This week, I ran with purpose – and sometimes ran on fumes. Five runs, five lessons. From structured speedwork to Sunday’s reality-check long run, I felt every bit of the marathon build settling into my legs. But I also saw signs of progress in pacing, fueling, and focus. Let’s break it down. Workouts (Speed/Threshold/Tempo) Progression […]
Weekly Recap – July 29 to August 3, 2025 Read Post »
Weekly Recap
Build Phase 2 / Week 1 / Run 5 – Road to TOWaterfront 42K I felt every single year of my 66 years. But I digress. Pre-run, T-minus 1hr 30min-ish, I ate 2 slices of white bread and 2 tablespoons of jam and sipped Nuun. I considered taking 2 tablespoons of Brain Octane MCT, but
Long Run Breakdown – August 3, 2025 Read Post »
TCS Toronto Waterfront 42K, TOWaterfront42K
Build Phase 2 / Week 1 / Run 4 – Road to TOWaterfront 42K No big preps or agonizing over this run. I awoke thirsty and downed some Nuun. That’s it. I took no hydration, pre-run nor in-run nutrition. No salt tabs. Nuthin! I felt I would weather the weather. Mild temps today! Oh, I
Zone 2 Run – August 2, 2025 Read Post »
TCS Toronto Waterfront 42K, TOWaterfront42K, Zone 2 Running
Sore legs. Foggy brain. But I showed up. Even when you’re in the zone, your legs don’t always get the memo. On July 30, 2025, I headed out for a Zone 2 easy run with heavy legs and even heavier eyelids. What should’ve been a smooth recovery effort turned into a test of grit, reminding
So Sleepy, So Sluggish… Still in the Zone Read Post »
TCS Toronto Waterfront 42K
Build Phase 1 / Week 3 / Run 5 – Road to TOWaterfront 42K Setting the Scene Another Sunday, another heat warning. An hour before heading out, I downed a Maurten Solid 160, then began sipping Nuun in preparation for what I knew would be a sweatfest. I brought a full 500ml bottle with me
Aerobic Endurance in Summer Heat – July 27, 2025 Read Post »
TCS Toronto Waterfront 42K, TOWaterfront42K
Road to TCS TO Waterfront 42K – 2025 Today was Build Phase 1 / Week 3 / Run 1-a 30-minute Zone 2 easy run. I’ll admit it: my head was already thinking about tomorrow’s time trial. But I reminded myself that every run deserves presence, not just the ones with the word “test” in them.
Zone 2 Easy Run – Building Consistency One Step at a Time Read Post »
Daily Run Log, Training Phase: Build, Zone 2 TrainingEvery 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, TOWaterfront40KSome 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 & EnduranceFor a long time, I trained like most age-group runners: I followed the plan, logged the miles, and hoped the math would work itself out. But as a masters runner, I needed more than a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s when I discovered Training Peaks for masters runners — a tool that tailors training and brings confidence
Training Peaks for Masters Runners: Out of the Comfort Zone — Into the Training Zone Read Post »
Masters RunningWhy Strength Training Matters for Runners Over 50 Running is an incredible sport, but as we age, it takes more than just logging miles to stay strong, injury-free, and efficient. Strength training isn’t just an optional add-on—it’s a key pillar for performance, longevity, and overall health. For runners over 50, incorporating resistance training can help
The Importance of Strength Training for Runners Over 50 Read Post »
Injury Prevention, Running After 50, Strength Training