Shnowy, Shnowy, Shnowy...

Holy cow, too many calories! I gotta start getting out more and burning some off. So today, I was out and all the way down to Crowchild, and amazingly, feeling very, very good. I wouldn't say I was into that zone known as the runner's high, but I was definitely in an entirely engaged and calm place.

But yeah, these extra calories. They seem to be piling up in front of me, cuz I see them every time I look down. Sheesh!

I suppose it was worth it. It's once a year, and I got another eleven months or so to prepare for it all again.

Beautiful, snowy and a little breezy. Perfect winter running.

Distance: 9.90 km. Time: 57:41. Average speed: 10.3 kph (5:43 min/km).

Shoes: New Balance 1061.

Weather: Light snow and -4C.

...And For Today

Today is post birthday (birth day plus one), and it strikes me that I am in a new division the next time I race. Maybe it's time to start signing up for races again. I might actually get close to placing first.

It's a beautiful Christmas Eve day, and perfect to get out and trundle along the river paths. Which I did. Nothing exciting happened but just a nice run. The ice on the river is piled up and jumbly, and where there's open water, it's rushing and frothing and moving very fast. Sunny and wonderful.

Distance: 6.80 km. Time: 38:48. Average speed: 10.5 kph (5:43 min/km).

Shoes: New Balance 1061.

Weather: Partly cloudy and 3C.

A Couple of Days Late

I was out two days ago, and forgot to write it up. For some reason, it's been so hard to get out, and so hard to keep track with this write up and the spreadsheet (yes, there is one).

I headed out to burn off some frustration (families are so crazy-making, sometimes) and down to the river for the usual 14th Street loop. Across the river and back along the promenade, I ran into Roxanne. Good to see her, and we made a date for coffee, so she could tell how much she's spoiling her new grand-daughter.

After that, straight home, since it was getting dark, and I had a dinner date with friends to get ready for.

Distance: 7.07 km. Time: 38:51. Average speed: 10.9 kph (5:30 min/km).

Shoes: New Balance 1061.

Weather: Kinda nice out, probably around zero, and a few clouds if I recall.

Another Good Day

Went across the river for a little Christmas gift hunting, and on the way back met my neighbour who was out for a run. Seemed like a good idea, so I changed and headed back out as soon as I got home.

A windy, sunny day, and mid-afternoon, so not too many runners were around. It was easy to trundle down The Path, and onto the river bank. Lots of ice on the river, and upstream from Prince's Island, there isn't much open water. The path under 10th Street has been closed since Thanksgiving, and now it's under half a metre of water. Or rather, ice.

Crossing at the crosswalk, my timing is great, so I didn't even slow down. Up and across at 14th Street, and back along the promenade. Great chucks of ice are all over the river between 14th and 10th. It looks all very static and beautiful.

I felt a little slower tonight, but probably wasn't. I tackled The Path and even got in a fairly agressive ten second sprint. At the top, I felt jumpy and wasn't slowing. Again, not as fast as last time, but fast enough, and lots of energy.

Distance: 7.16 km. Time: 39:28. Average speed: 10.9 kph (5:30 min/km).

Shoes: New Balance 1061.

Weather: Partly cloudy and 3C.

OK, This Time It Was a Hard Run

All kinds of energy tonight. I don't know where that came from, but I felt really good out there. Just ready to move tonight.

Out into the cold, and yes, it was cooler than I thought. Not as windy as it was the other day, but what breeze there was, was a little biting. I was a little chilled until the turn around at 14th Street, and then I got to run with the wind.

Something I read awhile ago suggests that ten second sprints on hills helps to develop speed, so I've been doing that on The Path Under The Stairs. At the end of the ten seconds tonight, I'd caught up to a cyclist and passed him. Even after slowing down again, he didn't catch me. I heard him shift down and lean into it, but I stayed ahead. It likely doesn't prove much, but at the time, it felt pretty good.

I've always enjoyed running, but sometimes a run will almost transcend fun. I love it!

Distance: 7.04 km. Time: 36:35. Average speed: 11.5 kph (5:13 min/km).

Shoes: New Balance 1061.

Weather: Mainly clear and -2C.

Time for a Change

Since I wasn't sleeping anyway, I was out early for a run. Seems like everything you do outside at this time of year is in the dark, though.

I suited up and headed to the river. Across Prince's Island and down the promenade. It felt great to be running again after not getting out for so long. I don't know what's up with that.

Back up the other side of the river after crossing at 14th Street. Powered up The Path Under The Stairs and home to breakfast.

Distance: 7.02 km. Time: 38:40. Average speed: 10.9 kph (5:30 min/km).

Shoes: New Balance 1061.

Weather: Clear and 1C.

A Li'l Chinooky Out

It's warmed up considerably today, compared to last week. This morning was a little chilly, but right now it's almost balmy. Hope it lasts for a few weeks.

It seems like a couple of weeks since I've been out for a run. I've seen my neighbour head out into the cold a few times, and have been wondering what's up with me. Different things have been pulling at me, I guess, and now that things have settled some, (and it's warmed up a little) maybe I can get back on track.

I just ran to 14th Street today. Since I haven't been out much, I think it's prudent to take it easy again, and build up for a bit before pushing for distance. I missed a race of some kind. I haven't done races since the summer. For some reason, I haven't thought of doing races for ages. Maybe that's part of the transitional nature of the past year.

Distance: 7.09 km. Time: 39:00. Average speed: 10.9 kph (5:30 min/km).

Shoes: New Balance 1061.

Weather: Cloudy and -2C

Winter is Here!

And according to Environment Canada it's going to stay for awhile. They are predicting the coldest winter in fifteen years, or something like that. But then their track record for long term forecasts ain't that great.

It was a chilly start, and I wondered (as I usually do) if I was dressed warm enough. There was a light wind from the north, and I felt it as I ran eastward and westward at the beginning. And once I got moving and breathing heavily, the cold was hard on the teeth.

By the time I got a half a kilometre down Memorial, I was feeling pretty warm, and by 14th Street, I was sweating. There was a light snow falling, and I met a few people out running. I missed the Jingle Bell Run crowd. By the time I got out, they were done, and volunteers were picking up pylons

The GPS ran out of juice again. I'm gonna hafta start remembering to plug it into the charger more often. I'll go with 7.0 km over 40 minutes.

Distance: 7.00 km. Time: 40:00. Average speed: 10.5 kph (5:71
min/km).

Shoes: New Balance 1061.

Weather: Ligth snow and -17C

Moody

That kind of night. Dunno if it's work or something else. Nutritional? I eat well, I think. What the heck, anyway??

Home late cuz the commute sucks and traffic sucks, and the roads are crappy, bleah, bleah. Changed into my running gear before I melt down, out to burn off whatever this frustration is. I pushed pretty hard, I think. Head down and lots of energy.

