Another school year is well under way and that means cross-country running season for the kids. I’m coaching my school team and we meet three times a week after school to get in shape for our upcoming city meet on October 8th. I try and keep it fun for the students in order to encourage a love of running. So long as they are enjoying the running with their friends they’ll keep coming out. In elementary school it’s about teaching the kids how to run at a proper pace so they don’t burn themselves out too quickly during a workout. It’s great to see this dedicated group of young runners getting stronger with each workout.
On Sunday, September 20, in Ottawa I participated in the 2nd annual Army Half-Marathon. Along with the 5km race the event attracted almost 11,000 runners in total. Just over 4000 ran the half-marathon. The weather in the nation’s capital was perfect for running. Great event and a great cause….supporting our Canadian military and their families.
I was very happy to finish in 1:38:05. That was a full two minute improvement over last year’s time at the same event. I guess all the speed work and tempo runs i did this summer really paid off. I have forty days to go until I reach the start line of the New York City marathon. Sunday’s half-marathon PB was a real confidence builder as I head into the training homestretch for NYC.