Back In The Saddle Again

By: Magi Scallion

It’s always difficult to get back into training after a busy few weeks of work, a relaxing vacation, or other such excuse for not training with regularity. In particular, I find the first few intensity sessions to be really difficult.

I spent most of August in the office for 10-14 hours a day, or out on the streets working an event. No matter which way you slice it, walking is not running intensity and nor is sitting at a desk. I’m finally taking a bit of time “off” (catching up on other contracts and school work) to get in some more exercise. I started with a bang this morning by doing some running intervals with one of the national cross country ski team training centres.

Although 4 x 6 minutes (on 4 minutes rest) does not seem terribly daunting, I certainly felt like a bag of poo! The intervals were 95% uphill, some of which was very steep uphill. This, to be honest, is not my cup of tea. Cross country skiers love to run hills: I think it’s because their running efficiency is not very good so it’s the only way for them to exert their superior fitness in a foot race.

So there I was, sucking wind close to the back of 8 of the top male cross country skiers (of their age) in Canada. That may not sound so bad, but I really wanted to be duking it out with the front group… and if all goes well, I will be in short order! Here’s to a September of training like I mean it!

Photo: My training buddies in their best terrain. (Photo by Chris Manhard)

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Born in Nova Scotia and emigrating to British Columbia via Ontario and Alberta, Magi has been running the entire way. Primarily defined as a cross country ski racer, Magi has competed nationally and internationally in that sport. The highlight of her career was competing in the World University Games and the World Cup races in Canada in 2007. Cross country skiers rely heavily on running for cross training and Magi has become an accomplished trail and mountain runner, representing Canada at the World Mountain Running Championships in 2005 and the winning numerous national championships medals.

Today Magi runs for fun… and it’s a lot of fun! Epic mountain runs, city cruises with friends, and more keep her happy and occupied outside of work and school.