Thursday March 15 and running tomorrow

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March 15, 2012

Shalom: what a long day…and we will be walking to the start of the marathon which begins at 7.a.m. or get a bus at 4:30…what would you do? They close the streets beginning at 6 am

Today began at 7:30 and we got a tour (sort of) of the course. But it was raining and cloudy and windy and cold.

We also toured a recently discovered archilogical site in the City of David, near the Western Wall.Waited for an hour for the bus to pick us up..this is very congested place for tours. We witnesessed 3 bar mitvahs, complete with music and dancing while we waited, so that was ok.Then more eating, then to the expo, then to the pasta dinner,, and we forced the tour guide to bring us back so we could get off our feet.

Will post more after the race.

Long day Wednesday

By

dmclaren

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March 14, 2012

Hello RG followers: Up at 7 am for the press conference with the Mayor of Jerusalem Nir Baraket (who has run 5 marathons himself). Got to meet Kevin Lin (Running the Sahara fame) and the elite Kenyan Andrew and the elite Russian woman Camila (will provide last names later).

From the breakfast, our guide, Irit, took us to the Old City, where we got 5000 years of history in about 3 hours.We visited the Arab Market (shuk) and the Muslim Quarter the old city is divided into 4 sections, Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Armenian) as well as the Church of the Holy Speulcher- Christian (and walked 5,6,7 sections of the cross). Visited the site where the church was resurrected where Jesus Christ was crucified.

We visited a few other areas which I will describe later. We are going out tonight to tour nightclubs.

Back to the tour. We also saw the Dead Sea Scrolls and learned about how they were written and discovered. The Community Sect was responsible for writing them.

Then we visted the Mount of Olives and the Church of Gestmanie.

Then back to the hotel., but before we did this we visited East Jerusalem and due to a traffic incident (not our fault) our driver had a little chat with some armed policemen. They were not dressed in uniform.

The course tour is on Thursday, and I have a feeling the hills will be challenging.

Got to have a nap now.

Chicken with 40 cloves of garlic

By

WhatsCookin

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March 14, 2012

Mr. Shuffler was visiting last week so that meant I got to flex my cooking muscles. We decided to visit a past triumph: chicken with 40 cloves of garlic. We found the original recipe in an LCBO Food & Drink magazine a few years back but for some reason, that recipe is one of the few that is not archived online.

We started by stuffing about 20 unpeeled garlic cloves into the cavity of a whole chicken (we splurged on a “traditionally raised” one). We then rubbed the bird down with olive oil and sprinkled it with dried thyme. We then covered the bottom of an ovenproof pot with unpeeled garlic cloves and rested the chicken, breast-side up on the garlic. Some recipes suggest that you brown the chicken first with olive oil before putting it in the oven but I think that’s a largely aesthetic choice. We baked the chicken for about 1.5 hours at 350F. The Internet informed me that it is safe to eat once a meat thermometer inserted in the thigh reaches 170F. When it’s done, let it rest about 10 minutes before carving.

The wonderful thing about this recipe is that after 1.5 hours in the oven, the garlic cloves become very soft and much, much less pungent. You can spread them on bread and have instant garlic bread.

For the sweet potatoes, I cut and peeled two large ones, cut them into chunks and then tossed them with olive oil, thyme, rosemary and just a little bit of salt. They were then baked for one hour at 350.

The spinach salad is a recipe that we tried at Play restaurant several years ago. Start by toasting 2-3 tbsp of pine nuts in a frying pan; this should take about 5 minutes or so if the pan is hot when you start. Set aside. Wilt about 250g of spinach (half of a large container). Mr. Shuffler is an expert spinach-wilter but I’m learning. The trick is to take the spinach off the heat as soon as just a little bit wilts. The pan will stay hot and so the rest of the spinach will wilt shortly thereafter. Sprinkle the wilted spinach with the toasted pine nuts and 2-3 tbsp of raisins.

Jerusalem March 13,2012

By

dmclaren

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March 13, 2012

Hello RG follwers: Got up and ran 8k with Ben and Sam. We ran north along the pathway from the hotel. Getting warmer. Then we checked out of the hotel and took a walking tour through Tel Aviv. Viewed the market and a few other places.

