tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324595712012-01-11T14:12:11.117-08:00A sporadically updated view into my running worldBrad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.comBlogger3191100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-72332041931007472252010-10-23T09:46:00.000-07:002010-10-23T09:46:42.947-07:00

I have a list of about 20 blogs and websites I read on a regular basis.  Of these, two of the ones I read this morning had posts about kids.  One good friend and one blog friend share beautiful, touching words about what it is like and what it means to be a parent.  You should probably read them. Jasper Blake - On Parenting Fitness Geek - 11 Months and growing

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-57693845587245594452010-09-28T07:09:00.000-07:002010-09-28T07:09:51.196-07:00

While Reid Coolsaet's blog is on my regular reading list, I wonder how many others have liked to his latest post (I know Liam is all over it).  That extra 200m over 42km makes these calculations a bitch during a marathon.  Truer words have never been spoken. Thanks for the inspiration.

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-54551105453311586652010-09-15T22:39:00.000-07:002010-09-15T22:39:08.556-07:00

So, tonight, I may have had my running plans laid out for me for the next year without my doing anything to facilitate it. Ran into O'Cal tonight at Thrifty's. Actually, he found me (remember, I played no role in any of this). We chatted about teaching and coaching our cross country teams and then talk turned to our own running. I have been pretty consistent in the last eight weeks (except

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-50348619743408799432010-08-26T17:21:00.001-07:002010-08-26T17:21:50.063-07:00

The road back to feeling like a runner is 50 hours long. The road back to feeling like a runner is 600km long. The road back to feeling like a runner costs 46,000 calories. It is not a long road, but it is one that requires patience, perseverance, and consistency. And the road back to feeling like a runner just gets you to the start of the longer road to becoming a runner. Next step.

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-29468083091689070852010-08-23T23:46:00.000-07:002010-08-23T23:46:01.824-07:00

I am running again. More to follow...

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-28519629821845120912010-06-11T13:32:00.000-07:002010-06-11T13:32:37.147-07:00

Even though I have not updated this much recently, I am still around and ready to help out friends who are doing amazing things.  A few years ago a few friends of mine, over a few drinks, hatched a plan to develop the most comprehensive training supplement in the world.  They did it.  And this is their contest.  I use and believe in the product.  Check out the stories of people who were able to

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-35622282748953066262009-10-10T07:37:00.000-07:002009-10-10T07:37:38.391-07:00

This stuff works and I use it daily.  Don't take my word for it, though - ask Kyle Jones (or Whitfield, or Lauren Groves, or Jasper Blake....) Tomorrow I’ll be spending the day with 7Systems at Frontrunners Victoria. We’ll have a booth set-up from 10-5. Come down to see us and you can sample 7Ssytems for FREE! I’ve been taking 7Sytems for about 10 months and have noticed a significant difference

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-70607636770554201592009-09-03T20:04:00.000-07:002009-09-03T20:04:02.484-07:00

Having felt a little twinge in the hamstring nearing the end of Sunday's workout, I have tried to be the smart athlete and take some down time to allow it to heal.  My training has been solid for the past few weeks and a few days of rest and easy running is not going to affect the 8k in October.  So with that in mind, I have gone out for an easy run (where I ran into Gord and Sarah, in whose

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-34530035709118978312009-08-31T18:02:00.000-07:002009-08-31T18:03:20.166-07:00

It has been a long while since I showed my face at Elk/Beaver Lake, but Sunday felt like 6 years ago. I pulled up to the gravel parking lot, meeting Simon to help him out with a workout. What I didn't expect to see was the rest of the triathletes preparing for the Grand Final in Australia. Old training partners with new coaches and all of us, older and wiser(?). My schedule called for a long

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-32688405715450580972009-08-29T13:24:00.000-07:002009-08-29T14:26:24.532-07:00

It was too bad that Simon left early, because I am pretty sure he would have wanted to play the drums. We had a bunch of friends over last night to hang out with Craig during his short visit out to Victoria. We shared BBQ and guitar, and for the brave, some Guitar Hero World Tour. Good times were had by all - especially Mr. Dags who demonstrated some mad drumming skills.Today's workout was on

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-85825635486868131222009-08-28T07:56:00.000-07:002009-08-28T08:24:35.718-07:00

Unofficially, of course. But this will be my last full week of summer vacation and it has been a good one, to be sure.1. New (old) town.2. New house.3. New kitten.4. New 5k PB.5. New job.The last one occurred yesterday, when I received the long hoped for call from the Victoria School District offering me a position at Reynolds Secondary. I will once again be teaching English and Social Studies,

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-11344524495469116292009-08-25T14:39:00.000-07:002009-08-25T14:41:50.147-07:00

I could regale you with stories of my 2 x 3k redux of last week's workout, but this is way cooler. I'll leave it at this - without Shawn I went 9:45 and 9:50 - not bad, but not amazing. Anyway, listen to Adam Campbell! Adam and Aaron also finished 2nd in today's stage and are now in 4th overall, up against some pretty amazing runners (which goes to show that they are pretty amazing runners!)

