“What do I trust – my heart rate monitor, or my own body?” Today’s Easy Run felt light, fluid, and strong. My breathing was controlled. My mind was calm.But my watch? It claimed I was running hotter than I felt. This isn’t the first time my perceived effort (RPE) and heart rate haven’t seen eye […]
Thought of the Day: I Feel GREAT… But My Watch Says I Shouldn’t! Read Post »
Running Journey
I didn’t set out to become a mantra guy. But somewhere between sweaty early runs and the quiet rhythm of my breath, something clicked. “Relax, Light Feet.” On race day at the Georgina Spring Fling Half Marathon, it became, “Come on, Come on, Come on.” Lately, it’s “I’m a marathoner – breathing easy.” These words
My Mantras and My Marathon Read Post »
Marathon Journey, Mindset & Motivation, Training Tips
Build Phase 1, Week 1 – My Road to TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon 🏁 Week Overview Cutback complete — Build begins.This week closed out the final phase of Base 2 and laid the groundwork for entering Build Phase 1. With summer heat on the rise, I focused on heart rate control, fueling precision, and strategic
🗓️ Weekly Recap – June 30 to July 6, 2025 Read Post »
Weekly RecapEvery runner has a story of the run that almost ended them. Mine? It involved heat, a long route, and a handful of innocent-looking pitted dates. I was trying to fuel naturally—something light, portable, and carb-rich. Dates had served me well before. But on this scorching summer run, they morphed into gut grenades. Within minutes,
Heat Adaptation for Runners: When Fuel Fights Back Read Post »
heat adaptation, nutrition for running in the heat🧠 Conundrum of the Day, Actually This morning’s puzzle: Garmin thinks I can run a sub-2-hour half. Strava says 2:20+. That’s a pretty wide gap. Who’s got the better crystal ball? One’s using physiology and VO2 max. The other is watching my pacing. Both are helpful, but neither feels quite right. Naturally, I fed the
Thought of the Day: Why Are My Race Predictors So Far Off? Read Post »
Running JourneyThe Conundrum That Sparked a Deep Dive You lace up, track your training, put in the klicks or miles, and check your devices hoping for some feedback. And then you see it: your Garmin race predictor says you could run a sub-2 hour half marathon, while Strava suggests you’ll be closer to 2:20. So who’s
Why are My Garmin and Strava Race Predictors so far off? I asked AI. Read Post »
Running JourneyCutback weeks always boost my ego. Finally, a week where the plan feels manageable instead of maniacal. Today’s run calls for 2 × 7 minutes at tempo/threshold pace (low Z4), and honestly, I’m here for it. After last week’s effort with more reps, longer duration, and oppressive heat, this one feels like a confidence booster.
Thought of the Day – July 2, 2025 Read Post »
Endurance Running, Fueling & Hydration, Marathon Training, Tempo RunsEvery long run has a rhythm, a turning point, and if you’re lucky, a moment of flow. On June 29, I ran 11.1 km over 1 hour and 20 minutes, and what unfolded was a masterclass in effort regulation, fueling strategy, and physiological feedback. Let’s break down the anatomy of a long run, using real-time
Anatomy of a Long Run: Breaking Down the Distance, Step by Step Read Post »
Marathon Build, Running Journey, TOWaterfront40KWoke up early. Still got cooked. Some days, effort feels like fire.But that’s just the body adapting.The hard runs write the stronger chapters. Could have used this on my runs.Running under the Heat Dome.Running through sprinklers: not just for kids anymore.
Thought of the Day – June 25, 2025 Read Post »
Running JourneySome runs build fitness. Some runs build character. Today did both, with a salt-crusted side of humility. This was supposed to be a standard Z2 aerobic run—low to mid Zone 2 for 70 minutes. The plan was simple: keep the HR in check, sip Nuun, munch some dates mid-run, and cruise along to the familiar
Helter Swelter: Strides, Struggle & Salt Read Post »
Endurance Running, Fueling & Hydration, Recovery & Resilience, Running & Endurance