My year thus far has been full of training and warm-up events. Nothing that has really meant anything so far, but that all changes here.
Before we get into it, I want to quickly recap my last race – 5 Peaks Golden Ears. It went awesomely. I was fully prepared this time. I even went to bed at 10 p.m. the night before, a Friday night! Now, if that isn’t commitment, I have no idea what is. I placed 3rd in my division, and 27th overall. Considering the level of runners in this race and that it was a qualifier for the trail running championships, I was pretty happy with my results. I really love doing these races as it forces me to work on strictly technical running which is what I really wanted to work on this year. Becoming faster, more efficient, and getting great calves in the process (well, at least I’m on my way with that last one!).
The most exciting part of this race for me was my improvement in time over the past two years in which I have competed in this race. I beat my time by over 16 minutes from last year. Basically, I’m the Donovan Bailey of longer trail runs – if Donovan Bailey was shorter, slower, Caucasian, and looked worse in spandex leotards. Got the Canadian thing down, though. As is said, dare to dream.
Next on the list, you ask?
On June 6th I have a pretty special event coming up. It’s by far the most significant this year, but it’s also something else. It’s the Vancouver Spartan Sprint. The reason for its significance is that it’s my first of three attempts to try and qualify for the Spartan World Championships later this year. But it also has a bit of sentimental value in that it was the very first obstacle course race I ever participated in— just two years ago. *tear shed* – ah the memories…
I still remember it like it was yesterday. A cold and misty June morning. I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into, but I got a good deal from Groupon. To say my indoctrination into the world of obstacle courses went amazingly well would be a bold faced lie. The first thing we had to do was run/walk/crawl/be rolled up a snow covered ski hill. After that I was done – time to pack it in and go home. But, wait, there was more!! A blurry haze of monkey bars, spear throwing, rope climbing, burpees (the penalty for not completing an obstacle) and going into the fetal position multiple times screaming for my mommy to hold me, tell me I’m handsome and feed me spaghetti-o’s. I crawled across the finish line, got my free chocolate milk, called my mom, and then proceeded to look for ways to steal some more chocolate milk. I would have done anything to soothe my broken self.
I like to think I’ve made some large strides from that place just two years ago, although I’ll still definitely take free chocolate milk from just about anybody.
In just a few short days here I will be gunning it for real. No more practice runs, no more warm-up events, no more excuses. I’m nervous. I’m excited. I feel like I’ve been here before…
Jonathan Schouten,
Professional Training Coach
Innovative Fitness Abbotsford
P: 6047463923
www.innovativefitness.com
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