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-75569673754232836032009-08-22T17:53:00.000-07:002009-08-22T18:09:34.635-07:00

The track. And soccer. These are two places I spent much of my childhood. From my 5th year of existence until the end of high school I spent the Ontatio summers running up and down grass pitches across the province. I was ok, as good as someone might be spending 12 years playing a sport, but not ever did I have a chance of playing for the youth team of Moscow Dynamo or anything. Definitely,

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-32519932076746174872009-08-20T13:21:00.000-07:002009-08-20T15:43:24.098-07:00

This workout, on the heels of the 5k last Friday, was going to be tough. It was always a hard run with the VFAC boys and now that I was without the group, it wasn't going to get any easier. Fortunately, Shawn Nelson, he of the faster 5k time than I, was up for the workout. So it was the two of us that met up at the base of Lochside Trail before making our way into the canopied stretch of

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-42734986495277167602009-08-18T09:59:00.000-07:002009-08-18T10:12:15.764-07:00

The Victoria sun has been shining brightly and strong in the past few days and I have had a good couple of days. Sonja and I have pretty much finished setting up the house, with mirrors and art being thoughtfully placed on the walls yesterday. One more bolt in a door and we are done.Liev is getting increasingly confident and crazy. I think I can hear him trying to get out of the bathtub right

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-84674718152042146112009-08-15T21:17:00.000-07:002009-08-15T22:13:41.261-07:00

The last time I actually signed up for a race on the track was in Grade 11. I was a hurdler and a 400m runner, which explains my love of trail running (jumping over things) and track workouts (at least 400m workouts). So it was with a bit of trepidation that I made my way over to Oak Bay High for the Black Press 5000m. As people who graciously read this blog with some semblance of frequency,

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-76031575552252529222009-08-14T20:59:00.000-07:002009-08-14T21:03:08.857-07:00

12.5 times to be exact. I was a little dizzy after 5k on the track.More to follow, but thanks to the cheering of many good friends and a great evening, I was able to dip under 16:00 for the first time.I think the official time will be 15:48, but we will have to wait and see.More details to follow, but I am pleased and a little surprised.In lieu of the race details, read this and this. Both good

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-64890485138953416952009-08-12T19:08:00.000-07:002009-08-12T19:19:08.905-07:00

Not so much in life, but a little bit in running. As has been detailed in this blog of late, my workouts have been up and my races have been down. Overall though, I would have to say that I am happy with my running. This was reinforced today with a light jaunt around Mt. Doug, an old stomping ground. Adam was done work and ready for a run, so after a quick scooter over to my place, we drove

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-54795968773973984262009-08-11T22:00:00.000-07:002009-08-11T22:48:30.192-07:00

Just a quick update on the workout before heading to the new living room for some movie watching in our new setup!The workout went quite well. Unlike my VFAC counterparts who were likely tempoing today, I had intervals. I decided to go to Beacon Hill Park to complete the workout as there is a mile loop with which I am quite familiar. I had my trusty Garmin 405 to let me know the distances and

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-57368528274891412802009-08-11T09:04:00.001-07:002009-08-11T09:22:27.606-07:00

It has been 10 days since the move. It seems like a long ten days, but we have been getting a lot done, with the help of some amazing friends. Sonja and I have met the neighbours (who are great on both sides) and we have visited the local coffee shop, appropriately named Koffi. I have yet to try their hot chocolate, but their food is amazing and the atmosphere is prefect - I could see many a

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-13408067164880251642009-08-07T10:50:00.000-07:002009-08-07T11:01:25.339-07:00

Wow. I can't imagine what it would be like to have purchased a home that needed a lot of work. I would like to take this moment to thank everyone we spoke to and encouraged us to get a house that was already reno'd, rather than doing it ourselves. Even with very little to do, we have painted and replaced a hot water heater, cleaned a tonne, and have been putting together the house in general.

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-21932021144650777922009-08-02T07:14:00.000-07:002009-08-02T07:36:00.747-07:00

It has been very much a hurry up and wait kind of last couple of weeks. The waiting was hard. It always is. Sometimes, it can be a sweet anticipation, but not this time. It was a series of daily tortures. Originally, when we put an offer together for our new house, we had a JUly 20th closing date. This worked well because it gave us time to pack and get ready after school finished while

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-65898408912624635952009-07-17T16:29:00.000-07:002009-07-17T16:52:08.211-07:00

If you weren't aware, I am a transplanted Ontario boy. Born in London (birthplace of Jim Finlayson) and growing up in Pickering (hometown of Sean Avery, yeah, not proud of that one), I still self-identify as Ontarion (yes, that's right, that's what I am calling people who live in Ontario). Growing up playing soccer, I spent many a summer afternoon baking in the sun of a weekend-long tournament.

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-58624205643605457822009-07-16T12:57:00.000-07:002009-07-16T14:24:07.134-07:00

That's what SFU should be renamed. No longer SFU, but SHU.For a change of pace, and because I have been living here for almost two years and still haven't really explored the trails at SFU, I decided to go out and run around Caprica City (ok, blatant Battlestar Galactica reference, but if you don't know, go watch it). I drove to the base of Burnaby Mountain and parked in front of a home being

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-57044331224875985292009-07-13T20:11:00.000-07:002009-07-13T20:52:20.705-07:00

The time of naps, and runs, and HGTV.I think that many people, including myself, underestimate the absolute volume of emotional energy spent during the school year. I am sure this is the case in many professions, especially those which centre around helping others. I find that the first month of school is about getting back into school shape, much like the first week of the Tour de France is