The usual, up to 14th Street and back. There are a few runners out there, just as many bikers, and lots walking too. But it still seems empty along the river paths. Maybe it's the darkness.

Hey! I just realized I've been writing this thing for three years now. Three and a month. How about that?

Distance: 7.03 km. Time: 39:05. Average speed: 10.8 kph (5:33 min/km).

Shoes: New Balance 1061.

Weather: Clear and -11C

Lazy Sunday

Long morning, and nice to get a break for a run. Another grey November day, ho hum. However, the western horizon was terrific. One of those beautiful sights that surprise and delight when you live close to mountains.

I did the usual run to 14th Street and back. A brisk wind was blowing from the west, and it was a little chilly until I got warmed up. A few people were out; I think I was a little late to run into the Sunday morning crowd.

When I got to my finish line, I found GPS shut down. I need to remember to plug it in more often. I'll use the last run's stats.

Distance: 6.84 km. Time: 38:42. Average speed: 10.6 kph (5:40 min/km).

Shoes: New Balance 1061.

Weather: Mostly cloudy and 2C.

Running in the Dark

Geez, where did the daylight go? Traffic was not great tonight, so it was a little late before I got home, changed, stretched and out the door. Into the darkness.

Yesterday's snow didn't help either, though I didn't find anywhere too treacherous. I don't think there's been enough packing or melting to make it icy, but I was staying aware and on the cleaned paths.

I'm still taking it easy, and watching how my knee is going. It's feeling a lot better lately, and the running seems to actually be helping. Hopefully, it'll soon not be a concern.

Distance: 6.84 km. Time: 38:42. Average speed: 10.6 kph (5:40 min/km).

Shoes: New Balance 1061.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 3C.

A Brief Break

My knee has been a little shakey ever since the marathon, and a few weeks ago seemed like it was flaring up. So I thought I'd give it a break. However, not running leaves me feeling a little stir-crazy. And I worry that I haven't adjusted my calorie intake to compensate.

I was a little slow to get out the door, too. I was just finishing up my pre-run stretching when Nony called for a much-overdue chat.

I stuck to a short route to see what's up, just to 14th Street. I felt a little stiff for the first kilometre and a half, but after that, I felt really good.

A nice day, kind of Indian Summer although it's awfully late in the year for that for this part of the world. Lots of runners out, and everyone enjoying the sunshine.

Distance: 10.05 km. Time: 57:24. Average speed: 10.4 kph (5:46 min/km).

Shoes: New Balance 1061.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 3C.

Back to the Long Runs

Haven't done a really long run for what seems like ages. I think the hiking season is over for me, given the snow that has been coming down, so it's time to get back to it.

And this morning the snow was really coming down. I got out and headed to Crescent Road, where I could just barely make out the outline of the Canterra Tower across the river.

Fresh snow everywhere, and a fair amount of traffic running the other way. Even across the river were singles, couple and groups, just visible through the snow. It seemed to get thicker as I chugged along the promenade, and the highrises a couple of blocks away where almost obscured by the snow fall.

No plows had been out save for a single swipe along the promenade. It stuck to the front of my running tights and windbreaker, and my gloves were icing up. But it was lovely to run in. The snow wasn't so deep to make running in it difficult, but there was lots to cushion each step.

I plodded along, passing 14th Street and Crowchild, and heading into the Lawrey Gardens Natural Area. Crossing the tracks to the path below Spruce Cliff, the snow started to let up a little, and about five minutes from the track crossing at Edworthy, it stopped.

On the way back toward the downtown, the paths started to get a little slushy. And I felt great. I wasn't setting any speed records. In fact a couple of intervals I was below 10 kph. The damn slush, though - I started getting wet feet from splashing myself as I ran along.

Coming up to 10th Street, I noticed the GPS had died. I was sure I had it plugged in and charged, but apparently not. I had been guessing that I would probably get to my end point about 1:50, so I'll go with that.

Today's run:
Distance: 15.8 km. Time: 1:38:00. Average speed: 9.7 kph. (6:12 min/km)
Rest distance: 1.20 km. Rest time: 11:00.
Total distance: 17.00 km. Total time: 1:50:00.

Shoes: New Balance 1061.

Weather: Light snow and -1C at the start; cloudy and 0C at the end.

Tardy Halloween Run

I just realized I haven't written this one up. It wasn't too exciting, just the Crowchild loop, but there were a lot of runners out.

And of course, being Halloween, there were some in costume. The best was probably Spiderman, sans mask. But there was also a pretty creepy looking clown, too. Other than that nothing too interesting. A couple of people wearing deely-bobbers or other odd head gear, and a few with face paint.

Good run, nice evening.

Distance: 10.05 km. Time: 57:24. Average speed: 10.5 kph (5:43 min/km).

Shoes: New Balance 1061.

Weather: No idea.

Balky GPS

It just wasn't finding itself tonight. By the time I strode to my starting point, it was barely registering that there might be something up there. And throughout the run, it complained about weak signals. I think it finally figured itself out by the time I gained the top of the bluff on my way home, and registered just the last three hundred metres or so.

Cool, but probably warm for this time of year. Windy, too. I ran the 14th Street loop and felt good all the way. The right knee is still troubling on stairs, but not a problem hiking or running. Maybe I'm supposed to keep moving.

I'm going to use the numbers from my last run.

Distance: 6.92 km. Time: 40:08. Average speed: 10.3 kph (5:50 min/km).

Shoes: New Balance 1061.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 12C.

A Revelation

New shoes. Holy cow, what a difference!

I looked at the soles of my old ones, actually the first Nikes that I'd got three years ago. Now they do duty as my every day shoe, where they park with my feet under my desk most of the time. There's a lot of wear on the sole, and it's all on the outside, meaning that as I roll forward on my foot, with these shoes I've been rolling forward on the outside.

At the shoe store, I had the sales guy give me the once over to figure out what kind of shoe I should have, cuz I never remember, nor do I trust the last diagnosis. And what he said was I don't pronate much. Even as I was pacing up and down the aisle for him, I was noticing that I was mostly on the outside of the foot.

My shoes have been stability shoes, meaning they keep a light pronator from pronating. So for me, since I don't pronate, they've been pushing my foot to roll forward on the outside. Which means strain on heel pads and IT bands. Go figure.

I was sitting there for a long time, trying on first the Adidas, then the New Balance. Switching back and forth, going for a stroll down the aisle each time. The Mizunos had my attention for a few minutes with their big roomy toe box, but that was almost too much. The Adidas were just a tiny bit snug, so in the end, I went for the New Balance, which I at one time was certain I'd never do. My only other try with that brand was disasterous. Oh, and the Adidas were a gorgeous day-glo green, which I was really drawn to, but the New Balance consolation is that they are a fabulous brilliant orange.

