I attended Buskerfest on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Brought the camera as I wanted to take photos of Bendy Em and Space Cowboy.
Bendy Em, from Australia, bends herself into a 16 inch box on a 7-feet ladder:
Also, I took photos of Space Cowboy as he swallowed a sword. He had metal plates installed inside his chest, which allowed him to set a Guiness World Record of swallowing 18 swords. X-ray videos are available on the Internet which show the sword inside of him. This one is no trick!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
LSD 21.1 K
LSD this morning. Thanks to Hurricane Irene, we had overcast weather with some winds :-) Great for running. I felt tired from last week's Midsummer Night's Run so have not fully recovered from that one yet. 21.1 K this morning.
Took Bud to Kesington Market for Pedestrian Sunday -- we do that on the last Sunday of each month from May to October. He got to meet a Don Cherry Dog!! The other dog's tail was wagging. Very cool.
YTD = 1061.7 K
Took Bud to Kesington Market for Pedestrian Sunday -- we do that on the last Sunday of each month from May to October. He got to meet a Don Cherry Dog!! The other dog's tail was wagging. Very cool.
YTD = 1061.7 K
Friday, August 26, 2011
2 week day runs; ordered 30K race photo
Two weekday runs this week:
- Wednesday after work in Mount Pleasant Cermetary
- This morning - overcast which didn't help Garmin track my mileage properly as I finished the 5 K about 7 minutes too fast - so I ran 7 more minutes
YTD = 1040.6 K
Purchased a race photo for the Midsummer Night's 30 K run last night. Got in the logo and virtual clock in my photo. Good for the scrapbook!
LSD on Sunday - legs were sore for both weekday runs this week - hope it feels looser on the weekend.
Going to Buskerfest this afternoon!
- Wednesday after work in Mount Pleasant Cermetary
- This morning - overcast which didn't help Garmin track my mileage properly as I finished the 5 K about 7 minutes too fast - so I ran 7 more minutes
YTD = 1040.6 K
Purchased a race photo for the Midsummer Night's 30 K run last night. Got in the logo and virtual clock in my photo. Good for the scrapbook!
LSD on Sunday - legs were sore for both weekday runs this week - hope it feels looser on the weekend.
Going to Buskerfest this afternoon!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Graphic Flowchart: What Type of Runner Are you?
Race Photos
Race photos posted http://www.zoomphoto.ca/eventgallerysearch/15365/46/1/
Recovering well. Rest day today and the legs a bit sore this morning. Reminds me how challenging the full marathon will be - should not have any issue with humidity in mid-October, which is good. That would mean 12.2 K more :-| Forgot to mention in my race report -- ran the final 1.8 K without walking -- something I had to do to finish strong.
Back to work tomorrow...
Recovering well. Rest day today and the legs a bit sore this morning. Reminds me how challenging the full marathon will be - should not have any issue with humidity in mid-October, which is good. That would mean 12.2 K more :-| Forgot to mention in my race report -- ran the final 1.8 K without walking -- something I had to do to finish strong.
Back to work tomorrow...
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Race Report
Took Bud on a walk and wow it was humid (and sunny). Left house at 4:30 PM and drove to the race site. Arrived at 4:50 PM and parked in the plaza that neighbours the park. Got in 2K slow run to warm-up. Then made it to the start line. Lined up with the 3H corral. Overcast but quite humid throughout the race. Race started on time, at 5:30 PM, with the 15K starting at 6:45 PM (which is good so there is dark at the finish line!).
There are no pace bunnies in this race but pace fairies. Quite a few people dressed with wings and tutus. I always like this race since it's different and doesn't have the intensity of Canada Running Series races with elite athletes.
Goal was to keep under 6:00/km. Walk breaks happened at each of the fluid stations. There was no consistency between which came first - Gatorade or water. At one station, I had to walk back to get Gatorade as the volunteers did not state which they had. The other stations were more organized. Fluid stations were spaced 3K from each other - would prefer 2K but oh well...
