Running Week In Review Part 4

For the week of July 8 - 14, 2007...

Last Week's Distance 60.08 km
Last Week's Time 5:27:36

Prediction for this week: 40 km

This Week's Distance: 30 km
This Week's Time: 2:42:23

I knew for sure coming into this week that I wouldn't even come close to last week's distance. I kind of figured that whatever my goals were for this week, I would have a hard time meeting them due to my long hours that my "fun" entails. Typically my day is starting quite early and finishing late in the evening. It did, however, help that I had the mornings off and I managed to squeeze in a relatively easy paced 30km this week.

I must admit, I'm a little spoiled when it comes down to running down south. The roads do not require any grading, because they are nicely paved and even the trails are groomed on a weekly basis. Waskaganish does have paved roads, but only within certain sections of the community. I was quickly reminded that I should avoid running in town soon after the start of first run when a dog chased me. I ran from 12km an hour to about 12.5km an hour in an astonishing 15.5 seconds.

Last week I had an issue with my bum knee, and I knew I would have to take it easy. I had to pay special attention to the condition of the roads, to prevent any ankle injuries. I managed well, when you have traction and poor overall road conditions you have to shorten your stride for extra control and protection while sacrificing speed.

I find that eating out up north is somewhat of a challenge. There are not a lot of healthy alternatives, which is usually the case. Everything seems to be multiplied for 2 or 3 times and that's no exception for the food. For example; fries, gravy and cheese, known as the lethal poutine is the most obvious. Cathy the Cobra ordered a small poutine for lunch one day and I tell you, that little sucker was like an extra large anywhere down south. It was huge. They must sell more poutine’s per capital than the Ojibway`s sell bingo dabbers.

I survived in great form though, my knee is holding up well and I don't think I did a lot of damage by eating kind of junky. Thanks to the mean golden lab who reminded me of how's really in charge in the northern communities.

Next week's prediction: 50km