I took it easy tonight, just a light run to 14th Street and back. Cool and a little windy, but not a bad running environment. A few others out; I guess most Sunday runners get out in the morning, something I need to get back into. My heel is painless, and my knee is certainly no worse than when I started. I'm surprisingly happier with these shoes, than I was when I got my first Sauconys.

Distance: 6.92 km. Time: 40:08. Average speed: 10.3 kph (5:50 min/km).

Shoes: New Balance 1061.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 8C.

Barbeque Neighbourhood

I think half the neighbours are barbequing tonight. As a consequence, I finished tonight's run famished. There's something about the aroma of searing beef.

I ran just to 14th Street again, but changed the start a little, heading over to the Centre Street bridge. Surprisingly, it adds less than a kilometre to the run. And I got to run past the project being built at the old bus barn in Eau Claire, where they're putting up a second crane. That makes seventeen visible from some parts of Cresent Road, and doesn't even consider that there are at least that many more on the other side of the downtown core. Must be a boom going on.

The weather's turning too. It was chillier tonight, and kinda cloudy.

Distance: 7.80 km. Time: 42:25. Average speed: 11.0 kph (5:27 min/km).

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Mostly cloudy and 10C

Another Late Run

I'm beginning to like running during the dinner hour. More people are out, and when it's this nice, that's quite a crowd.

I considered the 10K loop to Crowchild, but stuck to the 7K loop. Nice run, except for the crazy on the bike who seemed to think the rest of us were just pylons. That's the closest I've been to being hit. Sheesh.

Distance: 7.00 km. Time: 40:28. Average speed: 10.4 kph (5:46 min/km).

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Clear and 9C

Getting Out Late

Running late on a Saturday night is quite an adventure. Right off the start, I was following a young female runner on the trail by the river, when she suddenly did an about face. She ran past me with an odd look on her face. A few metres on, I saw why. A man had decided to relieve himself on the side of the path. Ewww.

In other news... A bunch of kids sitting on the old 10th Street bridge abutment were enjoying beverages and tossing the empties across the path onto the rocks along the river. The police had someone pulled over onto the boulevard in the middle of Memorial Drive, flashing lights and all. A guy with huge headphones was walking along the promenade and screaming incoherently at someone or something.

There may have been other wierdnesses and uncomfortable things, but those were the highlights. Gotta get out earlier.

Distance: 9.86 km. Time: 58:18. Average speed: 10.1 kph (5:56 min/km).

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Clear and 9C

Winter's Coming

My first run of the season in tights, cuz it's just a little too cold for shorts.

Thought I could beat the rain, but not so. It wasn't really that bad, though. Just a light rain, but cold, with a little wind. The sky was very dramatic, and it got quite dark.

I got down to the river, and across Prince's Island. I must have passed a half dozen running or exercising groups braving the elements. I don't know if that's a Thursday kind of thing, or just something that happens later in the evening. I was a little late getting home, and just as late getting out.

Anyway, it was a jaunt up to 14th Street again. I haven't been able to run as much as I would like, and when I do get out, I have lots of energy.

Distance: 6.73 km. Time: 38:02. Average speed: 10.6 kph (5:40 min/km).

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Light rainshower and 4C

Blustery and Sunny

Great evening, but typical blowey blustery fall day. The leaves are piling up along the paths, and parts are positively crunchy.

The right knee was terrifically tight at the start. It took about ten minutes to loosen up. Meanwhile the left heel is a little sore, but that also eased after a bit of distance. Sheesh.

I ran to 14th Street, not feeling motivated to go for any more. What's up with that?

Distance: 6.75 km. Time: 39:59. Average speed: 10.1 kph (5:56 min/km).

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 13C.

Chompin' at the Bit

When I got home tonight, I wasn't even thinking. I just changed, stretched and headed out. Like I was on auto-pilot or something. And I didn't have all that stressful a day.

It was fun. A little cool. Dark cloud threatened, but by the time I was half way, most of the dark clouds had moved away.

It was one of those organic runs. I tried counting steps at one point, but lost interest. I wasn't fast, certainly not at optimum stride or whatever. It was just in a groove that felt right. Breath was good, legs was good.

All good. A nice run

Distance: 9.83 km. Time: 57:25. Average speed: 10.3 kph (5:24 min/km).

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Partly cloudy and 10C.

Fall is Here

Already there are bare trees. It seems like fall is here really early this year.

But perfect running weather. It's a little cool, but sunny, and a very light breeze. It really is a gorgeous run along the river.

I flirted with running to Crowchild, but decided 14th was enough tonight. It made for a nice run. Everything felt pretty smooth, except for a tight right knee that took a few minutes to loosen up a little.

Distance: 7.02 km. Time: 38:05. Average speed: 11.1 kph (5:24 min/km).

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Sunny and 14C.

Beat The Rain

It didn't even look too bad when I was out, even a little sunny. But there was a big black mass of cloud to the north, that was coming in.

I just did the 14th Street loop. Don't know what's going on, but I haven't had the go to get out and run lately. I get home, make dinner, then I think I should have gone before I ate. Still adjusting?

The run was good, though. A little achy and stiff to start, but once I warmed up, it was great. I don't know if that's a result of not running to much lately or what.

Distance: 6.39 km. Time: 37:43. Average speed: 10.2 kph (5:53 min/km).

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Cloudy and 13C

How About a Long One?

I felt great today, even after yesterday's adventure, so I thought, why not do my Sunday distance run? Everything is feeling really good, stable and strong.

I've not done a Sunday run for awhile, so scheduling was an issue. I had for a big breakfast and an early lunch to settle, so it was later in the afternoon by the time I got out.

Fall colours are coming out everywhere, yet the sun and warmth were very summer like. Hot and sweaty, but not overly so. Definitely out of my favourite running temperature range.

I took it slow, and headed off to Edworthy. I wasn't aiming for good speed, just getting around the loop. Lots of people were out on the paths so it was a pretty social run, too. The run was hot, butcrossing to the south side at Edworthy and getting under the forest below Wildwood and Spruce Cliff was surprisingly cool.

Another thing that's changed from a couple of months ago, is that the crowd of rafters on the river move much slower than I run. Earlier this summer, with high water levels, they moved along at a good clip.

Beautiful day, good run. Lovely to be back into it.

Today's run:
Distance: 15.92 km. Time: 1:36:56. Average speed: 9.9 kph. (6:04 min/km)
Rest distance: 1.20 km. Rest time: 11:00.
Total distance: 17.12 km. Total time: 1:47:56.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Sunny and 24C.

Shoulda plugged It In

The GPS ran out of juice about half way around tonight, just after I crossed the river at Crowchild. I don't think I plugged it in to charge since last week, so no wonder it died.

