Hatley Castle er "The X-Mansion"

Going into the Second Official Training Week and I am pleased with my fitness so far. At least in the Running and Swimming disciplines. My obvious focus being my run. Already I have had some encouraging runs, in good company with good efforts. Last Sunday, I began with an hour run with a group, through the trails of Hatley Castle. You can really get lost in there. The Film X-men was filmed there and it doesn't get old when I run under the gate and yell, "X-Men UNITE!" Then I get a look of dissapproval from the others. Tuesday was a 15km run with 20min zone 2 and 10min zone 3. I am not too familiar with my zones and ended up running more zone 3 from the start and maintaining. Anyway, it made for a great workout and certainly put a smile on my face. Thursday's run consisted of pure, simple, gutsy, fun, Hill Repeats. 14x20 second sprints up a steep trail on Mount Doug. My old Vikes Cross-Country Stomping grounds. From an outside view running up and down a hill... must seem like madness. Most recently, I had an A n'A Meeting. (Andrew n'Andrew Meeting) Russell and I ran around the lake including a scramble up Bear Hill for a 70min run. Andrew leaves tomorrow for some racing so best of luck to him. Along with all the running miles I have about 5-6 three and a half kilometer swims and a number of 90min rides. So although I notice the lack of milage on the bike my swimming is coming along nicely and am maintaining that feel for the water. Overall, training is going well, having way too much fun and super excited for the new year.

Now for some music....

I am really enjoying this song by Muse a band from England. Enjoy.

Muse - The Resistance

From Toronto, Ontario. Hawksley Workman caught my ear with this sentimental song called, "No Reason to Cry Out Your Eyes"



Well that is all,
Ciao for now,
Andrew McCartney

Off to a Running Start.

Kind of sappy but a sweet song. "Landon Pigg - Falling in love at a coffee shop" See also the real music Video Click Here. What a fantastic Video and story. Nice Coffee shop too.

"A journey of a 1000 miles begins with a single step." - Unknown

Oh wow, here we go!!! We are officially back to it and not a moment too soon. I had a week of completely nothing then I just did whatever for a week and this next week we are back to it. Even though it was only a single week of no activity it feels like it was a month.

I am swimming about 3 times a week. This is interesting as within each 3km swim it seems to take the first 1.5km to feel my normal long smooth stroke in the water. Like I am re-learning each session. I have been running a lot. A nice build. Nothing hard just slipping on the shoes and running out the door, no direction in mind just running and enjoying the view.

Last night my cousin Silas and I went to celebrate his Belated birthday by grabbing a bite at the Noodle Box, couple of Milkshakes at the Rogers Chocolates Soda Shop and then off to the Save on Food Centre for the Blue Man Concert. It was pretty cool cruising around town with my cousin. I felt like Silas was "PonyBoy" and I was "Soda Pop" from "The Outsiders".

I am now training full time with the Senior High Performance Training Squad under the guidance of coach Philippe Bertrand. I am already super excited about possible hill repeats next week!! Bike or run I am not sure, but I am happy either way. I look forward to a 10 day training camp down in Portland Oregon with a number of notable runners. Then in the New Year we are back in Maui for three weeks of fun and hard work. For now, I need to get in shape.

Ciao for now,
Andrew McCartney