Offical training launch!!!

As of today (181 days to go), friends, I kick off my formal training for Prague half 2009, Ottawa half 2009 and Reykjavik full 2009. My running room 1/2 Marathon clinic began this evening. Nice clinic - 12 people, mostly ladies, but an enthusiastic bunch as is usual with Running Room Clinics. We had to state our goal for the 1/2 Marathon and mine was to complete Prague in under 2:15. As a stretch, I would really like to come in around 2:00 but will be satisfied with 2:15. After that we walked through some of the scheduling, runs, events and tools and then we were off for a 3km straight run - no walking breaks. Completed 3.15 km in 21:43, a pace of 6:54 - I could have done better but was pacing myself with the rest of the crew.

We will be running the same route tomorrow night and I will report again then.

As for the rest of my "workout day", Tuesday is double duty with a trainer session and a run. The workout with Andy, my trainer, was, err, fun. I did the following circuit work:

• 60 steps
• 40 squats with 65 lbs
• 60 steps
• 30 pushups
• 60 steps
• 20 dumbell swings
• 60 steps
• 10 burpies
• 60 steps
• 10 burpies
• 60 steps
• 20 dumbell swings
• 60 steps
• 30 pushups
• 60 steps
• 40 squats with 65lbs
• 2 x 30 second plank on bosu
• 15 x each side - kneeling axe choppers with bands

It was hard. The intention here is clearly to work on my endurance, my leg strength, my core and my mental toughness. Thanks Andy - I will hate you later.

Song of the day from today's run: Mony, Mony by Billy Idol

Paul