Then we left around 4 pm to drive to Jerusalem. Noticed a lot of fencing on both sides of the highway.

Checked into the Prima Kings hotel and then went out for our media reception at the Canela Hotel for our meal with our host from the Israeli Tourism . There was media reps from Germany, Korea and Russia.

The food just kept on coming. Not sure if this is a middle east custom,but there was salad, dips for bread, more salads, olives, and other dips, then plate upon plate of meat, chicken (and I ordered fish) They served us wine, and then we were presented with our media passes, The host has run marthons. Tomorrow is the press conference with the mayor of Jerusalem , Nir Barket and other runners including the elites.

After this meal we went to the Mirror Bar for a reception before we walked over the Old City for our private sound and light show.

As we approached the old city walls and David’s Tower, you became in awe of where you are standing. I am not an overly religious individual, but so a brief moment was struck with a tingling sensation.Not sure how else to describe this “ah ha” moment, but the fleeting feeling was unique.

We were given a 45 minute extraganza showing of the history of how Jersualem was became and is. Remember this city is over 5000 years old and has a number of significant events and rulers.

What goes up must come down

By

kcolwill

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March 12, 2012

Up and Down

I knew there were going to be ups and downs on my road to Boston but I think my body has taken it a little too far. Last week 6k into a 32k run I tripped over a crack in the road. I landed on my knee and elbow. After stopping their Garmins my caring runners stopped to make sure I was ok. A little shaken I got up and continued on. When I got home my poor elbow didn’t quite look normal. After an xray on Monday it was confirmed that I’m just clumsy but have strong bones because nothing was broken except my pride.

When a road goes down it has to go back up! I had a PB at the Chilly 1/2 marathon 1 week later. I beat my old half marathon time by over 2 minutes. It may seem like a lot but when I looked at my split in Toronto marathon last year -it was only 7 seconds faster – but still faster. I can tell you I didn’t have another 21.1km at that pace. I may not PB in Boston but I can tell you I’m planning on enjoying all 42.2km.

Tricks of the Trade: How to Overcome Exercise Barriers

By

Ben Kaplan

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March 12, 2012

By: Nikki Reiter

You have set your season’s goals. You have picked your races. Enter: life. For most runners, motivation to start running is not difficult to achieve. However, as winter prolongs and other commitments enter into the picture, trying to get through training days can sometimes be more difficult than initially conceived. I met with Dr. Mary Jung, Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Exercise Sciences at the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus. In addition to her theory-based research in health and exercise psychology, she is an avid runner who likes to practice what she preaches. Dr. Jung and I discussed some common barriers that get in the way of exercise and running, and how to get back on track when you feel you may have derailed from your training goals.

The Goals

Although it is great to have a grand outcome goal, such as running your first marathon or breaking a specific time barrier, it is important that goals be specific, measurable, adjustable, realistic and time-oriented, in short, they must be ‘SMART.’ Lofty long-term goals require lots of motivation, which can be difficult to muster up when you feel you could be spending your time on other tasks that are much easier to achieve, such as running errands or cleaning the house. Making smaller, more achievable goals allows for a sense of accomplishment to be realized every time you are out there running and allows for instant gratification when attained. For example, ensuring you get out for three runs every week is more realistic and has more flexibility than that much loftier goal of completing a marathon.

The Barriers

For the great majority of the population, the greatest barrier to exercise or maintaining an exercise program is one’s perceived lack of time. Perceived? Yes. Although you sometimes feel you may not have enough time to get in your run, chances are you are not choosing to make time. Sorry to break it to you, but exercisers and non-exercisers alike, have the same number of minutes in a day. In a study performed by Jung and Brawley (2010), aimed at university students during their exam period, both exercisers and non-exercisers spent the same number of hours on studying – but exercisers seemed to find extra time in the day to fit in exercise. Dr. Jung hypothesizes that non-exercisers may not be recognizing how they are spending their spare time. A suggested strategy is for non-exercisers to time-stamp (write down what you’re doing in each half hour block of your day) their activities to realize how they are spending their day. You may be surprised at how much leisure time can add up and be made available for training.