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-19562250122680415632009-06-29T22:17:00.001-07:002009-06-29T22:30:26.956-07:00

This is going to be short, but not because of anger or frustration, but just that time is seeping away from me...The half was what I was hoping for, for about 16k. Looking back at the Garmin, I was on pace up until that point. Even through 17k, I was still on 1:15 pace, but in the last 4k, man it got ugly. Heart rate dropped, no strength in the legs, eyes starting to cross. Not even the

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-53883270897863773132009-06-24T20:15:00.001-07:002009-06-24T21:15:03.834-07:00

Running...Things are going well, even thought last night's tempo with Simon was tough. But I can figure out the reason for that; staff luncheon. Yesterday was the final staff lunch for the school year at school and there was a great spread! Samosas, sushi sandwiches, pasta, AND deserts! I couldn't help but go up to the buffet three times! Thus, when I met Simon at 4:30 at Burnaby Lake to run

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-33164141101354760232009-06-16T18:56:00.000-07:002009-06-16T22:49:19.098-07:00

Since the race on Friday I have run up and down Mt. Seymour (Sunday long run) and cruised a 10k recovery run (Monday). Tonight I was meeting Simon at Burnaby Lake for a 10k tempo. I ran in the new Brooks Glycerin last night for the first time and loved them. I am not sure if it was the shoe that made me feel good or if I am just starting to feel more like a runner, but the easy run last night

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-85879410628328258082009-06-13T08:56:00.000-07:002009-06-13T17:35:07.681-07:00

EDIT June 13 - 5:34pm: Thanks to a comment, please substitute "the guy in the white shirt" with "Facundo", which is his actual name, not "white shirt." Thanks to Jeremy Hopwood for letting me know! Check the comments for the link to Facundo's blog. It sure was a fun race with him!For teachers, the month of June is tangible and tactile. There is a distinct feel of it that you can reach out and

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-35526069061752298292009-06-05T20:50:00.000-07:002009-06-05T21:10:41.919-07:00

Last night was a warm one. With Vancouver hitting record temperatures of 30+ degrees throughout the week, I was actually looking forward to being out and running sans shirt. There is something freeing about running a hard workout with teammates, baking in the evening heat, sweating out the work day.We jogged over to Beaver Lake and found out from John that tonight was going to be the infamous,

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-15964589613925712522009-06-03T21:57:00.000-07:002009-06-03T22:03:32.664-07:00

I have never participated in an Aquathlon, but today was my mini-version. After 2.5 days of icing and traumeel, my foot was feeling better so I tried out a short run. Sonja was at Brighton pool when I got home from teaching, so I ran down to meet her there. The pool is about 10 minutes away and it is amazing - the view of the North Shore is incredible. We swam (read: waded and splashed) for

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-21373917867920889052009-06-02T19:32:00.000-07:002009-06-02T20:06:05.568-07:00

This was the race that started it all. I had been running trails before this race, but once I had run this course, it was love.I love point-to-point races because you actually feel like you have gone somewhere. The big joke with non-runners is that we spend a lot of energy to go nowhere. The point-to-point is fun to run and gives a sense a satisfaction that looped or out-and-back routes

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-53356599431737948582009-05-30T07:11:00.000-07:002009-05-30T07:51:09.075-07:00

It has been a busy week, and after the race that was the Oak Bay Half, I wasn't super stoked to get back into training. But, one foot in front of the other, and out the door I went and got in some decent runs.Workout on Thursday was what is the called the double-single and it is much better than the double-double. The references are to the 1 mile 5/8 loop in Stanley Park. Double means we do it

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-7854617520758289782009-05-24T19:14:00.001-07:002009-05-24T19:19:52.196-07:00

Having found myself in Victoria this weekend, I decided to jump into the Oak Bay Half Marathon. With the Scotiabank Half Marathon only a month or so away, I knew I needed some longer race efforts to help prepare me for it. I have been running well of late, with last week's VFAC workout being another strong workout over shorter distances (2 x 1 mile 7/8 = 9:21, 9:30), but my longest tempo since

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-8377490187803568502009-05-19T21:25:00.000-07:002009-05-19T22:42:52.611-07:00

Simon before his speedy running days...(the one on the left - oh Google Images, you will never let any of us be politicians)With the threat of a thunderstorm looming, Simon and I left my place for our tempo run. It is a rare occasion that I get the chance to run my tempo with someone. The weather forecasters had said that the rain was coming, but the sun and wind were more prevalent than any

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-35397098770174691682009-05-18T17:08:00.000-07:002009-05-18T17:24:18.509-07:00

You can tell that I am getting back into running by the sheer number of updates that are coming out of this blog. It is a result of inertia. Inertia is an interesting concept. An object will maintain its state or motion, either not moving or moving, unless acted upon by an external force. To overcome the inertia of an object at rest more than the usual amount of energy is required to begin

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-33739090782808746172009-05-18T08:56:00.000-07:002009-05-26T16:01:44.184-07:00

Saturday was spent helping to move friends to their beautiful new home. As reward for a job well done, we were treated to an amazing dinner on the new BBQ, seated on an enormous raised deck, where we were able to watch the sun fade away and share in good food, good wine, and good company.It was after the steak and tuna were cleared and the wine glasses were near empty that I asked the two

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-20576024095217033752009-05-16T09:49:00.001-07:002009-05-16T09:49:42.991-07:00

Playing around with a website Sonja showed me called Animoto. Made this video as an experiment to see what it could do. Not bad...

