Year 2016 in Review

Year 2016 in Review

2016 was a great year for me. Highlights:

• Reached my running goal of 1000 miles.
• Ran 8 full marathons and 1 ultra marathon - the most for me in a year.
• Year #9 of running. Total distance over the 9 years = 13 998 K.
• Stayed injury-free from running - had a "slip" and did not run for 2 weeks.
• Ran the Philadelphia Marathon - enjoyed the history of the city and got photos taken with the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall - room where declaration of independence and constitution were signed, and room where first American flag was created.
• Life-time total = 44 full and ultra marathons. I value and treasure each finisher's medal.

1. Toronto Marathon - great course and favourite finisher's "dinner plate" medal - 2 lbs :-) Third time running this marathon and registered for next year. Great to run south on Yonge Street.

2. Whitby Marathon - cheapest registration fee of $35 for early bird. 3rd time running this marathon - every year is the same medal, though.

3. Ottawa Marathon - one of my favourite marathons - amazing spectators and course; however, this year was tough with the hot and humid weather 35 K to finish line. Enjoyed tour of Parliament Buildings. Third time running this marathon and back next year for Canada's 150th birthday.

4. Niagara Ultra 50 K Marathon - amazing course - turnaround at Niagara Falls. Run this ultra the last 5 years and registered again for next year. Always get "lost" getting to start line but always make it on time (knock on wood). 

5. Montreal Marathon - wonderful city - 2nd time running this marathon - didn't get finisher's medal until two months later so been given free registration for next year. Got a finisher's jacket!

6. Toronto Waterfront Marathon - favourite marathon - so well organized. 8th time running this full marathon. Happy to have photo taken with race director at finish line.

7. Niagara Falls Marathon - 2nd time running this marathon - starts in Buffalo and ends at Niagara Falls. I like the medal! However, few spectators, raining. Scenic route. Great to begin race in Buffalo! Perhaps in 2018, I will run the Buffalo marathon (rather than Ottawa Marathon).

8. Hamilton Marathon - have done this full marathon 6 times - this year there was a $25 fee for race day pick-up - there will be no fee for next year. Enjoy the nice weather in early November. I tend to find the downhill on the highway difficult - but really like the last 10 K at the waterfront.

9. Philadelphia Marathon - Independence Hall! Very windy and cold. Glad I ran this race. Fascinated with the history. 

Proud little brother, Bud:

1. Toronto Marathon

2. Whitby Marathon

3. Ottawa Marathon

4. Niagara Ultra 50 K

5. Montreal Marathon

6. Toronto Waterfront Marathon

7. Niagara Falls Marathon

8. Hamilton Marathon

9. Philadelphia Marathon

Reached 1000 mile goal!!!

Thrilled to report that I reached 1000 miles of running for the year 2016. I opted to run the final 20 K to reach my goal today - as tomorrow is forecasted for 2 to 4 cm of snow.

YTD = 1609 K (1000 miles)

Happy the Martin Goodman Trail was clear of snow - some snow last night.

Final run for 2016 occurred in the afternoon. A few runners on this cloudy day. Temperature  was -1C.

Humber River Bridge - turnaround.

CNE

Last two photos are quite cool.

8.2 K run today

8.2 K run today. Ran in the afternoon as the morning was met with slushy sidewalks. Both Bud and I were disappointed. Bud does not like rain. I couldn't run in slush. Glad the sidewalks were cleared of the slush in the afternoon.

Still within reach of my goal for 1000 miles in the year 2016. Eyeing the weather as snow is coming. This has not been an easy winter for running.

YTD = 1589 K
(20 K to go!)

Last night, Bud enjoying his "bully" stick - a technique to distract him from licking his legs.

Not a happy dog with the slush.

8 K & bought two new pair of shoes

Another 8 K today. On track to reach my goal of 1000 miles by the end of Saturday.

Bought two new pairs of Adrenaline GTS 16 shoes. Running Room has a sale for boxing week for $99.99 for each pair (regular price $159.99 (37.5% off). These shoes will serve me well for running in 2017.

YTD = 1580.8 K
28.2 K to go to reach 1000 mile goal

Riverdale Zoo

Sugar Beach

View of Lake Ontario

Here are the new pairs of shoes I purchased today at 37.5% off

8 K run today

8 K run today. I believe I can reach the 1000 mile goal for this year - keeping fingers crossed for snowless weather. Would have definitely reached goal had it not been for 2 weeks ago when I ran 7 K in freezing rain. We'll see if I can reach my goal...

Running Room has a sale on Brooks Adrenaline 16 for $99.99 (regular price $159.99). Ordered two pairs to last me through year 2017.

Will post a year in review followed by a look ahead within the week.

YTD = 1572.8 K

Bud chewing on "bully stick". Then he felt asleep. 9th Christmas yesterday with my little man!

Christmas Day

Gave myself a Christmas gift by registering for the Hamilton Marathon - early bird price with 10% off!

20 K on Martin Goodman Trail!

Temperature 4C today so headed to the Martin Goodman Trail at the lakefront - and the snow has been cleared! 20.75 K today.

YTD = 1564.8 K

2 K today after work

More snow coming tonight... So, 2 K run this evening after work. What happened to the snowless winter last year? Today is first day of winter. Looking forwawrd to the holidays - Bud is looking foward to his walks!

YTD = 1544 K

only 7.25 K this week - snow storm ...

An excuse for only 7.25 K this week - snow storm and freezing rain. Didn't want to risk falling and then being injured. Here's a photo of Bud yesterday as I shoveled snow. He enjoyed the weekend :-) One more week before the holidays - hope the roads and sidewalks will be dry so I can run!

YTD = 1542 K (won't reach 1000 miles goal due to this weekend)

20 K run on the Danforth

20 K today. Light snow - had to exercise care during the run Avoided running near the lake due to the cold and wind. Ran on the Danforth instead. Forecasted snow storm tonight into Monday morning. So unlike last winter!

East on the Danforth.

Turnaround - reached 3300 Danforth Avenue.

Canine friend

Re-entering Greektown

Xmas celebration? Horses, Christmas tree, ...

Bud on his walk - enjoying the snow.

YTD = 1534.8 K