Could not download race route from web site since it is PDF file. But here's the description from the web site:
"Runners will proceed south on Cherry Street to Cherry Beach, east along the Martin Goodman Trail and u-turn at the Unwin Bridge and return to Cherry Street north to Commissioners. Also, in Tommy Thompson Park 30K runners will follow the 15K route and cross the foot bridge before rounding the lighthouse. The boardwalk and beaches park have been eliminated from the route although participant's will still run through Ashbridge's Bay park.)"
There was an error as we headed east on Unwin Bridge and then west on the Martin Goodman Trail at Cherry Beach. The K markers were all off. Not sure how this happened. There were a few runners who raced in the correct order. Not a big deal since the distance was still run, just in the wrong sequence.
My Garmin registered a total of 29.43 K. In almost all races, my Garmin would go over the race distance since the organizers measure the route using the tangent. The issue was in Ashbridges Bay and we were directed to make a turn prematurely. The 25 K and 26 K happened very quickly.
I was able to maintain my goal of 6:00/K for almost all the route. I had to take several quite walk breaks as the 3K distance from fluid stations made it difficult to keep running in the humidity. Also, whenever there was a steep hill, I power walked it.
The race gives my confidence with running the full marathon on October 16th (Toronto Waterfront Marathon). It has been tough to run with the humid and hot summer. I know the full marathon is not going to be easy as the 30K this evening was not easy, especially after 21K.
After reaching the finish line, I walked for about 10 minutes to cool down. Always nice to have the finisher's medal put around my neck. Picked up 2 of the water bottles. Ate a bagel and banana. Then walked some more. Was sad to see #1382 in the medical area with IV solution. The EMS was looking after him.
Overall = 361 (out of 828)
Gun Time = 2:55:12.4 (5:50/km)
Chip Time = 2:54:44.6 (but distance was short)
Gender Place = 231/399
Age Category = 84/123
21.1K Split = 2:00:22
Final 8.9K Split = 54:51
The finisher's medal is the same as last year. Oh well, if it keeps registration cost down. Paid $49 as an early bird -- but price has gone up from last year -- so it probably won't be $49 next year -- that's an excellent price as 5K races can be $50 these days.
And to continue tradition, here's Bud posing with the finisher's medal (he is happy to accommodate as long as he gets a walk before the photo shot!):
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Midsummer Night's Run 30K Bib Pick Up
Written on Thursday, August 18. Posted on blog Friday, August 19 since could not upload photos due to need of recharging batteries :-|
5K run this morning. Then went to Staples Business Depot for Teacher Appreciation day (week 2 of 4). Bought a pack of highlighters with 15% off. Got the free mini-bag again.
This afternoon, took Bud to the vet. Walked for 30 minutes to the vet and then another 30 minutes home. He was well-behaved (due to being tired walking!). He refused to drink water at the vet's and drank a lot when he got home.
After Bud got home, went to Ryerson University for bib-pickup. Rode 3 escalators up to the 8th floor (not sure why it's the 8th floor). Was surprised to see a return to the tech shirt - after last year's amazing jacket. Not much - pick up bib, tech-shirt, and Mortal's Pin (mine is 90 K) -- although I ran the 15K in 2008, 30K in 2009, and 30K in 2010. Really should have gotten 105K (if it includes this year's??). Doesn't matter as I'm happy to have a pin (unlike last year when there was a delay in getting them sent).
5K run this morning. Then went to Staples Business Depot for Teacher Appreciation day (week 2 of 4). Bought a pack of highlighters with 15% off. Got the free mini-bag again.
This afternoon, took Bud to the vet. Walked for 30 minutes to the vet and then another 30 minutes home. He was well-behaved (due to being tired walking!). He refused to drink water at the vet's and drank a lot when he got home.