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-84735018214676448682009-05-15T21:50:00.000-07:002009-05-15T21:55:06.759-07:00

Yesterday I felt like a runner. Today, I felt like a runner who felt like a runner yesterday.An easy 45 minutes jaunt along the daily Trans Canada Trail route, out around Kensington park and back in time to go for sushi and Star Trek. Everything was good, except the run. I think I need to pick up new shoes as these ones are running out of time. Another couple of long runs this long weekend

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-13914514176481598902009-05-14T23:08:00.000-07:002009-05-26T15:59:59.223-07:00

Having missed lunch today was a cause for a mini-celebration - namely, I don't have to make my sandwich for tomorrow as it is already made!I also filled a water bottle to take to drink in the car on the way to workout (after having eaten my Clif Bar) and I promptly left that on the kitchen table.The lesson here kids is to not eat much and not drink much if you want to have a strong workout.After

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-79084427949565144322009-05-12T22:48:00.000-07:002009-05-12T23:02:05.080-07:00

Fatigue, meet Brad.Brad, meet fatigue.I think you have both met before, but it might have been a while ago. You may not remember each other, but I am sure you have crossed paths. Maybe last March? Before that trip out east to Boston? Yeah, that one. Right....good, I am glad that you both have the chance reconnect.My first tempo in about 5 months occurred today, after a rest day after two

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-50229243909708285282009-05-11T22:43:00.001-07:002009-05-11T22:55:57.294-07:00

I didn't expect them to win the cup, but I didn't expect seven pucks to find their way behind Luongo either. Now my bi-nightly watching of Canucks hockey has come to a screeching, unceremonious halt. I will no longer wake up neighbours with loud yells when O'Brien scores nor when Kane gets a hat-trick (note: the yell sounds very different for those two events).Every other night I now have three

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-40059665050916857432009-04-05T16:35:00.000-07:002009-04-05T16:56:14.426-07:00

The car thermometer read 18 degrees at one point today while out shopping for copious amounts of wonderful, fresh food. The weekend has been everything that the week was not - open, sunny, welcoming, and warm. Today is a day where the decision to be on the left coast is justified - you just have to get through 6 months of rain to remember.Yesterday morning was track workout which went

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-73337231157816406392009-03-28T12:10:00.000-07:002009-03-28T12:26:50.559-07:00

I have been very delinquent in updating the blog, but as one of my favourite races is tomorrow, I thought it time do so (and I have to wait for my Garmin Forerunner 405 to recharge before I go for a run).Things have been good recently. This past week saw my first back to back days of running since the injury (Monday and Tuesday) and also my return to VFAC workouts. I was surprised with my

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-36639250216479358032009-02-23T19:13:00.000-08:002009-02-23T19:42:58.958-08:00

There were many people and it was very hot. I thought that the resolutioners were suppose to leave after reading week, which was last week. But no! They were out in full force tonight and taking up lots of space, which forced me to alter my plans. I had wanted to get in a workout and then go to the treadmill, but since there was one just opening up, I didn't want to lose my chance -

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-618087099143613912009-02-14T22:25:00.001-08:002009-02-15T11:07:55.514-08:00

Vancouver was showing off today. The sun was out and the air was brisk but welcoming. The snow on Grouse was decent, especially in light of the lack of precipitation recently. We have waited out the worst of the winter out here and spirits are beginning to slowly rise. The snow has left all but the higher elevations and the sun is shining both when I leave for work and when I leave for

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-53493596330338898872009-01-14T22:57:00.000-08:002009-01-14T23:06:18.852-08:00

The snow is taking its time in leaving, making sure that we are not to forget its impact anytime soon. In the meantime, I have been back in the gym, back to Turbulence Training, taking this opportunity to do a mini-strength focus while the footing on the trails is less than ideal. Once I was back running I no longer kept up with my strength training, my focus having shifted on getting back my

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-66648116470535812892009-01-10T10:42:00.000-08:002009-01-10T11:05:35.214-08:00

I know that I have shared with everyone the video that I have submitted for the Marathon of Hope. And I have shared the email that went out in December as a call for people to participate.Well, the deadline was on Thursday and there are a number of public videos now posted. The stories are amazing. Wow. What an incredible group of people willing to take this challenge on and they each have

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-3059207837976296212009-01-08T22:57:00.000-08:002009-01-08T23:55:19.132-08:00

Happy belated new year!  I hope everyone was sufficiently festive.I have been absent from the blogosphere (I have never ever used that term before) as I have become reacquainted with Ontario winter in Vancouver.  A missed flight resulting in a great night with Sonja's parents in Toronto, a few hours of shoveling the car out from under wet snow, the abruptness of the end of the semester of

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-67450748766395459112008-12-23T14:49:00.000-08:002008-12-23T15:02:12.732-08:00

We have some intermittent internet here so I will post when I can.  After crazy flights and running across Terminal 1 of Toronto to catch a flight that was leaving without us, we ended up in Barbados only two hours behind schedule, but a little more worn.  Barbados has been nothing short of spectacular so far - clear ocean water, white sand, sun with just enough cloud to give a short respite from

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-24185241267497519202008-12-20T22:02:00.000-08:002008-12-20T22:18:13.063-08:00

 Sonja and I sit in the departure lounge of YVR wondering if the snow storms will subside prefectly and allow us free passage through to Barbados.  Yes, that's right...Barbados.  I know some of you are jealous, but don't feel too badly - I will think of you when I am running sans chemise.  Did you know that YVR has free internet?  I KNOW!  It must be one of the only Canadian airports to have

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-25402427787888162802008-12-19T22:35:00.000-08:002008-12-19T22:36:47.679-08:00

Worth the watch when you have 10 minutes to sit quietly....

