Martin Parnell battled Mother Nature last week as he prepares for his 150km run in honour of Canada's 150th Anniversary on May 27.

Parnell, says while he rarely checks weather reports, last week proved to be arduous. "I got hit on Wednesday with a big downpour and a big dump (of snow) on Thursday, basically on Thursday I wanted to do 30km but I got to 22 and I was soaking wet, I was cold. Winter was back with vengeance."

This week Martin will not only be looking for blue sky and drier conditions but started off his week running a marathon in honour of Kathrine Switzer the first woman to ever run the Boston Marathon in 1967.

"This morning she ran it again, the 50th anniversary, a huge day in running history. As I say, she was the first woman to ever run it 50 years ago and this year there are over 13,000 women running the Boston Marathon."

As Martin moves into week six, his sight is set on seeing the needle move on his fundraising goal. Parnell who wholeheartedly supports Right To Play, is hoping Cochranites will jump on board and help him reach $5000.

"We are at $1350 toward the $5000 mark, we are at a time now where I would really like folks to believe in what I am doing and that it's worthwhile, anything helps. Fifty dollars gives any child a Right To Play program for one year, so if people can support what I'm doing that would be fantastic."

As Parnell heads into week 6 he is still in the high peak of training, "we are in the heart of the big mileage right now, this is the key time this week and the following week to get the mileage in before we start tapering." Parnell, adds cross training helps him remain injury free, "very important to do cross training to get the body moving not just running. I do lane swimming and I do core work, and especially in summer I do a bit of bike riding so it's important to mix it up."

This week's advice is to goal set, whether you are a seasoned runner or just getting off the couch, Parnell has some great tips.

"Set a goal; the reason I am doing all this crazy mileage is I have set a goal of running the Calgary Marathon 150km ultra but for anyone starting off, whether off the couch or hasn't run in awhile, I would suggest looking at the Calgary Marathon 5km walk or run if you want to give it a shot . Pick a goal, if you did a 5km last year maybe look at the 10km, always look for something to shoot for and that will give impetus for your training."