iPhone video Take 1 - Back on Track @ LOC

Went climbing outside (it had been about 2 months) with a small crew around LOC. It was fun!!
When will I go back out? Who knows... School work continues for a few more weeks then winter break. Can't wait. Here's a quick clip of Nate's first go on Back on Track on the Scoop boulder.
G

Finish line in Central Park

Tomorrow is the big marathon day. Here is the finish line I will be running towards.
G

no strike!

Yes they avoided a strike. That means that all the work we put off for later this week during strike break has to be done pronto! Projects, assignments, tests. So that means still no climbing. I might be able to visit the prestigious Ice Box bouldering facility this week so that is motivating. Grades? They use new age grades there which is why they scare most climbers away.
Running is still happening despite last week's iliotibial band injury. I've come up with a plan to run the marathon (knock on wood) with my training program. I am now running with a pace of 6.5min per km which is slower but causes less stress on my right knee. I am also taking short strides to reduce the friction between the band and my knee. I have 13 days left before the marathon and I read that they have medical staff every few miles along the course so I am good to go.

Oh and I am still happier being in school than working in the snow like 2 years ago. Snow is coming soon I can feel it. Bouldering season might be short this fall.

G

thanksgiving, college strike, and running

Fiona about to go on her first ATV ride. (and my dad talking about trails, maybe?)

Last weekend we went to a cottage for Thanksgiving and things were relax. Finally a break from school life. Things there have been super busy with tests, projects, and assignments. BUT now the NSCC teachers are going to go on strike this Tuesday (Oct.20). No more classes and negociations don't look too good up to now. We are going to continue with projects on our own but no more classes for who knows how long. I am planning on finally going climbing outside. Even though I haven't had time to climb in the last 2 months I still read online what is going on in NB and NS and it's sort of sad how much time people spend worrying and arguing. Next week I think I will go out climbing alone and find some new boulders like old times.
On the marathon preparations I had an incident yesterday on my run. I had to stop at 12km because of a sharp pain on the outside of my knee. I'm now stretching in goal of being able to run without the same pain. Oh and my plane ticket is non-refundable...
G

NYC marathon training

Life has returned to the busy schedule of college life. One more year then it's all over. Fiona and I will get married next August then relocate to Calgary for work. This year I have a full course load leaving less time for climbing and other stuff. November 1st I will be in NYC for my first time and will run the marathon. That is 26 miles or 42.5km. I estimate it will take me between 4 and 4.5 hours. For this marathon I am also raising donations for the wine for water organization. If you would like to sponsor me click here or email me at glosier at gmail dot com.
For training I have been increasing 5km each run and commuting to class by BMX. I would like to emphasize that I am not a runner and the last time I trained for running was four years ago for the Rome marathon where I ran 8 times leading up to the event!

G

New sport routes

Bolted 4 new short sport routes at Columbus wall today. I did all 4 and they range from 5.10 up to 5.12, I think! Fun climbing on cool holds unique for our granite. Headed to New Brunswick this weekend for a family reunion. I have to run more, only 7 weeks before NYC and I've only run 4km!!
G

Columbus wall bolting

Today I had planned on bolting a hard project at Columbus wall. When I got to the top I took a second look at what is called the "headpointing wall". It is short. About 25-30' at the center. There are 3 lines on the far right shorter side that were soloed 10 yrs ago and are listed in the guidebook. I started eyeing some face climbs in the middle of the wall. At first I debated on bolting this wall but after climbing the lines I was very happy I decided to go for it. I bolted one line (3 bolts) that I guessed would be around 5.10 but once I redpointed it felt more like 5.11+. I almost finished bolting another line to the right but halfway done I noticed my drill bit had melted!! Done! I'll have to go back with a new bit and more bolts. There should be a good stack of sport lines on this short wall when I'm done which is rare for around Halifax. I think new climbers will enjoy this wall.
G