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-51020022369924610062008-12-14T18:49:00.000-08:002008-12-14T21:35:50.954-08:00

A lot can happen in four seconds.You can take a picture that will change the world.  You can flip through 8 channels.You can make a buzzer beating basket.You can run 10 meters.You can die.Sorry for the seemingly melodramatic ending to that, but tonight four seconds, 10 meters, separated me from the car traveling 120 km/hr over the curb and into a tree.  I didn't see it coming as I was running

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-84792892216902842972008-12-12T16:41:00.000-08:002008-12-12T16:44:33.765-08:00

This just came across my email today and I am kind of considering it.  For those of you who have been around the blog awhile, you know my respect and admiration of Terry Fox runs deep.  Vote for what you think in the comments section.  I am on the fence about the possibility, somewhere between concern for health and financial well-being and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity....Greetings Canadian

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-17079918575023662802008-12-06T07:50:00.000-08:002008-12-06T07:53:15.985-08:00

This helps a little to explain the love that some people have with some tech things.  I am not saying that I am this way, but I am not saying I am not either.  An excerpt from the article "The iBook is dead, Long live the Macbook" written by  Leah McLaren on globeandmail.comBuying a new laptop is an emotionally harrowing experience. Never mind the expense, there's also the research, which

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-19721672763374208582008-12-04T19:20:00.000-08:002008-12-04T19:23:16.469-08:00

Running and Hiding - 1Standing up and taking responsibility - 0Inertia - 0Me - 1Scratch and Win Ticket - 1Sonja - 0Surprise - 0Amazon.ca - 1Guitar Hero World Tour - 0Me Playing Bass on Hard - 1Red Wings - 6Canucks - 5

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-38418417216827461602008-12-02T20:08:00.000-08:002008-12-02T20:44:12.616-08:00

With the arrival of December, the to-do list has grown exponentially at the exact moment that motivation is beginning to drop.  The darkness descending at 4:30pm today did nothing for my desire to do, well, anything, but I did make it out on a run.  And as it has been a while since I last posted, I will update in a manner befitting my state of mind right now, which is to say very random in nature

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-7664126618779274032008-11-17T21:13:00.000-08:002008-11-17T21:20:10.275-08:00

Tonight didn't feel great, but I think that is good.  Getting a little tired from the quality runs in the past week, so time to back off a little this week and absorb that goodness.  Tomorrow has my staying late a school, so I will miss the tempo this week, and I am not entirely sad about that.  An easy 35 minute run listening to the 60 Minutes interview with the Obama's with no rain - it's all

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-42966779546757627842008-11-15T18:11:00.000-08:002008-11-15T18:27:44.067-08:00

Back to the track this morning for the Saturday edition of the VFAC runaround.  As there is a half-marathon tomorrow, many of the usual faces were absent this morning, but one new one showed up and did quite well in his early return to training.  It was great to have Nick Hastie joining us for 9 x 300m, but what a shock to the system it must have been, as it was definitely one for me.  I saw Nick

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-43762704392034007272008-11-14T19:39:00.000-08:002008-11-14T19:54:04.295-08:00

The Thetis Lake relays were fun, but difficult.  I remembered why it is supposed to be a relay - four loops was fun at the start, but crushing at the end.  It was great to see friends - Hicham and Jaymie were gracious and wonderful hosts - and run together for loop at least (Hi Mike!).  I don't regret going in the least, but I really wish the VFAC boys had been able to come over, especially after

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-74465963883215645502008-11-11T08:48:00.000-08:002008-11-11T09:36:01.100-08:00

Saturday saw me up at 4:22 am in preparation for my second crack at the Haney to Harrison 100k Relay and Ultra.  For some, my wake up time was their start time as they ran the first 3 hours of their 100k race in the dark.  For those of us who are little less inspired, we were meeting our teammates in Haney, BC for our 6:30am start.The Haney to Harrison is an 8 person relay that covers the 100k

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-68040022088046020452008-11-04T21:41:00.001-08:002008-11-04T21:50:01.732-08:00

The past two runs have been in the afternoon, which is now more like nighttime.  I was out the door by 4:30 for both runs, btu came home in the dark.  The extra hour of sleep was welcomed, but it is time to break out the headlamp again.Tonight was a 10k tempo which I did up at Lower Seymour.  I had my geeky tech toys ready to go this time, but with the darkness descending my watch became useless

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-22178034184973011322008-11-01T18:22:00.000-07:002008-11-01T18:54:24.090-07:00

Not the funny Sarah Palin kind, but rather the running kind.This week of running was all about intensity.  Coming off two weekend races last week, I jumped into an 11k tempo on Tuesday.  Sonja and I headed over to Lower Seymour to run along the paved riding/rollerblading/running road that I used briefly last year for my tempos.  It was a beautiful night and the colours of the leaves out here are

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-52698322152481979692008-10-26T12:45:00.000-07:002008-10-26T13:02:15.469-07:00

Two races in two days.  I love the Hallow's Eve race, not only because it is a beautiful course, but because the costumes are pretty amazing.  I am not one for dressing up - I went as a runner - but I appreciate those who do find the time and inspiration to do so.  Kudos to the Harry Potter look-alike! Last year I ran the Half-Marathon portion of this event, but this year I chose to race the 10k.