After Bud got home, went to Ryerson University for bib-pickup. Rode 3 escalators up to the 8th floor (not sure why it's the 8th floor). Was surprised to see a return to the tech shirt - after last year's amazing jacket. Not much - pick up bib, tech-shirt, and Mortal's Pin (mine is 90 K) -- although I ran the 15K in 2008, 30K in 2009, and 30K in 2010. Really should have gotten 105K (if it includes this year's??). Doesn't matter as I'm happy to have a pin (unlike last year when there was a delay in getting them sent).
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Got in 5 K run this morning. Great that I can run on the sidewalks with mostly shade. It has been a tough summer for running with the humidity.
Gave Bud a bath this afternoon. He was not happy with the water and tried to fight it. He's a clean boy now. Afterwards, I find out about 1/5 of the shampoo bottle spilled and then I had to hose it down for about 10 minutes :-| Now there's 2 unhappy boys! Tomorrow I take him to the vet for his annual check-up and rabies shot. He doesn't mind seeing the vet.
YTD = 993.8 K
Gave Bud a bath this afternoon. He was not happy with the water and tried to fight it. He's a clean boy now. Afterwards, I find out about 1/5 of the shampoo bottle spilled and then I had to hose it down for about 10 minutes :-| Now there's 2 unhappy boys! Tomorrow I take him to the vet for his annual check-up and rabies shot. He doesn't mind seeing the vet.
YTD = 993.8 K
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Deep Tissue Massage
Had a Deep Tissue Massage yesterday afternoon. It's similar to the regular massages I've been getting but it's slower motion and deep pressure. Wow -- it was deep pressure. I have a tight upper back and neck. My current RMT is on mat leave and I didn't like her replacement. So, I resorted back to another RMT I saw a couple of years ago who is like my regular RMT. Drank lots of water afterwards...maybe too much.
More information: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/deep-tissue-massage.html
More information: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/deep-tissue-massage.html
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Acura 10-Miler Race Report
After walking Bud, ran slowly for 4 K to the start line of the Acura 10-Miler race at 8:30 AM in the Distillery District. Temperature was low 20s, humid, but cloudy. Took some time to get the Garmin to find a signal. Since I wanted to track mileage as I made the journey to the start-line, I opted to wear the Garmin during the race -- good idea since it helped with pacing (need the data rather than how I fast I feel I am running).
Start was a bit conjested with both the 10-milers and the 5Ks together. At the 2.5 K, the two races diverged, which gave more running room. Parts of the race is similar to the Midsummer Night's Run 30 K (next Saturday) as it goes into Tommy Thompson Park; along Commissioner's Road is also the route for the Scotiabank Toronto Marathon (in mid-October).
The fluid stations were organized, with gatorade always first and then water. Volunteers were ready at all times and were great. Courses were well supervised by the volunteers so everyone stayed on course. I like the number of fluid stations as that gave me an opportunity for a drink and walk break: 1.7km; 3.3km; 5.4km; 8km; 10km; 12km; and 13.5km.
I think I found my pace at approximately 4 K. I know the slow run to the race site was not easy. I looked at my Garmin frequently to ensure I was below 6:00/km. I even got below 5:00/km for a bit. There was a band at the 2 K mark (and coming back at the 14 K mark) which helped. There was also music playing at the 13 K mark. Minimal spectators, as in previous years.
Finisher's line was a welcomed sight! Finisher's medal and then walked to cooldown. There was complimentary yogurt and it was not good :-( Banana, apple, and bagels were good. Lisa Purdy recognized me and we chatted. She BQd at the spring Toronto Marathon by 3 minutes and is looking forward to applying on-line beginning September 19th. We're all cheering for her.
Stats:
* Place = 799 (out of 1685)
* Chip Time = 1:31:13.2 (Pace = 5:37/km)
* Gun Time = 1:32:13.0 (Pace = 5:41/km)
* Age Category = 98 (out of 157)
* Gender Category = 561 (out of 905)
* First 5 miles = 47:47.4
* Second 5 miles = 44:25.7 (wow - a negative split!)
Wasn't originally planning to partake in this race but with $30 early bird special, couldn't resist! Races have gotten so expensive as on-site registration was $75. Charity recipient is Canadian Cancer Society so this is a good one to support.