A huge crowd again on The Stairs. Some run up, some take it two at a time, some hop up, some go up sideways. It's a busy place. And at the top, several stand around huffing and gasping before charging back down to do it again. I imagine it's a great work out, but what a traffic jam.

It was a good run. A great day for running and everything feels good. I think I'm pretty much recovered from the marathon.

I just realized I didn't write up my run a couple of days ago. So two runs are here.

Distance: 10.47 km. Time: 55:54. Average speed: 10.6 kph (5:40 min/km) (Tuesday).
Distance: 10 km. Time: 55:00. Average speed: 10.9 kph (5:30 min/km) (today, est.).

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 15C

Going the Other Way

It struck me tonight, that I haven't run the Crowchild loop clockwise for a long time. So I did tonight. And guess what? There's just as much bike traffic heading east on the south side of the river as heads west during rush hour. I thought everyone would be heading away from downtown, but not so.

Anyway, a great sunny run, just a little cool, after the flirtation with hail near noon. Lots of people out running, too.

And I seem to be finally getting past being achy. My right knee still feels weak, but not sore, and the left heel only hurts a little now, and only for a bit in the morning. Healing is happening.

Distance: 9.88 km. Time: 55:50. Average speed: 10.6 kph (5:40 min/km).

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 13C

Bugs!

Just about as soon as I got out the door, one of the little jiggers flew into my right eye. There's clouds of 'em all over the neighbourhood. I wore my white sleeveless, and every few minutes I would pull at it and let it snap back against my chest to shake them loose.

I ran the 10 km Crowchild loop tonight, feeling quite up to it, even after my latest adventure, and the critter didn't wash out until I was practically to 14th Street on the return leg. All the while, this black blob wandered about, obscuring various parts of my field of vision. Sheesh.

Good strong run, though. While I still feel a little achy in the knees, it seemed to have no effect on my running. I actually got a little agressive on The Path Under The Stairs.

Distance: 10.03 km. Time: 56:44. Average speed: 10.6 kph (5:40 min/km).

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 22C

Rain to Shine

The day started out kinda cold and wet, but it turned quite nice pretty quickly. So the pull was there to get out of the house and run.

I was aiming for a nice 7 km again, but I felt so good by the time I got to 14th Street, that I kept going. Across the river under Crowchild, then down the other side.

And just past 14th Street, by the sculture garden, I met up with the Pedal Princess. I haven't seen her hardly at all, all summer, so we spent a few minutes catching up. She's been a grandmother for two weeks, and how cool is that? So she filled me in on all the excitement around that.

After that, all the way home with good energy. This was a slow one, but it was nice to take time and look around.


Distance: 9.93 km. Time: 58:36. Average speed: 10.2 kph (5:53 min/km).

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 18C

Half Way to a Thousand

I'm starting to get into a bit of a rhythm again. Home from work and go for a run. And I think I have the commute pretty much figured out, so I'm home pretty quick.

Today was just to nice out to ignore. I was out the front door almost as soon as I came in the back door. Good crowds out there too. I headed down to the river, as usual, and along the trail between the river and Memorial Drive. I felt good enough to keep going once I got to 14th Street.

I haven't done the Crowchild loop for a couple of weeks. Nothing new to see, but it's lovely in the low evening sun. In fact, the sun was low enough to shine on the pedestrian bridge under Crowchild. I suppose that means summer is waning (or is it waxing - I never know which is which.)

Even on the crazy busy side of the river, with all the bike traffic, there were lots of runners and walkers. And coming up to the Jaipur Bridge, a big crowd of runners, probably the Wednesday night Running Room group.

There seems to be a bit of a fitness craze building around The Stairs. There are often a half dozen or so people running up the stairs, or taking them two at a time, or hopping up or going up sideways. Tonight there must have been a crowd of at least thirty. They'll have to put up turnstiles or something. The stairs have gotten a lot of use this year, and the wooden steps are pretty worn.

Beautiful evening, beautiful run. Life is good.

Distance: 9.95 km. Time: 55:56. Average speed: 10.7 kph (5:36 min/km).

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 24C.

500

This is my five hundredth post on this blog. Wonder if anyone is still out there? Even more amazing, it's been 1239 days since my first run. Also hundreds, even thousands, of kilometers, at least sixteen kilograms, and several pairs of running shoes.

And nothing more momentous than another go at the 14th Street loop. Nice and cool today, lots of people out, though not big crowds. It felt great to get out there, after my cross-training adventures. Everything is slowly coming back together after the marathon.

Distance: 7.38 km. Time: 37:27. Average speed: 11.8 kph (5:05 min/km).

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 12C.

Still Adjusting

I'm getting the commute figured out, anyway. But it's still pretty late by the time i get home. I figure the best way is to head out as soon as I get home, and worry about dinner and stuff later, which pushes that unnaturally close to bedtime. But I'll adapt.

Today was a repeat of the 14th Street loop. I'm in a bit of rut, maybe, running the same routes every time. But I find I enjoy running along the river, and so many others are out running too, which makes it fun.

I thought maybe I'd get rained on, and the cloud is certainly there. But it was beginning to break up by the time I finished. And something is going on at Prince's Island. There are vehicles and tents, and people in those orange vests with the yellow stripes. It'll be the Calgary International Blues Festival, of course.

Distance: 7.60 km. Time: 39:49. Average speed: 11.5 kph (5:13 min/km).

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Mostly cloudy and 13C.

A New Adventure Begins...

...and I have to adjust my running schedule to accommodate it. It also comes with an hour of commuting (bleah). So I was out late tonight.

Just the 14th Street loop tonight. I had a pretty strenuous weekend, and wasn't sure what I was up for, but surprisingly, all the parts that have been hurting lately, aren't hardly hurting tonight.

A good strong run, with fun and lots of other runners out.

Distance: 7.05 km. Time: 39:28. Average speed: 10.7 kph (5:37 min/km).

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Partly cloudy and 19C

Seven to Ten

I was only going to run the 14th Street loop, but I felt so good when I got there, I continued on to Crowchild.

My foot is still not over its trauma, and has been sore off and on for the past few weeks. And then there's the knee, which is also kind of tender at times. So I've been getting even more aggressive about stretching. I've discovered a great stretch for the IT band, which has been quite tight, and it seems to be working. I've also been stretching the calves and feet several times a day, and combing through back issues of Runner's World for ideas.

But the run was great. No pain in the foot at all, all the way through the run. And my knee was fine until the climb up The Path Under The Stairs, which probably affected it due to the slight lateral slope of The Path, on which the foot rolls a little to the right.

And good post-run stretching and icing felt great. I'm hoping it continues. No mistake - things have been improving, but it's slow going. This just helps things along.

Distance: 9.96 km. Time: 56:24. Average speed: 10.6 kph (5:40 min/km).

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Partly cloudy and 24C.

