Back on the (t)rails

Exams are done and I'm back in Mount Hope until next weekend, when I head to Ottawa for my final co-op term. I'm pretty psyched about the move to Ottawa- it's a fantastic city and from looking at maps of the area surrounding my place, there will be a bunch of options for good running. This is especially exciting because running this week has left me more optimistic than I've felt since May. 

Unfortunately, a lot of potential miles were not run this summer because of the niggles I struggled with. I started this blog with a goal of logging the most volume I ever have during the summer months, but in reality this was probably one of the lowest mileage base phases I've run in the past 5 years. The good news is that I don't feel completely out of shape, and as a result my confidence isn't completely shot. Part of this comes from experience- two years ago my summer base phase was inadequate as I spent my time keeping afloat during a school term. I ramped things up in late August and came into the 2010 season with low expectations, but surprised myself with good runs in Guelph and London in September, and eventually coasted off my unexpected good form to land a spot at CI's (where I ran terribly as a result of the same foot issue that has plagued me as a late). 

As of today, there are 12 weeks until the CIS Cross Country Championships. I want to be on the start line in London, and I want six of my teammates there with me. I can't say what kind of team performance it will take for us to get there, but I know individually I will have to be in the best shape of my life. Is this possible given my limited timeframe? I'm not sure, and my expectations have been tempered by the setbacks I've had. But I remain hopeful! 

My tentative racing schedule for the fall is as follows: 

Sept. 15: Queen's Invite @ Queen's 

Sept. 29: Don Mills Open @ Waterloo

Oct. 13: Vic Matthews Open @ Guelph

Oct. 27: OUA championships @ York

Nov. 10: CIS championships @ Western 

I've decided that making the trip down to London the third week of September simply isn't worth it. It's a long bus or train ride down just to run while I'm unfit, and I can use the weekend to continue building my fitness. As I already known the generic features of the Thames Valley course, I also don't feel like I'm missing out by avoiding an early season preview. 

I expect my first two races at Queen's and Waterloo will be underwhelming, but I'm hoping by Guelph things will be coming together.  If the season doesn't pan out as planned, I'll have 12 weeks of good training in my legs in preparation for the indoor season.