Crazy Thought; Running Times; Marathon Predictor Time; Midsummer Night's Run

1.) Crazy Thought

I've been having a crazy thought the past 2 days of running 2 marathons in 3 weeks (Toronto Waterfront and Toronto Marathon). I think I am finally coming to my senses -- the risk is too great for injury along with why the rush? I thought of using the Toronto Marathon more like an LSD but the hills will be brutal. I've signed up for the Toronto Waterfront in late September. I leaning towards the Toronto half marathon 3 weeks later. That'll be doable -- and give me a chance to improve on getting under 2 hours for a half marathon. I need to remind myself of the rule of thumb -- 1 mile recovery for each day.

2.) Running Times Magazine

Running Times magazine has a promotion of $1.50 Canadian per issue. I signed up for 2 years. Subscription starts in 4-6 weeks. https://secure.rodale.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/OaeEntryPage?storeId=10057&keycode=I89W0008&mktOfferId=RNT18171

3.) Marathon Predictor Time

I entered my half marathon PB at the Chilly from last month (2 hours, 3 minutes, 53 seconds). My projected marathon finish time is 4 hours, 23 minutes, 22 seconds. I then entered my recent ATB 30 K time of 3 hours, 14 minutes, 24.4 seconds. My projected marathon finish time is 4 hours, 42 minutes, 57 seconds. I'm aiming for 4 hours 30 minutes on the downhill decline Mississauga Marathon.

http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=6765

4.) Midsummer Night's Run

Signed up yesterday for the 30 K on August 22, 2009 -- just in time for the March 31st deadline of $49.00. Race starts earlier this year at 5:30 pm. Hope to finish by 9 pm (which isn't really dark).

ATB 30 K Race Report

Bib Pick-Up - Friday March 27

Left work immediately and got on the road at about 3:40 pm. Arrived in Hamilton at 5:45 pm. The traffic was fine until reaching Oakville which was stop-and-go. Picked up my bib and time-chip slightly after 6:00 pm. Got a "glance" of the expo - I did purchase 4 car stickers from www.onemoremile.net (got 2 of the 26.2). It cost $9.00 total (buy 3 get 1 free):





The trek back home was much better as it only took me 50 minutes without having to stop. I imagine there were quite a few people such as myself who had to make the trek to Hamilton just to pick-up the bib and then go back home - waste of time and waste of gas.


Race Day - Sunday, March 29, 2009

Awoke to rain (as forecasted). This is my first race in rain. I opted to wear my Toronto Maple Leafs cap for protection from the rain. I also wore my Running Room jacket and my Mississauga Marathon tech shirt. I wore my "The Grip" shorts since the weather was +6C (and I didn't want to have my pants potentially soaking wet).

I arrived in Hamilton with about 40 minutes until the start of the race at 9:30 am. Unfortunately, finding a parking spot was very challenging. I recall seeing free parking in municipal lots a couple of days ago. I was appauled to find out being charged $10.00 to park across the street from the Copps Collesium. I went to another lot and they charged $20.00. I drove around and couldn't find anything. Eventually, I found a lot that cost $5.00; fortunately, the ticket machine was out of order so another person told me not to worry about it and park free - which I did. I put a note in the dash board of the issue. I quickly put on my bib and time chip (which is a commemorative version that you get to keep after the race). I should have tied it to my shoe at home:



With 8 minutes to spare, I slowly ran for 0.92 K to the start line. I was a bit worried I would be late - fortunately, I wasn't! By the time I arrived at the start line, the gun had already gone. It was raining slightly at this time. Here's a photo I retrieved from the Hamilton Spectator newspaper:



Here is the route:



The first 10 K was through the streets of Hamilton. I didn't find it scenic. Beginning at 11 K, Lake Ontario was visible -- wind cause lots of waves. We ran over a bridge and I had to becareful not to fall. The first 18 K was rather flat. Then there were rolling hills (with rather steep uphill and then downhill). That went on for about 4 of 5 K. Then the well known steep hill climb on Valley Inn Road (I did run half of it and walked for breaks). Afterwards, it was a downhill incline to the finish line. The downward incline into Copps Collesium was quite steep with a sharp turn - good thing I didn't fall. While running to the finish line, I heard my name on the announcement. It really is cool that the jumbotrone views you outside approaching the collesium and at the finish line.

I'm thrilled to note that I had a strong race. The part with the uphills from 18 K to 23 K were tough. Of course the super uphill climb was very tough but it's good hill training (my original plan was to walk the entire infamous hill but I ended up walking whenver I needed a break).

Water stations were about every 3 K (not the 5 K as advertised) so I eventually disposed of my water bottle. I took 2 cups of Gatorade at each fluid station. I used the fluid stations as my walk breaks. Although my Garmin was set for 10:1, when I had a walk break, I would use about 45 seconds of it (with the rest made up at the fluid station).

