I got out of bed at 7:00 am yesterday and took the pup on his early morning walk. I always seem to have a difficulty getting out of bed on the weekend -- but yesterday I was determined. After feeding the pup breakfast (he's never picky as he eats the same thing each day) and myself eating a bagel, I was off. I haven't been to the Martin Goodman Trail since completing the marathon at Scotiabank Toronto on September 30th. I was in good company with many runners, walkers, bicyclists on the trail. It's a flat course right beside Lake Ontario. I enjoyed the cool breeze of the fall -- and no humidity! In addition to water, I took along Cytomax Lite raspberry iced tea flavour. I bought the 680 g container of crystals from the Scotiabank Toronto expo for a bargin price of $10. I forgot to bring along a couple of energy bars. I also didn't wear my IT-band strap -- not sure why since I don't have IT-band. I completed 25K, taking 4 hours, 2 minutes, 3 seconds. I no longer wear earphones "out there" and had lots of time to think about schooling, work, and life. Had to stretch a few times in the journey as I could feel the knee cap -- where's that IT-band? This was a bit strange but I feel ready to walk the marathon in Hamilton in a couple of weeks. Not looking for a personal best -- just to complete the 42.2K in the allotted 7 hour time limit as a walker. It'll be my 3rd marathon!
I see the sports medicine doctor on November 12th for custom-made orthodics. I need to remember to perform my knee strengthening exercises. Then, I will begin training as a runner again. I'm eyeing the Resolution Run on New Year's eve (5K). I'm going to take it slow and not build up the endurance too quickly (i.e., maximum 10% increase per week). I learned my lesson from being injuried back in July -- days before making my debut as a 10 mile runner. I can't wait to return to running. My goal is to run a half marathon in 2008. I would prefer a flat course since downhill takes a toll on the kneecaps. The Tim Hortons' Chilly half marathon in early March might be a possibility -- I won't sign up unless I know I can run the distance -- but need to becareful as this race fills up quickly. Who knows, I may make the Scotiabank Toronto my debut as a marathon runner. But that might be too ambitious. The 6 letter word comes to mind I - N - J- U - R - Y.
I'm using a Garmin sports watch to track my mileage, pacing, and time. It's an amazing watch with a GPS system. I purchased the watch back in the spring and notice many runners and walkers wearing it (or other versions). In total, I have walked and ran a distance of 790.6K in 128 hours, 36 minutes. Unfortunately, that doesn't include the 21.1K I walked at the Port Perry half marathon as the Garmin didn't work for whatever reason.
While walking home, I stopped by a place that sells "YoPro" frozen yogurt. There was a booth at the Toronto Marathon expo that gave out samples. Expensive ($6.99 for 500 mL) but soooo good. It tastes like Wendy's Frosty.
After loading up on the carbs and giving the pup his lunch (same as breakfast but 20% the amount), I did some school work. A few hours later, I drove the pup to High Park. I guess everyone thought like me on this warm autumn day as finding a parking spot was a challenge. I had to park, like others did, on the road. After 30 minutes of walking in the park, we returned to the car. I noticed the car ahead of me had a $105 parking ticket from a couple of hours before. Good thing I didn't get a ticket. High Park is very "hilly" and I had to becareful as I my kneecaps may not have agreed with the hills. The pup tends to want to drive the car as I need to remind him of his seat in the car. Here's a photo of Bud with a new toy mouse on his 7th month on this planet (today):
Currently my bed time reading is Walk! Magazine as well as John Bingham's Courage to Start. I met John at the Scotiabank Toronto expo. He's calls himself a penguin since he's a slow runner. He writes a column in the Runners' World and has convinced many that running doesn't have to be fast.
