw my brother-in-law, actually he saw me and waited until I got close to his parked van and then blew the horn. Scared the crap out of me. He was laughing himself silly as I ran off into the distance.

I had to cut the run short. My knee was beginning to hurt. This time on the outside of the left knee. CHRIST - I can never get a break. Lori drove over and picked me up at the downtown library. The back to the ice and ibuprofen. We will see what tomorrow brings!

JJ

What I Want to See

Weight 208, Distance 9.7, Time 1:05, Pace 6:46, Avg HR 154

Didn't work too hard today. I ran on the track in a cold wind plus I was a little sore.

I have finished the physio and had my running shoe inserts changed a bit so I should be good to go. I forgot the Samsung so I couldn't listen to music. Running is really boring when the only sound you hear are your own gasps for air. I guess different strokes for different folks.

This weekend is my High School Reunion (Keiller McKay Collegiate Institute - KMCI for short). We are a weird bunch. This is the second reunion. We had one on the 14th anniversary of the school opening and now it is the 33rd. We don't even have then on decades or anniversaries ending in 5.

At least I won't be the fattest guy in the room! Some small consolation.

Here is what I am hoping to see outside my window from the hotel.

Photo Credit by KCLAM who appears to be an awesome photographer. You should click on the link and check out his stuff on Flickr. I would like to be half this good when I grow up.

FundRaising? - I am DONE!!!!!!!!!

No Stats,

Thanks to a large number of donors (all of whom I will immortalize on this site when I get a few spare minutes) I have met my fundraising goal of $5,500.

I kicked in about 1/2 of this amount (but then again - it was my choice to do this).

Holy Cow; fundraising IS hard. You have to go to your friends, family , colleagues, acquaintances and ask for support. Now, I never did some of the things that the other Joints in Motion folks did, like: Bake Sales, Garage Sales, Dances, Standing in Front of Liquor/ Beers Stores, 50/50 Draws and so on. But I did go Door to Door on my street, sent out e-mails, set up a web site and reminded everyone I knew that I was raising money for the Arthritis Society.

People have been so generous, I cannot believe it. My friends, my family, my families friends, my IHRIM buddies, my Ernst & Young colleagues, Folks from Maximus, my old High School buddies, colleagues from Bell ExpressVu in all - lots of people.


THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

OK now, keep paying attention, I am going to keep blogging. I will do it right up until I have completed the Greek Marathon. Then we will make a decision and see what is next.

If you would still like to donate, consider donating to my younger, less mature (and not as good looking) Race Partner Dan Good at www.arthritis.ca/joints/ontario/dangood

and , of course, you can still donate to me if you would like! I am sure the Arthritis Society would not want to restrict me from raising more funds than needed. It all goes to a good cause!

JJ

Rode Hard - Put Away Wet!

Distance 30.1K, Time 3:40:02, Avg Pace 7:19, Avg HR 150

HEY EVERYBODY. I am at 99% of my fundraising with only $80 to go. If you would like to donate, you might want to donate to Dan Good now. Dan is Jeff's son and my trainer for the marathon (even though he can't stand to run with me!). He is in university and has put up $1000 of his own money so far. It would be great if he can get that back so he can afford to eat! (or drink - after all, he IS in University).

Notice how I got cropped out of the picture!!!!!

His web link is www.arthritis.ca/joints/ontario/dangood

I got up on Sunday morning to the sounds of rain, not a gently misting kind of rain. This was teeming rain. The type of rain that floods canyons and washes out small villages. It was a monsoon rain!

Despite the rain, I waited until it abated a bit and out I went for a long run. I settled on 30K and ran out to the far side of Burlington. On the way I dodged cars wanting to share the road and missed being sprayed by a few that went straight through the puddles and threw up a wall of water for the unsuspecting jogger. There was tons of roadkill! It must be the municipal sport of Burlington. There were more squirrels with tire tracks across their backs than there were stop signs.

Fall is a beautiful time of year. I could smell the leaves. That particular fall smell of the leaves on the ground. Even in the rain it was nice. The rain was warm but between the sweat and the water I was soaked. I stashed some water and still went through almost 3 litres over the course of the run.

As I approached the house I see Dan Good coming down the road, leaning out his car window and cheering me on. At this point I am pretty tired. We chatted for a while. He was on his way to get a haircut and was going to do his run when it wasn't raining. Funny, isn't it, that they get smarter when they go for a Masters degree.

When I got back in I was sodden, soaked, drowned, saturated, soggy, sopping, waterlogged, drenched, doused, submerged, moist, sliced, wet... You get the idea but here a picture just to drive it home.

My clothes are dripping and my feet were white and wrinkly just like when you stay in the pool for 4-5 hours. The awkward looking position is a stretch for my Gleuteus Maximus.

The whole family at this point is looking at me because I look like I have been rode hard and put away wet. (Horse analogy). I spend the rest of the day (the next two hours) soaking in a tub full of Epsom Salts. The I get to go for Turkey dinner. As you can guess I slept well that night.

Even Grant (my youngest son) took pity on me and wanted to help stretch me out so here is a picture of Grant helping with the stretching . Notice that he is hiding his cigarette behind his back.

Today, I golfed. Not too strenuous but I needed some down time. I, of course, came in last.

I stopped for Andrew - Not my Fault...

Weight 210, Distance 8.1, time 54 min, Pace 6:40, Avg HR 171

Hmmmm Heart rate was higher, I guess I need to train more.

Andrew, my oldest son, who is in the running for "Pirate of the Year" on PiratesRus.com (just kidding) needed to go to get his new contact lens. I had ridden my bike to the track and so he picked me up and arrived at 8K so I stopped. Good move John, blame it on your kid!

Everything was working fine and I could have kept running but we had to go.

We went to see Paul Glazier at Glazier Optical. Paul suggested that I try contacts for the marathon. He says they are bifocal now and he gave me a tryout pair. I'll give them a try on Sunday for the long run.

This AM I went to the Y and did the bike class, squats, some core and stretches. I was sweating buckets. I guess tomorrow I better take extra water and stash it en route.

Not too Hip!

Weight 210, Dist 10.27, Time 67 min, Pace 6:31, Avg HR 166bpm

Well the old hip flexors are sore but the physio is helping and I went back to running on Tuesday.

I should point out that I am only $125 from my goal thanks to the folks who all responded to my e-mails. I appreciate each and every dollar. I am sure that the Arthritis Society does as well. I love e-mail, except for the people who seem to think that I need a new watch or Viagara, Cialis, Levitra...

I missed out on running last night as I spent 6 hours on the phone to India or Indonesia with Linksys Technical Support and the improbably named rep called "Magic"??? Where do they come up with these names? It sounds more like a stripper from Shawinigan. I guess I have to run today instead. Not too far 10-12 K.

I finally received the Meat Loaf Dead Ringer CD. I now am complete, I think, and the Meat Loaf Marathon will be underway.

My buddy Mark has confirmed that he will be there to hand out the beer at the finish of the race and I am sure he will not embarrass me during the trip (NOT).

This Sunday, I will give thanks that I CAN run and then will eat turkey with the family on Canadian Thanksgiving (which by the way , we don't care as much about as our US cousins). Turkeys are also not in favor of it!

JJ