Gotta Get Out

I was trying to wait out a week to see if some pain in my heel would go away, but I couldn't go without any more. I tried to do just a light run on the 14th Street loop, and I guess I more or less kept it on the slow side, sort of.

Other than it being a strikingly lovely day for a run, there's not much to it. Lots of people out, and I notices a few more smiles and waves than usual.

I'm trying some variations on stretching and it seems to help. I'll keep at it this week. As of next week, my schedule will probably change dramatically, and I'll have to see how things fit.

Distance: 9.37 km. Time: 54:47. Average speed: 10.3 kph (5:50 min/km).

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Sunny and 19C.

Soggy Speed Run

Something lit a fire under me. I had great speed all the way through. Perhaps its the rain.

A shower had already wandered through the downtown earlier this morning, and the sky was pretty grey. A little bit spitty, but hardly even noticeable. But shortly after I got to the river side, it opened up. Just a nice gentle downpour, that persisted throughout the rest of the run.

Even with the grey and the wet, there were a lot of runners out. A lot of walkers, too. It even looked like Shakespeare in the Park was setting up for their noon hour show.

Distance: 7.22 km. Time: 36:25. Average speed: 11.9 kph (5:03 min/km).

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Light rainshower and 12C.

Slow Recovery

Is it just me getting old? Two days of taking it easy after a challenging hike, and I still feel a little shaky. But it didn't take long to get to where I wasn't hobbling - just needed to warm up. Stretching helped lots, too.

It was hotter than I thought, but it didn't seem too bad at all. It was also later in the day than I thought. Must have had a busy morning. I ran to Crowchild and back. I briefly questioned why I didn't run the 7 km loop, ironically at about seven kilometres into the run, but in the end, I'm glad I stuck it out, as usual.

Passed Mike on the path. Gotta call the guy for a run.

Distance: 10.02 km. Time: 57:41. Average speed: 10.4 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Partly cloudy and 27C.

Kinda Hot Out

Got out late this afternoon, about the start of rush hour. I'm feeling kinda slow again, and not sure why. Perhaps it's the weather; it's pretty hot out there tonight.

I ran to Crowchild today. I've been trying to get some structure into my week, so the plan is to run 10K twice a week (to Crowchild) and 7K in between (to 14th Street). I'm also trying to do the runs the same time every week, but so far it's been hit and miss. Plus if I ever connect with Mike, it'll be on his schedule, cuz I have more flexibility than he does, I think.

Anyway, hot, sunny, and lots of bike traffic.

Distance: 9.90 km. Time: 58:34. Average speed: 10.1 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Sunny and 29C.

Short One

14th Street today. Nice mid-morning run, with little traffic, not too hot, and just a lovely, sunny day.

Current running wisdom says a cadence of about 180 steps per minute is optimum, which always seemed fast to me. So I tested it out, to see how fast my stride was. I counted over five different one minute intervals, and took an average. I come out at 184 steps per minute, so a little bit fast. That's three steps per second which seems awful quick, but the body does some amazing things.

Other things: Shakespeare in the Park has it's stage set up. And across the path, was a crew shooting a movie or something. Lots of people around, one holding a boom mike, lights on stands and a honkin' big reflector umbrella. Could be one of these, perhaps Snowglobe.

Distance: 6.99 km. Time: 39:27. Average speed: 10.6 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Sunny and 16C.

Cool Off

Seems like my title choices reflect the weather as much as my running. But today was odd. It wasn't too warm to start with (for July, anyway) and by mid morning it had really cooled off. So perfect running weather!

I went for the 10K today, to Crowchild. I felt that I was pushing a little, and I was rather wanting to go easy. My attempts to throttle back didn't seem to work, so I finally stopped worrying about it. I actually wasn't as fast as I thought, but still was up there.

It's interesting how my perception of speed often doesn't match reality. Sometimes I feel like I'm really slow, the next day I have energy to burn. Yet the GPS says my speed both times was basically the same. Or I'll have a pokey day that feels fast.

Distance: 9.98 km. Time: 55:17. Average speed: 10.8 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Partly cloudy and 14C.

Long and Slow

It felt right to do a distance run, even though yesterday was a good workout. But I took it slow, deciding to enjoy the beautiful day.

I headed west toward Edworthy, as usual. The weather has been spectacular, and today we're again blessed with an incredible blue sky. The run out was pretty standard, but on the way back, on impulse, I took the high road. Just into the bush after crossing the tracks, the path splits, with a paved path to the left following the tracks, and a dirt path climbing up into the forest.

This path quickly turns into stairs or sorts, and it's a lot of climbing. I felt great and managed to run almost all the way to the top. And even the up and down was wonderful. I felt great in the knees, which was good because they got a workout.

Near Crowchild, the path drops and crosses the tracks to join the one by the river. And from there it was plain old slogging back home. Of course, the Calgary Folk Music Festival is going on again, and as I passed through Prince's Island, there were at least four active stages going. The east most one, by the foot bridge, had a great blues band going, and an enthusiastic crowd.

By Prince's Island, I was running out of steam. On The Path Under The Stairs, I got to walk some of the steepest part, but it was hard going up. I pretty much used everything up today.

Distance: 16.28 km. Time: 1:45:20. Average speed: 9.3 kph.
Rest distance: 1.04 km. Rest time: 11:00.
Total distance: 17.32 km. Total time: 1:56:20

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Sunny and 22C at the start, 27C by the end.

Back to Hot, But Dryer

The same temperatures that we had a week or so ago, but without the sticky humidity. It's beautiful out, and I really like running hot. No idea why. I don't think I'd want to go really long, but 10 km or less isn't a problem. Maybe I have a tolerance to running hot and dry. Heaven knows I tolerated farm work in these conditions as a kid, so maybe I'm just built for it.

The Calgary Folk Music Festival is going full blast, and the volume is appreciable, even from the top of McHugh's Bluff and Cresent Road. Between that and the fact that half of the downtown work force takes Friday afternoon off in the summer, there wasn't a lot of traffic on the path. Just a few runners on the north side all the way to 14th Avenue. The south side was quiet too until the C-Train bridge.

Beside Prince's Island, the traffic got really heavy. Lots of people carrying coolers and folding chairs, and the music going full blast. Most interesting sight: a young couple walking to the venue, and the lady didn't seem excited about going, or even interested in her companion, cuz she was reading a book while they walked. Didn't notice if it was the new Harry Potter.

Distance: 7.13 km. Time: 41:19. Average speed: 10.4 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Sunny and 31C.

Another Good Run

Actually, quite good. I've been feeling really good on the paths, so recovery is pretty much done. I'll have to push the distance a little next time.

Except I still feel the knees on stairways. I've been working on strengthening them, so I hope that'll fade with time. There always seems to be something that lingers for a couple of months. Last year it was the hip flexor (maybe), the year before it was something else.

