Just shut up and run...

Prince Edward Island was terrific, a real great experience. It was Gloria's first running event and good for her for having the courage to get to the starting line.

Running with Gloria the past few weeks has been real learning experience for me as well. I can see Gloria struggling with the same battles I went through - trying what seemed impossibly to increase mileage, the desparately hard breathing, the aches and pains, and the wondering about my ability to finish the workout.

And as Gloria questioned her abilities aloud for the first 6-K of the 10-K race, I was at peace with myself because I could see that my running had developed beyond just exercise, way past the sweating and the panting. My running had become a collection of experiences, a chance to see the sights that would not normally grab my attention, a chance to say hello to others around me that I would not normally acknowledge. Indeed, my running had become a chance to celebrate the ability to put one foot in front of the other and this puts me at the head of the pack, no matter how far back I finish, no matter how slow I am.

We brought some wonderful memories back from P.E.I. and we also brought back the knowledge that the race is mastered by those with the courage to start and the tenacity to finish.

And this is best accomplished by those who just shut up and run.

The family that runs together...

This weekend marks another running event and the first ever race for my wife - a 10-K. Gloria is a little nervous about the event, and trying to convince her that race registration and the 8-K training runs leading up to the race are already an incredible accomplishment, is proving to be an exercise more tiring than a Sunday run.

Regardless of Gloria's lack of enthusiasm for her weekly running improvements, there will be five Chancey's participating in P.E.I. this weekend, some in the 10-K, the others in the half marathon. And while the five of us each represent a different segment of the race pack, from the back to the front, we share at least two things in common - we are runners and we are family.

This weekend isn't about splits or pace, it's about spending time together, sharing in each others accomplishments, and savoring every moment. And no matter where or how we finish, the fact remains five of us will be running.

And that's just cool no matter how you look at it.

Fall is the best time of year to run?...

Some say the Fall is the best time of year to run, and I in fact have noticed some changes in my running since the leaves started changing colour.

First, the temperatures seem to be pretty steady when I run.

I've also noticed that I can maintain a steady pace - no matter what day it is, if I run for 20 minutes, I almost always cover the same distance.

Finally, and maybe it's just me, but it almost feels like the footing has even softened up a bit - there doesn't seem to be the usual stress on my legs that comes from pounding the asphalt.

Oh, did I mention, that I have been completing most of my runs on my treadmill?

Those who say the Fall is the best time of year to run can't be morning runners. With late sunrises, the weekday morning jaunt is no longer an option and outdoor running is limited to Sunday mornings.

I prefer the spring - while the temps may be frigid, the ability to see where you're going is a nice luxury.