Just two days until the big Bluenose race throughout Halifax and Dartmouth. 

Looking like it’s going to rain for the whole weekend but for those of us who have been training as part of Team Myles this should not be a problem. 

We began running Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings in late January 2009.

7:00am at Point Pleasant Park in Halifax and most mornings throughout February and March were absolutely miserable weather-wise.

We ran in rain, snow, rain on snow, heavy ice underfoot, freezing cold and one day the sun actually shone.

I think the training strategy was designed to accommodate the perennially miserable Victoria Day weekend weather.

The training was provided by Fred Aylward of Fitbyfred. This guy is totally amazing! Who ever would have thought one needs a running trainer? Fred has completed fit tests on all the members who chose to participate and he provides an individually customized training program and metrics for preparing for a successful run at the Bluenose – or any other event.As a result of taking full advantage of Fred’s work and programs, I feel totally ready to run this puppy.

In an interview yesterday on CBC Information Morning, Don Connolly asked me if I had any concerns or trepidations vis the actual run. I have none. I feel I am as ready as a still somewhat overweight 56 year old who has been running for precisely three and a half months can be.

Having done a quick 6.5 km cruise this morning, I’m feeling like I might get my time to near 60 minutes on Sunday…but I’m done running until the race. One more trip to the gym tomorrow for a bit of cardio and a good solid session of strength training.

My Simply for Life counselor Roger Young gave me some good advice this morning: Minimum fats, sugars and sodium between now and the race.  Lots of carbohydrates – whole wheat pasta, whole grain breads and bagels, oatmeal.  Keep the protein at minimum levels if you can max out the carbs
Bananas and lots of water…critical to stay hydrated…will help with the actual run.

Have fun and enjoy the results of the work. That’s precisely what I plan to do…and if the Sunday blog seems a tad wonky, it’ll be because the martini’s were included in the celebrations