Start was a bit conjested with both the 10-milers and the 5Ks together. At the 2.5 K, the two races diverged, which gave more running room. Parts of the race is similar to the Midsummer Night's Run 30 K (next Saturday) as it goes into Tommy Thompson Park; along Commissioner's Road is also the route for the Scotiabank Toronto Marathon (in mid-October).
The fluid stations were organized, with gatorade always first and then water. Volunteers were ready at all times and were great. Courses were well supervised by the volunteers so everyone stayed on course. I like the number of fluid stations as that gave me an opportunity for a drink and walk break: 1.7km; 3.3km; 5.4km; 8km; 10km; 12km; and 13.5km.
I think I found my pace at approximately 4 K. I know the slow run to the race site was not easy. I looked at my Garmin frequently to ensure I was below 6:00/km. I even got below 5:00/km for a bit. There was a band at the 2 K mark (and coming back at the 14 K mark) which helped. There was also music playing at the 13 K mark. Minimal spectators, as in previous years.
Finisher's line was a welcomed sight! Finisher's medal and then walked to cooldown. There was complimentary yogurt and it was not good :-( Banana, apple, and bagels were good. Lisa Purdy recognized me and we chatted. She BQd at the spring Toronto Marathon by 3 minutes and is looking forward to applying on-line beginning September 19th. We're all cheering for her.
Stats:
* Place = 799 (out of 1685)
* Chip Time = 1:31:13.2 (Pace = 5:37/km)
* Gun Time = 1:32:13.0 (Pace = 5:41/km)
* Age Category = 98 (out of 157)
* Gender Category = 561 (out of 905)
* First 5 miles = 47:47.4
* Second 5 miles = 44:25.7 (wow - a negative split!)
Wasn't originally planning to partake in this race but with $30 early bird special, couldn't resist! Races have gotten so expensive as on-site registration was $75. Charity recipient is Canadian Cancer Society so this is a good one to support.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Acura 10-Miler Bib & Tech Shirt...
Friday, August 12, 2011
2 weekday runs
Two week day runs as Acura 10 Miler is on Sunday morning. Will pick up bib tomorrow.
* Thursday - ran near home and then to Staples Business Depot for Teacher Appreciation Day 15% off (freebies deteriorating as years go by). 5.15 K
* Today (Friday) - again, 5.15 K run in neighbourhood. Sunny but I fortunately can run mostly in shade :-)
YTD = 968.5 K
* Thursday - ran near home and then to Staples Business Depot for Teacher Appreciation Day 15% off (freebies deteriorating as years go by). 5.15 K
* Today (Friday) - again, 5.15 K run in neighbourhood. Sunny but I fortunately can run mostly in shade :-)
YTD = 968.5 K
Monday, August 8, 2011
Week in Review
This morning - LSD = 25 K run + 0.75 K walk = 25.75 K
* on Martin Goodman Trail through Humber River Bridge
* a few runners out there - probably did the same as I: did not run yesterday (Saturday)due to the rain and humidity
* hot weather this summer is preventing me from longer runs
* today's weather is good: 23C and 30C with humidity when I got home
August 5 - 5.15 K
* ran on College Street east to the Riverdale farm
August 3 - 5.15 K
* ran on College Street east to the Riverdale farm
August 2 - 5.15 K
* this is not good - can't remember where I ran :-|
On another note, set up a Twitter account this week. My username is lim314159
* on Martin Goodman Trail through Humber River Bridge
* a few runners out there - probably did the same as I: did not run yesterday (Saturday)due to the rain and humidity
* hot weather this summer is preventing me from longer runs
* today's weather is good: 23C and 30C with humidity when I got home
August 5 - 5.15 K
* ran on College Street east to the Riverdale farm
August 3 - 5.15 K
* ran on College Street east to the Riverdale farm
August 2 - 5.15 K
* this is not good - can't remember where I ran :-|
On another note, set up a Twitter account this week. My username is lim314159
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