Excellent spectator turnout, volunteers at the fluid stations, police officers, and medical tents. The room to race was plentiful, unlike some of the other races. I knew the big hill was coming with hearing the Queen's song from afar. I gave the guy a "high five". Near the top of the hill was a man dressed up as Super Man so I gave him a "high five" too. I kept on the lookout for the Grim Reeper and gave him a "high five" as well. He said, "You are dead". The banner to the ATB race was hung on one of the major streets and Hamilton seems proud to host this race. Only disappointment was the post-food which was water, Gatorade, an orange, and 2 pitas.

Gun Time = 3:19:29.2
Chip Time = 3:14:24.2 (the first 3 digits of Pi)
Gun Pace = 6:39
Finished #3571 out of 4916 runners
Age Category #304 out of 374
Gender Category #2121 out of 2617
Splits:
- @10 K = 1:12:31
- @15 K = 1:45:33
- @20 K = 2:16:05




Rest day until Wednesday for a slow recovery run (so I don't forget how to run ;-) ). Want to get the LSD to the marathon distance of 42.2 K to give me confidence of being able to run that distance. Mississauga should be great as there won't be steep hills :-)

YTD = 470.47 K

10:1 (x5)

7.10 K run this morning before work. Tomorrow after work will travel to Hamilton to pick-up bib. Then Sunday is the ATB 30 K.

TYD = 439.51 K

Got in a 10:1 (x5) run before work. Loved it -- the endorphins set in and "woke" me up. Been feeling a bit tired after a week off and back to work at school. Love running...planning to do it again tomorrow (maybe morning - otherwise after work). 6.50 K today :-)

YTD = 432.37 K

LSD 10:1 (x17) on Bud's 2nd Birthday

Intended to do my LSD yesterday but woke up late :-| Did my LSD this morning bright and early (okay, sun not up yet). Okay, the sun didn't make an appearance until after my run was over. That doesn't mean I started super early but it was overcast ;-)

Have had an "ache" in my left foot for the past few days that has been bugging me -- nervous since Around the Bay 30 K is next Sunday. Fortunately (super happy!) there was no issue with my LSD today. I opted for running a half marathon distance (ended up with 23.00 K instead) since I wanted to taper and to spend more time with the birthday boy. He's 2 years old today and currently napping on my bed as I type! YTD = 425.87 K.

10:1 (x5)

Got in another 6.32 K this morning -- warm weather; supposed to be rain but it was overcast :-) Slow and relaxing run (and enjoyable). I made it over 400 K :-)

YTD = 402.87 K


Oh, got an e-mail that there's a new route for the Sporting Life 10 K. It's south on Yonge until Richmond Street; then west reaching Fort York. Sounds like an improved route so we're not under the Gardiner Expressway.

Yesterday's 10:1 (x5)

Got in 6.38 K in the community yesterday (forgot to write the blog!). Slow, recovery run. Enjoyed the weather (which was supposed to get nicer as the day went on -- although I found it kind of cool). YTD = 396.55 K

Bud has Entropion

The vet called for a reassessment of Bud's left eye since the swelling hasn't gone away in a week - it was supposed to be gone after 48 hours with Benadryl. Bud's regular vet (who has worked with many Chows) saw him this afternoon and diagnosed him with Entropion -- the inward rolling of the eyelids. The vet said it's a common problem with Chows. He prescribed me an ointment and showed me how to administer the cream into his eye 3 times a day. I just administered it without difficulty :-) (Quite surprised my little man didn't resist and am thrilled!). At the end of the month, I take him back to the vet who will determine if surgery is required. If so, it'll cost close to $600 but Bud's my little man and I do what it takes to keep him well (like any good parent would for their child).

Here's an article http://www.petplace.com/dogs/entropion-in-dogs/page1.aspx

I also Googled "Elizabethan Collar" and oh boy, Bud will need to wear that "hood" on his head -- last time he wore it (got neutered) he couldn't sit or lie down :-(

Here's a couple of photos I took of Bud yesterday. Notice his left eye continues to be swollen (looks like he got punched in the eye):




Oh...rest day today (must remember this is a RUNNING blog).

10:1 (x27) in amazing spring weather!

Wow -- talk about running in PERFECT weather! Today was sunny, no humidity, and cool (9C). Lots of runners on the Martin Goodman Trail. Today's LSD was my longest to-date, 4 hours 30 minutes running with 27 minutes of walk breaks. Unfortunately, I started the run a later at 8:50 am but that's not an issue since it's not the hot and humid summer yet. I fulfilled my long-term goal of running west on the Martin Goodman Trail past the Humber River Bridge and then east to Cherry Street and then south to the Lake Ontario and then further east on the trail. Again, the mental toughness was required for the final 1/3 of the run. No music again which made the LSD more enjoyable.

Two issues -- had to reset my Garmin after the first 10 minute interval since it wasn't tracking the distance properly. Secondly, had difficulty unwrapping the Cliff Bar package -- the entire bar ended on the floor for 1 second before it got off the gorund. I thought of the "3 second rule" and so far, I feel fine :-)

It's March Break and have runs planned for Wednesday (slow 10:1 (x5)) and Friday (fast 10:1 (x5)).

