10:1 (x10) Tappering; Runs with Bud

Forunately, no rain this morning -- the radio has announced about 50 mm of rain from the USA hurricane (which hasn't arrived as I write at 2:20 pm). Humid this morning but with a bit of wind along certain parts of the Martin Goodman Trail (e.g., near Ontario Place). Glad I wasn't doing 14 intervals of 10:1 as the 10 intervals was tough. Forgot to bring along music. The sun made an appearance during the final 4 intervals. Lots of folks on the trail this morning. Total = 15.68 K. YTD = 899.16 K

During the past week, I have been taking Bud, my 1.5 years old Chow Chow, on slow runs with me after work. In the summer, he got 5 walks. Now that I'm back teaching, I'm only able to get him a morning, after work, and evening walk. Since he has built up so much energy, I've taken him each day on a 10 minute slow run, amount to 1.5 K each day. Sure is a great way to make him tired. And the breeder told me that Chow Chows don't like much exercise. Mine's different and I'm not complaining :-) I've added 10.5 K to my YTD, which is now YTD = 899.66 K.

Two weeks until the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Can't believe it's just around the corner. Am going to fill out the Toronto Half Marathon registration to send in tomorrow. I'll "donate" the registration fee for the Ajax run as I won't run it. Maybe I could use this as a "fun" run since I've already paid?

I've found a routine that seems to work for me...Wednesday and Thursday mornings get up 1/2 hour earlier for a 10:1 (x4) before work; 1.5 K slow runs with Bud each day; LSD on the weekend.

10:1 (x4)

I think it's going to work getting up 30 minutes earlier in the morning for a run. Continued with the wonderful park trail I found yesterday -- the large puddle remained so I wasn't able to explore and enjoy the trail completely. Got in 5.92 K for a YTD = 873.48 K.

Once again, took Bud on a run. I wore my Garmin which said we ran 1.50 K in 11 minutes. I should be adding this to my YTD totals. I'll do that with my LSD run.

10:1 (x4)

Week #2 in the new school year. I chose to wake up 30 minutes earlier than usual for my morning run. Ran in the school "neighbourhood" and located a park trail :-) Unfortunately, part of it had a huge puddle so I turned around. I think I'm going to enjoy this! Got in 5.88 K this morning. Look forward to another run tomorrow morning. YTD = 867.56 K

Continue to slowly run with Bud after work for about 5 minutes. Should I add this to my YTD totals? So far, I haven't.

I e-mailed the organizers of the Toronto Marathon and they are allowing me to register for the half marathon at a $15 discount -- i.e., $65 (the earlybird fee). This is due to the busing situation last year. I registered a while back for the Ajax half marathon and might forfeit the $45 I paid for registration (I think it was $45) and go with the Toronto Marathon. I enjoy this race, eventhough the wonderful medal looks like last year's. The full marathon certainly looks amazing (but I can't do that distance at this time).

10:1 (x15)

Beautiful morning for running -- cool, cloudy, with a breeze :-) [Such a contrast to the afternoon with the rain] Lots of runners and walkers along the Martin Goodman Trail this morning. Part of the trail was closed due to a canoe competition. Was out there for 2 hours 45 minutes and ran conservatively, a total of 22.05 K, averaging 7.29 min/K and 149 bpm. Really enjoyed the run -- just wish the entire year was like this morning. Forgot to wear the knee brace -- only figured that out with about 1/3 to go as I saw a runner with knee braces. Felt great to even run uphill beside the Gardner Expressway and before Ontario Place -- usually walk on the uphill. Also passed by the Toronto Islands entrance on Bay Street as it was crowded with a festival. YTD = 861.68 K.

As an aside, I never knew my Chow loves to run (okay, I knew that he ran in the backyard, but to run with me during our daily walks?). Yesterday morning, I ran slowly with him back home as the rain got stronger. He enjoyed it. Ran slowly with him again yesterday afternoon and just an hour ago. The run lasts about 5 minutes -- nothing long as I don't want to injure him. For the most part, he runs and doesn't get distracted by squirrels, etc.

Two weeks until the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront half marathon! I'm thinking of doing the Toronto Marathon (although I've already registered for the Ajax Half Marathon). I doubt I will actually sign up for the Toronto Marathon since it now costs $80 to register, not to mention the awful bussing from last year. I've e-mailed the race director about the busing situation.

10:1 (x4)

Got in an early 10:1 (x4) before work in the near my school. Was trying to finding a route -- went from the large street to the small streets and then "got lost". Ended up at the southest point of my route after the run was over and had to walk for about 15 minutes. A small portion was on an uphill incline, which made me tired. The early morning weather was wonderful -- such a contrast to the afternoon humidity of late. Got in 5.66 K for a YTD = 839.63 K. LSD on Sunday -- hope for cool weather.

Have really thought about running before or after work. Since I had a meeting after school day, I opted to wake up earlier and go on a run close to my school. Got to see the expensive (and huge) houses. Although I enjoyed the route, it was quite random. It might take a few runs before I settle into a run that has a scenic path -- like what happened in summer school. Today's run was conservative at 5.69 K. Hope for another run tomorrow morning.

YTD = 833.97 K

10:1 (x14) + Scotiabank Medal Revealed

LSD this morning. Left the house early at 6:45 am in order to beat the anticipated heat. Beautiful weather! Sunny and cool (no humidity!) -- such a contrast to last weekend's run. I ran slower than usual since I wanted to see if I could add an interval. After completing 12 intervals, I opted to add 2 extra intervals (since I wasn't tired and felt great as well as an attempt to "make-up" for missing a run this week). Got in a total distance of 20.44 K, with an average pace of 7:32 min/K (hmm...I can power walk faster) :- Great to see so many walkers and runners out on the Martin Goodman Trail -- what a community we are!

Return to work on Tuesday. Been an amazing July and August as I've run over 300 K in the 2 months. The 10:1 and the 4 runs a week (most of the time) have been great -- no injury -- continue to knock on wood. YTD = 828.28 K.

Looking forward to my half marathon at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront. Love the look of the medal -- must be the same company that made the Nissan 10 Miler and the Sporting Life 10K -- lots of detail and sure beats the dogtag medal from last year. This race has a special place in my heart since my first race was the 5 K and after having such an amazing experience, have been hooked since.