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-91614902730778767902008-10-25T18:45:00.000-07:002008-10-25T20:48:35.516-07:00

What follows are pictures from Sonja's afternoon at the BC Cross Country Championships.  I ran well and finished where I thought I would.  I am pleased with the effort, especially since it was the  longest race I have done in my return to running.  Enjoy the best of Stanley Park in October....

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-90421407667202500432008-10-18T16:10:00.000-07:002008-10-18T16:55:16.398-07:00

The Totem Pole at Cates Park in North Vancouver (Photo Credit - http://tjguy98.blogspot.com)6.3k of cross country bliss today at the Frank Reynolds Memorial Cross Country race at Cates Park in North Vancouver.  It was a good race for me as I felt strong throughout, building throughout the first lap, being conservative during the second lap and pushing throughout the third and final lap.  Not a

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-39077899923769674672008-10-16T23:06:00.000-07:002008-10-16T23:18:48.402-07:00

Yes, at this time, I am writing to you from my new Macbook.  I went to the Vancouver Apple Store tonight to get it, but the one I was going to buy was sold out by the time I arrived.   Ten minutes before I arrived to be exact.  I wanted to get the 2.4 ghz Macbook, but had been waffling over it as the only true advantage was the backlit keyboard, which I don't think that I would ever really need.

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-36520856910087004542008-10-07T17:32:00.000-07:002008-10-07T17:56:23.747-07:00

As in short, not as in underpants (although I just picked up some new Icebreaker merino wool ones - fantastic, let me tell you!).Running has been going well.  I did not race this past weekend as I was in Whistler with Sonja and her parents.  It was a relaxing weekend, and gave me a little rest from the race circuit.  However, the VFAC workout on last Thursday was encouraging.  It was 4 miles

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-51255812100316436372008-09-28T22:58:00.001-07:002008-09-28T23:01:35.022-07:00

Just a quick note to say that the race on Saturday went well.  I ran within myself and had a decent result.  I held a faster pace than the week prior; however, the course was much easier and very runnable.  I finished second, running most of the race with the two guys I did the week before.  It is cool to see the same faces and have fun battles week in and week out.  This week was the first week

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-69463257154152090172008-09-26T22:25:00.000-07:002008-09-26T22:48:29.581-07:00

Last night was my return to the VFAC fold as I met up with the crew in the dimming light of Stanley Park.  After the cross country race on the weekend, I knew that I was able to run the workouts, but I was unsure as to how well I would be able to run them.  Survival may be the order of the day, or the evening as it were.I was pleased to see Jay again after hearing about his running exploits.  

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-78629501375330824612008-09-24T19:27:00.000-07:002008-09-24T19:45:50.950-07:00

I was doing my daily perusal of blogs when I noticed that Liam has a new blog list on his blog.  The sidebar actually indicates when the listed blog was last updated.  I appreciate that Liam has my blog on his list, but when I saw that I last updated my blog four days ago, I felt shame.  Shame lead to action and thus this update.The recovery from the race has gone well.  It was only an 8k race,

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-64065785486658267942008-09-20T13:34:00.001-07:002008-09-21T11:40:46.633-07:00

Abstract: I completed my first race since breaking my foot on July 12.  The race was not fast, but it was successful in that I was in it and my foot felt good. Yes.  You read correctly.  Race report.  That would indicate that the foot is feeling good after the first outdoor run at Burnaby Lake on Wednesday.  It did.  And I raced.  And it was hard.(Follow this link to the see the GPS and map and

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-18197807353266500092008-09-17T20:58:00.000-07:002008-09-17T21:11:04.329-07:00

Burnaby Lake trailsUnfortunately, due to a cold, the friends that Sonja and I were to meet for our run had to send their regrets.  However, that did not stop Sonja and I from making our way to Burnaby Lake for a little run - my first true run outside since the morning of July 12.  Vancouver has been blessed recently with summer weather, but it is supposed to disappear tomorrow, so we enjoyed our

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-68310767833196721622008-09-15T22:51:00.000-07:002008-09-15T22:58:31.754-07:00

That was supposed to follow the tune to "School's out forever!", but doesn't quite work.  Oh well.As a result of being thrust back to the front of the classroom, removed unwillingly from my summer, I have been remiss in updating the blog.  I have, however, been training still, going to the gym for my every other day dose of Turbulence Training, followed by 30 minutes on the treadmill.  I have

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-47132559613231433452008-09-06T21:57:00.000-07:002008-09-08T17:34:02.013-07:00

As I stood in circle with Ross Taylor, Kelly Guest, and Jordan Bryden comparing war wounds (Ross once had a 17 inch rod in his femur; Kelly and Joran both have had broken elbows with pins and wires; my comparatively wimpy non-displaced fracture of the 5th metatarsal), I realized that overall I have been quite lucky in my athletic career.  I have been involved in many different sports and all I

