Running in Montreal

I accompanied my school's debate team to Montreal for their tournament at McGill University. Surprsingly "warm" weather this weekend - and no rain (unlike in Toronto which rained throughout). During Saturday morning, I was able to run 20 K - from the hotel on Sherbrooke Street east until the Olympic Stadium and then back.

Here are some photos outside McGill University. McGill is hilly. Was told residences are located at the top of the hill. I should have toured the campus more than I did. A few former graduates of my high school love the university, which was found in 1821, and is ranked #1 in Canada, #2 public university in North America, and #18 world wide.

And of course, how could I not purchase some McGill merchandise? Sunday, October 28th is Open House at McGill and the bookstore had some specials (t-shirt $7.00; hoodie $29.99):

My good friend, Prof. Ron Lancaster (OISE/UT), reminded me to visit the Pi Cafe at 4128 rue St. Laurent. I purchased a pi cap ($19.99), pi t-shirt ($9.99) for myself, and a pi mug for my colleague, Rikita, who organized the debate trip for the school. The photo taken was by the store owner who is not a mathematician but has a liking of mathematics. Inside the coffee shop was a chess board on each table. Great place to relax!

And photos of Montreal as we walked to the VIA train station for our return to Toronto:

YTD = 1281 K

Hamilton Marathon next Sunday!!!

2.5 K

2.5 K after work. Ran in the Mount Pleasant Cermetery. It rained all day but stopped in the afternoon - so I got in a run!

YTD = 1258.5 K

This week

Two runs this week. First one was Friday after work - 3 K - then went grocery shopping.

Today, ran 20 K and chose to run in the Lower Don Valley Trail. Scenic view!

YTD = 1256 K

Marathon #13 completed

The Toronto Waterfront Marathon is marathon #13 (10th as a runner). Awoke to rain (!) and did a slow run for 750 m towards the start line. Wore a jacket to keep me my tech shirt dry. The baggage check was well organized and free this year. Stayed in the Cheshnut hotel for U. of T. students to stay dry until start. Made my way to the starting corral for 8:30 AM - and the rain stopped :-) Temperature was about 12C and would make its way to 20C at the end of the race (with the sun making momentary appearance). The route changed this year:

In particular, the race started running north on University until Wellesley, then east to Church, north to Bloor, west to St. George, south to College, west to Bathurst, then south to Fort York. The change in route caused more road closures... The positive change was fewer rolling hills on Queen Street East. Due to lack of speed training, opted for slower pace. In all previous races, aimed to keep below 6:00/K. In this race, did my best to keep below 7:00/K. Took breaks at each of the fluid stations - organized as Gatorade first then water. First half was scenic. Lots of spectators in the first half and then again on Queen Street East and at the finish line. In fact, a former student who has now graduated saw me. Marathon #13 was not easy. The legs tighted up - not sure if the stretching of the calfs made the legs worse. As always, the first 28 K were fine and the final third of the race was challenging. Each K went by so slowly - and the wind didn't help. With 1 K to go, I was running and walking. It was only when I reached the finish line that the legs felt better with about 10 minutes of walking. Overall, the race was very well organized. Can't think of any glitches - wow! Happy to have finished - although it took nearly 5 hours (!). Place = 2524 out of 3314 Gun Time = 5:04:24.6 Chip Time = 4:56:44.0 Pace = 7.02 Age Category = 304 out of 348 Gender = 1735 out of 2085 10 K Gun = 1:04:30 13 K Gun = 1:23:11.2 21.1 K Gun = 2:14:21 30 K Gun = 3:16:39 35 K Gun = 3:55:46 40 K Gun = 4:38:23

5 K on Thanksgiving Day

Today is Thanksgiving Day! Very nice weather - sunny and cool. Wore a jacket on the morning 5 K run. Next Sunday is the Toronto Waterfront Marathon :-) YTD = 1189.6 K

this week

Two runs this week: - Wednesday evening after work: ran 2.5 K in the dark. - Today: ran 23 K this morning - beginning of Toronto Waterfront race route and then east on Bloor, south on Broadview to Lakeshore, then east to Ashbridges Bay Park, and back. A bit windy and great cool weather for running. Next weekend, on Sunday, is the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Today was last LSD. All set :-) Looking forward to marathon #10. YTD = 1184.6 K