Why is it that some people seem to be able to make time to do it all? Well, Dr. Jung and colleagues performed a study (in press) concerning how working mothers with young children can fit exercise into their busy lives. Being able to spend time on oneself for exercise was definitely the biggest barrier for all mothers; however, they discovered that one’s confidence to manage multiple goals truly influences whether someone commits to regular exercise or not. These people, who like everybody else must tend to their jobs and families, are successful in adhering to exercise because they believe that they can achieve all of their goals, and they do not back down in the face of adversity. They incorporate running into their day in whichever way possible, whether by waking up early, exercising on one’s lunch hour, or incorporating running activities with their children.

The Derailment

You missed a week’s worth of training. Maybe even two. Do not throw in the towel just yet! Perhaps it was due to injury or illness, a business trip or another obligation. Getting back on track is totally possible and the ‘all-or-nothing’ approach is probably due to one’s perceived lack of confidence to overcome this setback. People who have had negative experiences in trying to achieve their goals are less likely to persevere when challenged, making it important to be proactive and ensure you feel success every time you attempt your goal. How do you do this? It goes back to setting smaller, challenging yet realistic goals. Increase your mileage by a reasonable amount per week, for example, and have a running partner or group to hold you accountable. Each week you can look back to what your baseline mileage was, and what you’re doing currently, and feel proud of how far you’ve come. By overcoming inevitable setbacks (EVERYBODY misses a workout or two during their running programs) by lacing them up again and getting out there, you are preparing yourself to face other challenges you are likely to face in your training. Dr. Jung also points out that it’s important to have a ‘Plan B’ because ‘all-or-nothing’ does not always work and sometimes it takes some creative re-scheduling of one’s time to make it fit.

Happy Running!

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Nikki Reiter holds a master’s degree in biomechanics and is a Mizuno Running Brand Ambassador and the Women’s Cross Country Running Head Coach at the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus in Kelowna, BC. She is also the Laboratory Coordinator in the School of Health and Exercise Sciences at UBC Okanagan where she facilitates undergraduate laboratory learning.

Touchdown Tel Aviv Monday March 12

By

dmclaren

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March 12, 2012

So here I am posting, just returned from an 8k run along the Mediteranrean Sea with Ben and Sam.

The flight took about 12 hours and we are 6 hours ahead of Toronto time.

The flight had on board with us, the Israeli -Canadian Junior Hockey Team who just returned from a tournament in Toronto and Ottawa. Yes they do play hockey in Isreal.(wonder if they would beat the Leafs..00000uch)

No pictures yet, need to find a way,but Apple does not allow USB sticks.

Arrived in Tel Aviv and had breakfast close to the Herods Hotel.

We were guided in Jaffa by our tour guide Irit Doron who showed us around. Jaffa is an ancient seaport related to the Biblical narrative of Jonah and the whale. We also saw the fihersman’s port (where I enjoyed a Goldstar dark beer), saw St. Peter’s church and visited the Artists corner where we met one of the premier artists, Ilana Goor, whose art is in the White House.

We later went to the Tel Aviv seaport (the view from the newly renovated view of the sea is amazing. Local market, where I purchased and am now enjoying a “Queen’s” stout from a local brewery.

Tonight we are dining witht the hosting organization of the Jerusalem Marathon.

Now I have to have a nap, as I have not really slept since 6:30 am on Sunday.

Flying out on Sunday

By

dmclaren

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March 9, 2012

Shalom. is a Hebrew word meaning peace, completeness, and welfare and can be used idiomatically to mean both hello and goodbye.

Peace, completeness and welfare are traits that all runners possess.

Beth Agro and I instruct a Marathon Clinic at the Beaches Running Room in Toronto. Beth is an associate publisher with iRun magazine.

Last November at the NewYork City Marathon, I represented iRun magazine at the elite men’s press conference. When I was not actually able to speak with one of the elite runners, I placed an iRun hat on the table when I took their picture.