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-2495816195607847042008-09-04T21:40:00.000-07:002008-09-04T21:50:52.033-07:00

I think that is a good sign.  When I first got back to running, I loved the treadmill.  The 10 minutes passed quickly and with a smile on my face.  Even the next few times I went on the tready it was easy and fun.  Just running was fun at that point.Tonight I began to watch the clock.  I wanted the minutes to pass faster.  I wanted to be done and off.  This is good because it means that I am

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-66529254786985151452008-09-03T19:19:00.000-07:002008-09-03T19:29:35.628-07:00

Today was the first day of classes and it went well.  My throat is a little sore, as it usually is after the first day of teaching.  So much talking after a summer of relative quiet wears the vocal chords out a little, roughing them up.  They adapt pretty quickly, but until then it is zinc lozenges.Not much activity today - a day off.  Some Wii Fit games and maybe I will challenge my virtual

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-2821122483336983692008-09-02T20:58:00.000-07:002008-09-02T21:08:25.855-07:00

Hurried for time due to our chance at winning a new home in the PNE draw tonight, Sonja and I quickly completed our Turbulence Training workouts.  It was good because we have wanted to see how quickly the workouts could be done, but never had incentive to rush until this evening.  I was done the strength part of the workout in little over 30 minutes, but then went to buy salmon from the fish

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-22150321341276965722008-09-01T21:53:00.000-07:002008-09-01T22:04:30.619-07:00

Welcome back, Kotter!  A show that was on while I was alive, but too young to watch.  I have been told that my longer-haired self resembles Kotter, and it is said that I work with the Sweathogs, but I should watch some of the classic television series to see the comparisons for myself.Tomorrow is the first day of school and while I am excited, I am sad to be leaving vacation mode.  I had a

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-60546666666510327292008-08-31T19:21:00.000-07:002008-08-31T19:22:25.563-07:00

but may whoever oversees this planet please be merciful on New Orleans.

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-39114162159972812912008-08-31T18:55:00.000-07:002008-08-31T19:19:50.875-07:00

2% grade for 22 minutes, with the least amount of pain thus far. I wanted to step up the pace to faster than the 4:23 min/km I was going, but held off, keeping in mind that I am not building fitness at this time, but rather I am trying to get my foot used to running again.I also completed Workout A from The Original Turbulence Training program by Bally. I am kind of getting back into the idea

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-78124487937096256742008-08-30T12:48:00.000-07:002008-08-30T13:25:37.642-07:00

I have been able to pull my x-ray images off the disc I was given, and they are now here for you to enjoy.  The fracture is in the 5th metatarsal (the long bone of the baby toe).  I have a hard time seeing it, but if there are any medical professional who care to comment, please feel free.July 12 - the day of the fractureAugust 23 - 6 weeks after the fractureI ran for 20 minutes on the treadmill

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-78570372262974461672008-08-29T15:34:00.000-07:002008-08-29T17:10:21.617-07:00

before school begins anew.  I am looking forward to being back, but will miss the summer.  It takes about 4 weeks to really settle into the lack of bells and routine, so I have been basking in unstructured life for the last 3 weeks.  It seems to soon to be subservient to the relentless ringing of the computerized bell; two days back it will seem as though we never left.  However, that is not to

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-13562115307646220122008-08-26T20:06:00.001-07:002008-08-26T20:13:41.058-07:00

After finishing my workout from Craig Ballantyne at Turbulence Training at the gym this morning, I wandered over to the treadmill to see how things felt today. I started conservatively, but slowly turned up the speed, topping out at 8 min/mile this time. My running felt relatively smooth and fluid, surprising for the amount of time that I have not been actually running. I think that the

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-36723288964493887232008-08-25T08:36:00.000-07:002008-08-25T11:44:16.581-07:00

Sonja and I had decided to go to Tofino for a couple of days this week, but after looking at the weather forecast, we decided that staying closer to home might be better. Dryer, warmer, better. Tofino is amazing, but we will go in better weather (or go specifically for the storms).That means that I will get the opportunity to continue with my cross training and RUNNING. Yes, you read it here

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-60612473131801999632008-08-21T07:36:00.000-07:002008-08-21T07:37:34.734-07:00

From an email I just sent to Mr. Whitfield....I was in renewing my car insurance and when I mentioned to the agent helping me that I had just moved to Burnaby in the last year. My agent, of Chinese descent with perfect yet slightly accented english, asked me where I had lived before. I told him Victoria. He queried me further as to why I had lived there - "Education?" he asked - but I told

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-88725265311441022512008-08-20T10:40:00.000-07:002008-08-20T10:43:49.079-07:00

Got back from Toronto on Monday.Saw Radiohead at UBC on Tuesday.Had my first audition for a commercial on Wednesday.My goodness, what does Thursday have in store?