We got a bit of a break today from the heat, too. Still warm, but not oppressive. Good crowds, good energy. I even got a little aggressive with The Path, maintaining speed all the way up. Woohoo!

Distance: 7.18 km. Time: 38:59. Average speed: 11.1 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Sunny and 19C.

A Surprising Run

This one went quite unexpectedly after the exertions of yesterday. I thought my knee would be a little tender, and I would be a little depleted, but it was totally the opposite. I had excellent energy, and I felt great.

I still stuck to the 14th Street loop, not wanting to push it, and besides, it's pretty hot out. Lot's of people out, and the paths are busy, just the way I like it. I tried to stay to the shadiest part of the paths, too.

I still don't have the aggressiveness for climbing The Path Under The Stairs, but it wasn't too onerous, even with the heat. It wasn't like I was consistent about it before the marathon either.

In the end, my recovery from this year's marathon has gone really well. For all the pounding I put my body through two weeks ago, I feel awfully good.

Distance: 6.89 km. Time: 40:25. Average speed: 10.2 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Sunny and 30C.

Yup, 14th Street Again

Nice and warm today, and sunny too. It feels good to get back out and moving again, even if things don't really move too well yet. The right knee is still aching a little, but stairs are getting easier.

I headed out in the noon day sun, down The Path and along the river. Summer is so great to run in, but the paths were kinda quiet. Maybe everyone was on a lunch break. I felt like I was taking it easy, but I think I had pretty good time anyway.

Tomorrow ought to be interesting. Daisy and I are going hiking, and with her, I won't get off easy. Hope the knees are recovered enough.

Distance: 6.94 km. Time: 39:53. Average speed: 10.4 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Sunny and 24C.

Staying on the 14th Street Loop

14th Street seems to be the right distance right now. I can't believe how depleted I am, even after a week and a half. Maybe that's how it's always been. Don't wanna go back and check in case I recovered wonderfully last year, and now it's just evidence of age.

Hot and not quite so sticky today, but still humid. There were some thunderstorms rolling across town this morning, and a little bit of a lightning show around 6:00 am. Now the clouds are building again, and I suppose the thunderstorm watches will be coming out soon.

But a great running day. People are everywhere, and lots are running. There were a couple doing speed intervals, yo-yoing past me every few minutes, and then slowing to walk and I'd pass them.

I don't mind the heat for running, actually. It's better when the air is drier, but I seem to have a tolerance for it. Sweating actually feels good when I'm out there. But I wish I could turn off the tap when I stop. Ick.

Distance: 6.24 km. Time: 40:47. Average speed: 9.2 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Sunny and 24C.

Hot and Sticky

What is it with all the humidity? It's been really high lately, though not entirely unbearable. (I just ran in it, after all.)

The aftermath of the marathon is still there, in a shaky feeling right knee and some soreness in the groin. I found I was also feeling it in the calves, not unexpectedly, and in the quads, surprisingly. The heel pain was there right off, but was disappeared by the end of the first mile or so.

I planned to run the 14th Street, but I was staying aware of the C-Train bridge, just in case. Heck, I was ready to just do a short loop around Prince's Island, which would have been about 3 km, and that would have been fine. But it felt quite good out there, despite the heat and humidity.

In the end, 14th Street was just about right, even if I was a little slow. A nice loosening up after a week and a half of recovery.

Distance: 7.12 km. Time: 43:14. Average speed: 9.9 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Partly cloudy and 27C, even a little hazy. Humidity is 71%, and hasn't been below 60% for days. Normally, it's around 30% or so. Bleah.

Truth in Pictures

I'm working on getting some pictures from the friends who met me at the finish. Caroline took this one of Byron and I after I got through the finish line. Actually, it was after I got through the food tent. By then, the knees weren't so wobbly.

Here's me at the 42 km marker; just two hundred metres to go. It might be hard to tell, but at this point, I was in a total fog of fatigue and pain.

And what greeted me at the finish line, when that picture was taken:

Byron at the ready at the 19 km marker, his son Mitchell inspecting.

And one more - me running into the distance, about to cross the finish.

Thanks, Caroline.

And from Byron, the picture that started it all:

Uh, thanks, I think...

2007 Calgary Marathon Official Results

I was 380th overall out of 750,
288th out of 471 males
53rd out of 93 in the men's 45-49 category.

My final (gun) time was 4:16:22,
My pace was 6:01/kilometre,
My time at the half was 2:04:42.

My chip time was 4:13:52 - a new PR!

Official results are here.

What Was I Thinking??

That thought occurred to me several times this morning as I plodded along Bow Cresent and Bowness Road. This was a tough one, and I didn't get that second wind like I got in the first and second marathons. I think I was counting on that.

I got to the Mewata Armoury about 6:00 am, ready and pumped, and headed for the Porta-Pottie lineups. Then stretching and a little light jogging to warm up, and back in the line again. Repeat as necessary. The last trip got me out of the little green shack about two minutes to the starting gun, so I ended up way in the back. I was kinda hoping to get more to the middle, so I could get past the traffic.

As usual with these things, the gun goes off, a rousing cheer rises from the crowd, and we stand there for a minute or so. If I was a faster runner, I could cut that wait to less than thirty seconds.

About two and a half minutes later I crossed the starting line, and was into a slow jog as I worked my way through traffic. This was a good crowd, and it seemed to stay thick for ages. The route took us through the Stampede grounds again, and that gets narrow, with all the food and gaming booths. (And by the way, those mini-donuts are transfat free this year. woohoo.)

From there, it's a nice run from the south end of the Stampede grounds, around to Ramsey, then the zoo. I love the zoo. I think a lot of people don't, cuz the paths are narrow, and the traffic really doesn't thin out all that much by the time we get there. But I love winding through the North American exhibits, even if we didn't get to see anything. And if you don't mind pushing through the bush on the edge of the path, you can gain some ground.

After the zoo, we head back west toward Bridgeland. By this time I still felt great. I had a great pace and nothing really hurt yet. Then the jog at Edmonton Trail to Memorial, and the long slog.

By about fifteen kilometres, I was starting to feel things, and I was a little concerned about that, being only a third of the way through this. Anyway, I just kept going, trying not to think about pace or anything, but just keeping going.

At 19 km, there was a most unforgettable moment. My picture, two feet square, on cardboard from the week before, with the Groucho glasses, and three very special people - Byron, Kathy and Caroline - cheering me. That is one moment I don't think I'll ever forget.

Shortly after that, I reached the half, and I don't think I've ever been that glad to reach a milestone. The race official was reading off times, and as I passed, he said, "2:04:42." Not bad. But I didn't think there was a possibility of a negative split, so no breaking the four hour barrier today. And that was OK.

