We just received a coupon from Sears for a discount on any vacation package to Boston. What are the odds? The timing couldn't be better for us since I'll be running in the Boston Marathon while Jack cheers me on!

I can't believe it! I am on the ultimate runners high! Today I ran my heart out at the Toronto International Marathon to qualify for the next Boston Marathon!

I completed the 42km run in 4:10. This was 5 minutes under the qualification time for women ages 55 - 59. A whole summer worth of training - hills, sprints, fartleks and it all paid off. I have to thank Jack for all his support during it all.

I look forward to training for the 109th running of the BOSTON MARATHON on April 18, 2005. Wow - I am still amazed. Jack and I will look into booking flights through Sears Travel. But now, I will rest.

For years I only wore Saucony running shoes. This spring, I noticed I was experiencing pain in my arch. After speaking with professionals and trying on just about every make of runners I settled on the Adidas Supernova Cushion.



I love my new shoes. Not only are they lightweight - they also provide ample support for runners, who like me, have very high arches. The shoes are well conditioned, comfortable and supportive.

The shoes contain Adidas patented adiPRENE: a highly shock absorbant material used to cushion and protect the heel ipon impact and adiPRENE +: a highly resilient material used to cushion the forefoot and provide a responsive, dynamic toe-off.

After my long runs, I take advantage of a reward I bought for completing the Scotiabank Half Marathon. I went to Sears and purchased the Dr. Scholl's Foot Spa Plus with Infared Heat.



It is amazing. I switch between the two plates (foot rollers, accunodes) and after 15 minutes, I feel I could run again!

That is the best thing about running. As an avid traveler and runner, I get the best of both worlds. Why would I run when I am on vacation? There are several reasons:

- Time zone changes can tire your body. A quick run can provide a much-needed burst of energy. A longer run can slow you down and make it easier to rest and catch up with the time zone.
- If you love to eat and indulge in all kinds of local delicacies - adding a quick run provides you with guilt-free opportunity to indulge in Italian gelato, Spanish tapas, English fish and chips and Floridian key lime pie. Incorporating a quick run into your travel ensures that you will still be able to fit into your clothes when you return from vacation.
- Exhilarating tour of the local landscape. An early morning run provides the opportunity to meet locals and to expereince the landscape, roads, bridges, paths without other tourists and traffic.
- Enhanced performance. Enhance your performance by running in the sand along the beach, up and down rolling hills in Ireland, in higher and lower climates.
- Race all over the world. Google the city and dates you will be visiting and take the opportunity to register for a local run. Jack and I were recently in Florida and I had the chance to enter in an 8km evening road race for a local Cuban charity. The race was as incredible as the paella and music offered by the community members to the participants.

Still not convinced? Try visiting Runner's World and peruse their over 75 recommended runs in cities around the world - from Brussels, Belgium to Tokyo, Japan.

  As I mentioned I have taken up golf so I invested in my first set of clubs. I opted for a set that wasn’t too pricey. Once my game improves I will purchase a better set.

I found them online on the Sears site again. The set includes:

#1, 3 woods and #3, 5, 7, 9 irons with oversized, titanium matrix heads for greater distance and accuracy, plus a cavity-back putter. All-weather tour-style grip. Lightweight steel shafts on all clubs. Made in Canada.

Watch out Jack! You’ll get getting some competition now!

I have just started to learn how to play. Jack of course has been playing for years. But I was thinking maybe of taking a mini golfing getaway.

At any rate, when we bought the Sears Travel membership, they supplied us with a slew of coupons to use. I went on their site and they have a whole area dedicated to golf vacations.

I am thinking this may be just what I am looking for:

Exclusive Taboo Golf Package

	TABOO RESORT GOLF CONFERENCE CENTRE – MUSKOKA May Golf/Spa Package $199.001 night/1 round of golf or Spa Credit The home course of Mike Weir and Ontario’s #1 golf Course, Taboo’s 7200 yards are meticulously carved from the majestic Canadian Shield. The Result is a beautiful and challenging course that is quickly becoming popular among discerning golfers worldwide. This is Golf. This is Taboo.
Package Includes:   3 nights accommodation (Lodge Room)  3 rounds of golf in 3 night package (Taboo)  Shared golf carts  Advance tee times  Compact rental car with unlimited mileage Not Included:  Fuel, tax and insurance for rental car

As a runner, you want to make sure that your feet are spending just enough time on the ground. Too long or too short and you can cause stress on your muscels.

Your goal: 45 steps by your left foot in 30 seconds.

What does this mean? Your left foot should ht the ground 45 times in 30 seconds. Start your stopwatch and begin to count. Stop your watch and look at how long it took you to reach 45 steps. It if is 30 seconds, you have an optimal stride.

To correct your stride, run with someone who meets the goal and try to mimic his or her stride rate. Some other great tips can be found here.

I have to credit Dr. John Definney with all his help and for this tip about correcting your stride rate.

I have decided that I want to participate in the 2005 Boston Marathon. I need to achieve a qualifying time of 4:15 for 42km. I have four months to train (which is when the Toronto International Marathon happens).

Jack is forever my supportive cheerleader. Wish me luck!