The skinny to make me skinnier

Throughout my life, I have always been active.

Whether playing in hockey or baseball leagues, golfing with friends, hitting the gym, or enjoying pathways on rollerblades or by foot, I seemed to at least get in the minimum recommended amount of physical activity on a daily basis.

But since I started working full time, I've noticed I've been a bit more stationary that I have been in the past.

Long hours, the lack of a consistent schedule, and my love of a good night's rest were all excuses as to why I was only exercising twice a week. But they were not good excuses.

Last year, I ran my first two 10k races to moderate success -- finishing the Ottawa race in 57:04 and Muskoka one in 54:56 -- and figured entering more of them would push me to get in better shape for the summer.

Dan On The Run (named based on the classic tune by Paul McCartney & Wings) will not only document my own personal training experiences as I prepare for my first run in Mississauga on May 15, but will feature advice from a variety of sources about a host of issues.

Advice from medical experts, running clubs, physical trainers, nutritionists, and psychologists will all be sought as I try to combat typical running injuries, learn proper form and training schedules, maximize my performance via cross-training, eat right, and pick my ideal music playlist for my runs.

In addition to my Mississauga race, I will be competing in Ottawa on May 29 and in the Barrhaven Run for Roger's House on June 12. The grand finale is likely to include photos and video of my exploits for http://www.yourottawaregion.com/.

Well since there's no backing out now, I might as well set some goals. My aim is to crack the following times:

Mississauga: 55:00
Ottawa: 52:30
Barrhaven: 50:00

With exactly one month until my first race, I know I have my work cut out for me. At the very least, I'm hopefully runners both, new and experienced, can learn something from this blog that will help them master the roads and trails.

So enjoy my adventure and happy running!