Fast forward to February of this year when the Isreali Tourist Bureau invited one of the iRun`s journalist to cover the Jerusalem Marathon, they thought about sending me and the iRun hat. So Beth brought me the proposal that I run the March 16, 2012 marathon.

How cool is that. I did not hesitate to say yes.

We all have a marathon destination we want to run. I have run an ultra Marathon in Iceland and South Africa, as well as marathons in New York Chicago, Boston and London England as well as Big Sur in California.

The more I thought about the Jerusalem marathon, the more I became excited. What a destination race.

My travelling companions will be Ben Kaplan (a 3:08 marathon runner who will also be running Boston this April) and Sam Cohen who is running the half marathon in Jerusalem.

The Jerusalem Marathon takes runners on a route that tests not only the most experienced of runners, but also on a unique path through history; through the city so holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims around the globe. Participants run on the cobblestones of the holy and ancient city, through the beautiful neighborhoods of Jerusalem, and through the modern city center of Israel’s capital. The views alone are enough to take one’s breath away. And I guess because, tho I haven’t seen the track. the elevation map is hilly

The 42.2 km marathon passes through the neighborhoods of central Jerusalem, continues from south to north, through the old city and past the walls of Jerusalem.

I hope to (will be) reporting back regularly about my travels, the runners, the food, not to mention the race.

Before I talk about the food, one of my other passions (and one other reason I run is that I enjoy “hops and yeast“) There are 14 breweries in Isreal. The most popular is Tempo lager.

However there are also a number of microbreweries…. one is named Dancing Camel.

So stay tuned .

Flank steak Friday

By

WhatsCookin

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March 9, 2012

I’m embarking on a project over the next few months. It’s called Use-up-random-foodstuff-hanging-around-the-house-before-I-move-to-London. This primarily involves the pantry, which has grown quite scary over the last six years, but I’m also working on the freezer. This week, I dug out a flank steak and googled “flank steak marinade” as it is a delicious cut but usually requires some tenderizing. This was the one I went with and it was very tasty.

Ingredients

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds flank steak

Directions

In a medium bowl, mix the oil, soy sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic, and ground black pepper. Place meat in a shallow glass dish. Pour marinade over the steak, turning meat to coat thoroughly. Cover, and refrigerate for 6 hours.
Preheat grill for medium-high heat.
Oil the grill grate. Place steaks on the grill, and discard the marinade. Grill meat for 5 minutes per side, or to desired doneness.

Jerusalem Marathon 2012

By

dmclaren

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March 8, 2012

Hello runners:

There are no stories or pictures of elite runners in this post and because this is my blog I am promoting the elite runner within me.

On Friday March 16, I will be one of 3 Canadian journalists invited to participate in the 2012 Jerusalem Marathon.

Next Friday, one of the oldest and holiest cities in the world will be hosting one of the world’s youngest marathons. Twelve thousand runners will be lining up for the second annual Jerusalem International Marathon.

The race is a vital part of mayor Nir Barkat’s goal for the city, which is to bring cultural events to it and elevate it on the international stage.

“This marathon flows through the beautiful sites in the city. It is a breathtaking and challenging marathon compared to other, flat marathons,” the mayor said, hinting at the Tel Aviv Marathon. “We’re making Jerusalem more exciting, open and inviting for the 3.5 billion religious people around the world who are eager to see Jerusalem..”

The race is gaining in popularity with 50 percent more runners from abroad participating this year compared to last year.

Along with the marathon, the races include the half marathon, 10K, and 4.2K fun run.

Organizers have changed up the marathon’s route with the climb up Mount Scopus taking part in the beginning of the race as opposed to the end.

The Jerusalem Marathon is unique for its beauty and challenging terrain. The race takes runners through the important historical and visually spectacular sites of the city, including the Old City, the Sultan’s Pool, The Mount of Olives, Mount Zion, the Knesset (Israeli Parliament), the German Colony, Rehavia, Ammunition Hill, Sacher Park, Mount Scopus, and many more.

If you have 10 minutes to spare, this is the race course -or as the marthon translation it becomes track.

For further details on registration and the route, please visit http://www.jerusalem-marathon.com I will be reporting back with more during the week and upon my return.

Keep on runnin’