Today = 50.48 K
YTD = 390.17 K

10:1 (x5)

Had to choose between running before or after work. After waking up and hearing that the temperature in the morning was -10C, I opted for the after work run. Nice run and I focussed on speed. Got in 8.14 K using the 10:1 (x5). Looking forward to Sunday's LSD, which the weather is supposed to be +8C :-) YTD = 354.56 K

On another note, went to the Petsmarts close to work. I bought Bud 40 pounds of adult dog food. After noticing that there was 46 pounds (i.e., 15% more) for the same price, I lugged this into the cart. When I checked another bag, I noticed the exploration date was a month better. So, I took the pack of food out of the cart -- and then it happened -- the dog food came pouring out. About 1/3 was on the ground before I could set the bag safely on down. Embarassed, I told an employee, who basically rolled his eyes as he was helping another customer. I quickly took the bag I wanted and brought it to the cashier (minus the cart -- which had dog food in it). The bags need to be made sturdier -- my beef!

10:1 (x5)

Got in 6.73 K before work this morning -- a smart thing to do since the weather forecasted heavy winds and lower temperatures as the day progressed. Aiming to begin a routine of 3 runs a week. YTD = 346.42 K.

LSD 10:1 (X25) [...rain]

Did my LSD this morning, with rain arriving in the afternoon; unfortunately, the rain arrived at about 11:00 am and I had to run half of my LSD in the rain (fortunately wasn't pouring). After yesterday's 18C weather, today was supposed to go up to a high of 7C.

I had to start the LSD a bit later (9:00 am) since I had to take Bud to the vet to have his left eye checked out -- he looks like he has a black eye (noticed it last night). Good thing the vet was able to see me immediately and said Bud probably got bitten by an insect (e.g., spider).



I opted not to listen to music and enjoyed my mind drifting off to determine what needed to be done on the weekend. I noticed in the last 1/3 of the run that my mind no longer drifted, letting my mental "toughness" take over.

There were plenty of runners (didn't see any walkers, though) and some of them were in shorts on the Martin Goodman Trail. I ran west of the Humber River Bridge and then east all the way to Commissoner's Road.



The Gardiner Expressway was closed until Parkside with a bad accident. The radio said 3 vehicles crashed with 6 people hosipitalized (3 serious). One of the cars looked awful.

No issues -- except my right foot got caught in a pot hole gap -- aargh! At the end of 4 hours 35 minutes, I was soaking wet. I don't fathom running in a race in pouring rain -- knock on wood.

Looking forward to the Around The Bay 30 K at the end of the month. Also looking forward to getting in 3 runs during the March Break which is coming soon!

I ordered the file of the 1 photo taken of me at the Chilly half marathon. It hasn't been e-mailed to me yet. I'll post it on my blog as well as get an 8x10 developed.

33.79 K. YTD = 339.69 K

Chilly 1/2 Marathon Photo

Only 1 photo taken of me at the Chilly Half Marathon. I like it!

Tuesday -- 10:1 (X5)

Tuesday's 10:1 (x5)

6.69 K -- slow run after 2 days rest from Chilly half marathon. No issues. YTD = 305.90 K

Race Report: Chilly 1/2 Marathon

Arrived at the hotel at 9:00 am for the shuttle bus -- no wait and there were others behind. Arrived at City Hall with 45 minutes before the race. Went into City Hall to put on bib and time chip. Warmed up with 10:1 (x2) = 2.59 K. Beautiful morning -- sunny but a bit chilly (no pun!) and nice view of the lakeshre. Wore the sunglasses.

Since I was warmed up, did some stretches. With about 10 minutes to go, got into the corrals and stood just ahead of the 2:15 pace bunny -- not much else to go since it was crowded. It was cold just standing around.

At 10:05 am, the gun went off. It took 3 minutes 8 seconds for me to reach the time chip mat. I went off a bit too fast and slowed down. From the Lakeshore, it took 5K to make it to New Street, where we ran until the 11K, and then south on Burloak Dr., then the remainder west on the Lakeshore Rd to the finish line. What I liked about this race, in particular, was lots of downhill running. There were a few uphills but either it was flat or downhill. It was scenic, the volunteers and police were great, and it was organized.



The finish line was fine as it wasn't a stand-still. I was able to walk a bit to cool down. The finisher's medal is great! The chilli was hot.



The race proved to be both physical and mental. More mental in the final third of the race (and the downhills helped). My chip time is 2:03:53 (gun time 2:07:01). I placed 1299 overall (out of 2260); 125 out of 149 in my age group; 764 out of 995 in my gender group. http://www.chiptimeresults.com/

Today = 21.25 K (according to Garmin) + 2.59 K = 23.84 K
YTD = 299.21 K

Very pleased with the organization of this race. It's definitely one of my favourite races! The only negative I can find is 7 runners all in 1 line. There were other instances of 3 runners in a line (and they took the entire width of the runway -- maybe a wider runway? I didn't like the no race day bib pick-up rule but oh well...

The bus driver was funny: "I feel guilty. While everyone was running, I was eating donuts" :-)