At the 22 km marker, four women began cheering for me, one of them wildly. My neighbour from upstairs, Jocelyn, and her friends were on the sidelines. She's the one who ran Boston this year, qualifying in Kelowna last fall with a time of 3:59:58, if I recall correctly.

I hate the part through Bowness. The street they have us run on is only partially paved, full of potholes and gravel. It can be an ankle buster, if you aren't careful. And by this time, I'm feeling everything, so it wasn't the funnest part of the run.

Near the 26 km marker, my friend Peter-Mark was volunteering, so I got another cheering, which was great. His enthusiasm is amazing and it was a boost I needed.

Bowness Park is another tough slog. You'd think it wouldn't be all that bad, but for some reason it just seems long and slow, with the most unforgiving pavement. Last time I ran this, it was the toughest part of the whole marathon.

But I made it. Actually, I made it through the whole thing, didn't I?

At around 32 km, I decided to try and stretch the calves against the curb during my walk period, and found myself face to face with a pair of beautiful golden eyes in the tall grass. I moved slightly, and the dark grey longhair cat bounded out of the tall grass, across the street and over a fence, startling some of the runners.

Another cheering from Peter-Mark, and the long slog back to downtown. Shouldice Pool. The 35 km marker. Here's where I started to really struggle.

I do run-walks, with a one minute walk out of every ten minutes. At this point it quickly became very hard to start running again, after that one minute walk. Not so much from motivation, but from general stiffening up. It hurt.

Jocelyn and her friends were still there, near 36 km on the return side, and their cheering was a welcome boost. And then it was head down, and go. Just before the 14th Street bridge, the 4:15 pace bunny and his entourage caught up to me, and passed. I just kept plugging.

Just past the 42 km marker I was confronted with that picture of me with the funny nose and glasses again, and cheering friends. I would love to say that gave me that added burst for the end, but in reality, I had nothing left. I just kept plodding, to the mats at the finish line, barely noticing my name being announced as I approached. I did notice the clock at around 4:16, so I figured that was that.

Hugs from my friends, and then to the food tent, where I made an impression. I can't believe how ravenous I get after a run.

Today's run:
Distance: 39.42 km. Time: 3:46:45. Average speed: 10.4 kph.
Rest distance: 3.13 km. Rest time: 25:00.
Total distance: 42.55 km. Total time: 4:11:45.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Completely overcast all the way through, going from 13C to 16C.

One Last Easy Run

Got a run in with Beckster this afternoon. She's just started running, and we went with her choice of interval, two minutes running and two walking.

We got to Fish Creek Park and after some initial stretching, we headed down the path. I haven't run along there for at least a year, since Tru and I were there a little over a year ago.

Beckster is a treadmill runner, and has only been outside in the real world a couple of times. She's also pretty new to it, so hasn't built it up a lot of stamina yet. Perfect for me, since I just wanted a little loosening up while the marathon approaches.

We headed east along the path, not quite getting to the two and a half km point before turning around. On the way back, we stretched the last leg and she decided to sprint it. Good run and good finish.

Today's run:
Distance: 3.07 km. Time: 20:36. Average speed: 8.9 kph.
Rest distance: 1.88 km. Rest time: 20:00.
Total distance: 4.95 km. Total time: 40:36.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Sunny and 24C.

The Calgary Marathon is in 3 days.

One More Long One

Just a moderately long run to keep things loose and ready for next week. It was a fun and fairly fast one to Edworthy and back. At least it was faster than I thought it would be.

As for next week, I don't know how ready I am, but I'm in for the duration. I don't think I'll have a new PR out of it, but ya never know.

Today was more for getting out and saying hi to everyone. Lots of people out enjoying summer. Otherwise, nothing much to comment on, except maybe the crowds at Prince's Island for the July 1 festivities.

Today's run:
Distance: 16.37 km. Time: 1:31:29. Average speed: 10.7 kph.
Rest distance: 1.04 km. Rest time: 10:00.
Total distance: 17.41 km. Total time: 1:41:29.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Sunny and 16C to start, climbing to 18C at the end.

The Calgary Marathon is in 6 days.

Sticky Run

The humidity is up around 70%, and it keeps trying to rain. When it does, there's no relief from the heat, not that it's all that hot.

I ran the 14th Street loop today, just to loosen up a little. Eveything is kinda tight from activities over the last week, and it took awhile to get some flexibility back. Even so, a good run.

Distance: 7.00 km. Time: 40:48. Average speed: 10.3 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Light rainshower and 18C, but it was up to 23C an hour later.

The Calgary Marathon is still in 8 days.

One Last Long One

After an intense weekend of crosstraining, I'm back to running. And I'm feeling it.

It's not so much that things hurt or I'm flirting with overuse injuries, but I'm just still a little depleted. And maybe a little stiff from all of that. Stretching never felt so good.

Long zoo to Edworthy again. The river is still high, but all the underpasses are open. The water is just over the edge of the pavement under Edmonton Trail, and both sides under Centre Street are close.

At 12th Street, by the zoo, that bridge is closed, and there's a work crew doing something over the side. The walkway is closed, but there's enough room on the roadway for pedestrians to get past.

On the south side, under the C-Train bridge from the northeast, the addicts are harassing the geese, or maybe it's vice versa. The goslings are getting big, and many are beginning to show the white cheek patch.

After that not much going on other than lots of runners and walkers. There were even a lot west of Crowchild, and below Spruce Cliff. Lots of picnickers at Edworthy. And then quiet all the way back.

Today's run:
Distance: 22.06km. Time: 2:06:55. Average speed: 10.3 kph.
Rest distance: 1.56 km. Rest time: 14:00.
Total distance: 23.62 km. Total time: 2:22:55.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) A.

Weather: Sunny and 16C to start, only climbing a degree to 17C at the end.

The Calgary Marathon is in 11 days.

Tough Run

Dunno what happened here. Maybe some mouldy strawberries for breakfast, or an off egg in last night's omelette.

Everyone was ready to run. Except Mr. Tummy. For some reason, he wasn't feeling his best. But what could he do? Everyone else wanted to run. After awhile he started to feel better, and everyone was able to enjoy the sunny weather, and being around all the others out running.

About three quarters of the way around the Crowchild loop, Mr. Tummy wasn't feeling at all well. He put on a brave face, and everyone was still running fine, but those around him were concerned. By the time they reached the Jaipur Bridge, Mr. Tummy was in some distress, and everyone around him was feeling the effects.

By the top of The Path Under The Stairs, Mr. Bowel had decided he wasn't feeling all that great either. This put some pressure on those downstream, so to speak. It took a heroic effort for everyone to hold it together until they could get home. Once there, everyone could, um, relax...

*whew*

Distance: 9.95 km. Time: 56:22. Average speed: 10.6 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) A.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 25C.

The Calgary Marathon is still in 16 days.