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-57565038187643338662008-08-10T19:54:00.000-07:002008-08-10T21:06:53.830-07:00

So, this was what I was supposed to be writing...Today went well.  I felt controlled and let Bob take the early lead.  30 seconds separate us, but I just wanted to cruise for the first stage, knowing that the real race starts after the rest day.  The weather was great for running and it was great to see old friends.  However, what I am writing is...Today went well.  I actually took a few (little)

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-16567381664252127032008-07-25T18:58:00.000-07:002008-07-25T23:11:47.918-07:00

Things are coming along well.  The first week was about healing and recovery, trying to sort out what I was going to do and when I might be back.  This second week has also been about healing, but more importantly it has been about putting together a plan to strengthen my weaknesses and be fit when I am ready to start running again.I was able to get over to Victoria for a bunch of appointments on

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-83115973401515712482008-07-19T15:26:00.000-07:002008-07-19T15:58:44.227-07:00

This time last week I was in an emergency room, awaiting a cast which was not to come.  Dried sweat was on my skin and I was unsure of what the next few months had in store.A week later, I am confident in my recovery and I am actually surprised at how good my foot feels.  I have been following the recovery given to me by the first doctor to see me (standard stuff - ice for the first 72 hours,

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-10145690625631397752008-07-18T17:00:00.000-07:002008-07-18T17:13:31.299-07:00

The drive across Ironworkers' Bridge at 4:00am.The morning started out beautiful.  The drive across the bridge at 4:20am was serene and the sky was starting to move from black to blue.  The silhouettes of the mountains I was about to traverse was actually inspiring, not frightening.  Everything was great and I was on time.  The mountains are just silhouettes, waiting to be crossed.But only

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-271084101493365552008-07-17T18:46:00.001-07:002008-07-17T18:49:43.512-07:00

Six days already!  Wow, time flies when you have a broken foot.Seriously, the time has gone quickly.  I have been watching the Tour de France, rehabbing as best I can, and getting school preparation done.  I have also hobbled around a little, but I mean a little.  It ain't easy.BUT!!!  I am hobbling almost flat-footed now.  I am hoping to hear back about my x-rays tomorrow, and go from there.  I

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-9796042717913598802008-07-16T21:08:00.000-07:002008-07-16T21:45:40.173-07:00

Just a quick update about how the foot is progressing.  I iced it for the first 72 hours and I have now moved into contrast baths.  That means that I have a cooler full of ice water and a bowl full of warm water beside each other.  I put my foot in the warm water for 5 minutes and then the cold water for 1 minute.  I continue this, taking 1 minute off the warm water each time until I am down to 1

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-24338355248372849312008-07-12T02:45:00.000-07:002008-07-12T03:15:04.260-07:00

I don't like this habit I seem to be forming.  Throughout my life I have always had the ability to sleep.  If nothing else, I have been able to sleep through most things.  Hurricanes, car crashes, sirens, TV.  You name it, I could sleep through it.For my past couple of big races - Iceland and Boston to be specific - I have not slept well.  I don't know how I have contracted this late onset

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-22691475735516839432008-06-29T08:22:00.000-07:002008-06-29T08:38:57.546-07:00

Terry at SFUTerry in Victoriaand the living is easy.  With the sun out and finally showing off its strength, I ran to Terry again.  This time, however, I left the road and followed the Trans-Canada Trail to the top of Burnaby Mountain.  It was a run which never felt good, but was neither slow nor bad.  I hit a rhythm pretty quickly and just held it for the duration of the 84 minute run.  I am

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-52912483930191023192008-06-28T14:53:00.000-07:002008-06-28T15:07:14.107-07:00

Sonja and I went to Cirque du Soliel last night.  We were treated to a wonderful performance of their Corteo show.  It is a little more traditional circus (complete with little people and a giant) than other Cirque shows, but I enjoyed that aspect.  I was amazed at what could be put together underneath a tarp - the mechanics of the stage and set were incredible.  Overall, an amazing show and it

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-15962539620625496102008-06-25T20:54:00.000-07:002008-06-25T21:36:11.976-07:00

Running makes sense.  Most of the time.  You move forward.  Quickly, some of the time.  Left, Right, Left.  Arms move opposite to your legs.  The faster you go, the harder it is.  But, for running, I would suggest that is about it as far as basic technique is concerned.Golf is a different story.  You do the same thing twice and you get enormously different results.  Since there is a different

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-25473327222804769662008-06-24T22:09:00.000-07:002008-06-24T22:37:44.673-07:00

In Victoria I had a recovery run along the waterfront that passed the bronze statue of Terry Fox.  Terry, long a hero of mine, was brought to Victoria by Rob Reid a couple of years ago.  Since his arrival, I used the monument at Mile Zero as a ritual.  During my waterfront runs, I would run by and rub Terry's left foot for good luck and to take a moment to think about how any suffering I have

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-15181206773315008562008-06-23T17:00:00.000-07:002008-06-23T21:47:42.180-07:00

Here is the ubiquitous "Sorry I haven't blogged in ages" line.  Now that that is out of the way...I raced Comfortably Numb again this year.  Last year, this was a watershed race for me.  In coming third, I ran faster than the previous course record.  The bad part was that my good friend Adam Campbell ran faster than I did and thus set the new course record.  Adam, a stellar runner and

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459571.post-81972739030654502842008-06-05T18:11:00.000-07:002008-06-05T19:05:06.115-07:00

The best line of the day came over the announcements first thing this morning."Hey Everyone!  Welcome to June-uary!"10 degrees and pouring rain.  This, my dear friends, is what we call pathetic fallacy.  The Iron Knee is a great race.  There was great weather (last weekend, prior to the fours day of grey and rain).  A new course record.  And Simon did a great job as race director.  I had a decent

Brad Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267369770264365881noreply@blogger.com0