A few weeks ago I had a Lactate Threshold Test done at www.absoluteendurance.com on a treadmill. It was pretty cool and is proving to be very useful (see my previous post where Coach Ben was able to tell me which "zones" to stay in during the marathons). Well, this past Saturday I went back to Absolute Endurance and had the same test done but this time on a bike.

It's done. All of it. Not only my 2011 Race Season but the longest race I have ever done - Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge, 63.3 km over two days (21.1 on Saturday and 42.2 on Sunday). I can't help but feel a little melancholy. This is the first time in months... maybe more than a year... that I don't have a race planned, scheduled and paid for. Weird feeling but more on that another time. First - The Goofy!

It was an amazing year for me, running-wise. Getting the iRun Runner's Makeover was huge! Working with Tania, Ilia and Lucy at Goal Speed, having Lauren to guide me nutritionally and amassing all the awesome (free) gear I could want from Adidas was exceptional. I doubt I would have made the gains I saw this year without all that. Then to top off an already great year, partnering up with Ben Greenfield has been an amazing way to bring 2011 home.

About a month ago I answered a job posting from the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast. Ben was looking for someone to take over the audio production, some website duties and to co-host the podcast each week. I applied and, low and behold, I got the position. I am having a *hoot* so far. The learning curve was steep but Ben seemed happy enough to throw me in and let me flail about until I got it. I think I am... getting it...

Ladies and gents: I have a new Full Marathon PB (personal best, also known as a PR or Personal Record) of 3:31:48. That is nearly 20 minutes faster than my previous PB which was set in New York City last November. I am happy. It's not a Boston Qualifying time but it is 20 minutes closer to one and that is good enough for now.

Tomorrow at 8:15am I am running the Hamilton Road2Hope Marathon.

I have kept this fact quiet due to the disappointment of the Chicago marathon a few weeks ago. I figured I would give it one more try this season and see what I can do when:

The race was 10 days ago. It has nearly taken me that long to get over the disappointment.

Needless to say, the race did not go as I had hoped. I finished in 3:57:52 and I was aiming for 3:15 or better. I finished in the top 25% of the 35,670 runners who completed the race but it is still a far cry from what I set out to do that sunny, warm, exciting day in Chicago.

I had a pretty good 10k race in Montreal today. I held back a little more than I could have / should have but I am pleased. I got into a sprinting match with another dude in the last 400m. I have to admit that it was fun. I was right on his heels and he knew it. As soon as we crossed the finish line he turned around and high-fived me. It was kinda cool. Dude, if you are reading this, thanks! I often feel like I am not competitive enough for this sport but that little bit of excitement made me think otherwise.

Tomorrow at 8:45am I am racing another 10k. This time I am in Montreal for the Montreal Oasis Marathon. The Russians (my coaches, Ilia and Lucy) have me running a number of shorter races instead of killing myself with tempo runs. So far it has been a lot more fun than running alone and I am likely seeing more benefit from the extra effort. Time will tell - i'm only 2 weeks from the Chicago Marathon (and my BQ).

Official chip time was 1:34:32 but it felt more like forever:lifetime:eternity.

Ok, I am being dramatic. It wasn't THAT bad but it was a tough race. Especially the last 3km. What's with all the damn hills, St. Catharine?

The biggest problem with the race was the fact that I have been sick for a week. Not badly ill, just a cold, but it has annoying been enough to slow me down and make me a little miserable.