Another Lovely Evening Run

Just a beautiful day out. I've been feeling a little weak and tired lately, but I still couldn't wait to get out. The sun and clear air was so inviting.

There were lots of people out, too. No traffic jams, but the paths were busy. I ran to Crowchild, for some distance, and a change of pace, since seems like I haven't done the 10 km distance for ages.

Ran into Byron on his way home, just west of 14th Street. Busy guy these days. He's gone over to cycling, and hasn't run for awhile. Miss those noon hour runs.

Distance: 10.01 km. Time: 57:52. Average speed: 10.4 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) A.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 22C.

The Calgary Marathon is still in 17 days.

Evening Run

Just a beautiful run tonight. It's sunny and warm, a lovely evening. Rush hour traffic is going nowhere, and I can cross between the cars without waiting. I love being within walking distance of everything.

Down to the river, and the 14th Street loop. Nothing special; just a loosening up after the long wet run on Sunday. Lots of people out on the paths, and of course, those grumpy cyclists on a tear.

I love this town.

Distance: 6.86 km. Time: 39:23. Average speed: 10.5 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) A.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 22C.

The Calgary Marathon is still in 18 days.

The Deluge

You'd think it was Vancouver, the way it's coming down. There's been a rainfall warning in effect for over twenty four hours, and it finally started coming down late last night. I hesitated over getting out, but only for a few moments.

Well, actually, it took an hour to get going. I got a delightful call from my oldest to wish Happy Father's Day with a long call, so I got a late start.

It's not so much the rain as the wind. Very blustery from the north, and what ever side was exposed to it was cold. My left arm ached a little as I ran east toward the zoo. I was on a walk break, just passing the foot bridge to the zoo island (the bridge on the short zoo loop) when someone came up from behind telling me to get running.

Gigi (I'm guessing at the spelling, but it's pronounced "jee-jee", with a soft G sound) was just finishing up a run and on her way home to Inglewood. Turns out she was just getting a run in before her last day on her job as the veterinarian at Stampede Park. They are shutting down the horse racing facility because the track is too short and there's no room for expansion. Anyway, we had a nice run and chat until she peeled off toward home.

After that, it was cold, wet slogging. Running in the trees was a mixed blessing. The wind wasn't so biting, but it shook the rain out of the canopy, so my waterlogged state was maintained.

It wasn't raining so hard that my feet were totally soaked. Occasionally, I'd get a bit of a splash over one foot or the other, which felt really good - ice water on hot feet - aaahhhhhhhh.... But after a few steps the cold would be gone, and then I'd worry about a wet sock sliding down and bunching up under my arch, like they did when I ran the Vancouver Marathon. Never got quite that wet, thank goodness.

There were surprisingly several other runners out. I think the Running Room groups are mostly die-hards, who are out no matter what. Even a few walkers out. Of course the dog owners are stuck with that duty, but there were others too.

Once I was home, it was one long hot shower.

Today's run:
Distance: 23.82km. Time: 2:17:11. Average speed: 10.4 kph.
Rest distance: 1.56 km. Rest time: 15:00.
Total distance: 25.38 km. Total time: 2:32:11.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Light rain and 9 throughout, with a blustery wind from the north.

The Calgary Marathon is in 20 days.

Speed Run

I intentionally pushed it today, cuz I want to get a little faster, and cuz I have to get to other things this afternoon.

I ran the 14th Street loop, and I figure I ran pretty hard. I managed to keep a high turnover rate all the way, and the nice thing is that my breathing stayed with me. Even on The Path Under The Stairs, I was breathing evenly while pushing hard. Hopefully, that says something about my stamina.

The sky is nasty dark in the west, so I wondered if the rain would come again. But I think all that stuff is moving northward. That and the cool wind kept the crowds down.

Distance: 6.90 km. Time: 35:45. Average speed: 11.69 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) A.

Weather: Cloudy and 11C.

The Calgary Marathon is still in 23 days.

Braided Loop

I call it that because I did the loop from the zoo to Edworthy, and crossed each bridge as I came to it. I think the bridges add about a quarter kilometre each, so it lengthens the run a little, without my getting away from civilization, or doubling up on part of the route.

The river is still very high, and the water is dirty, debris-filled, and flowing fast. I started by going down Nony's Awful Little Hill, and across the Centre Street bridge. I began to circle around to go underneath the bridge and head east, when I encountered the gate. The path under Centre Street was "closed due to unsafe conditions," like about thirty or forty centimetres of water.

I crossed the other way, across the roadway on the lower level of the bridge along Riverfront Avenue. At mid-morning there aren't too many of the corporate types out, especially in this stretch of the path system. But it gets crowded from Centre Street to the zoo. Many are homeless, dependent on the nearby drop-in centre for meals and other essentials. Most are just hanging out, some are already working their crack pipes, oblivious to everything else. It's uncomfortable sometimes, but where else are they going to go?

At Edmonton Trail, I crossed back to the north on the old iron bridge, and discovered that I couldn't loop around and under it at the north end, as that part of the path was under water too. So a quick jaywalk across the road to the other side. The path under the northbound part of Edmonton Trail was fine, though.

The path from there to the zoo runs along the top of a berm. There are benches every hundred metres or so, and all were occupied today. The bush on the river side of the berm is under water, so those that usually camp out down there were now keeping high and dry.

Throughout all this, the sky was very dark and foreboding, the air quite cool. There was a huge storm cell just south of downtown, and by the time I got past the zoo and across the bridge at 12th Street, it was just about gone by. The sun was out by the time I reached the Elbow confluence.

Nothing un-routine until Edmonton Trail, where I crossed north again, then ran along Memorial. The path under Centre Street at the north end was under water, too, so I had to cross at the lower level crossing. For some reason it was blocked off, so no problem.

At Prince's Island, I was up the stairs and onto the foot bridge, across the island to the promenade. It was still early so not too many were out. At the C-Train bridge, I crossed again. The path under 10th Street had been partially under water for the last four or five days. Today the pavement was dry, but the water was lapping at the edge, only five centimetres or so below the edge. So water levels are subsiding.

At 14th, back to the south side, and along Bow Trail and past The Pumphouse to Crowchild. And across again. The run along Parkdale was uneventful. At Edworthy, of course, I crossed again, and it was into the forest below Wildwood and Spruce Cliff.

After crossing the railroad tracks the second time, I was pummeled by the most marvelous fragrance. The wild rose is beginning to bloom and should be with us for another month. Combine that with all the lilacs and honeysuckle, and river runs are rife with a rich redolence.

By the time I reached and crossed Crowchild, I was near the two hour point. Amazingly, I felt quite good, still strong and energetic. The hip flexor was just beginning to make itself felt, so I've had some good healing there, I think.

Cross at 14th Street, cross again at the C-Train bridge, then straight up to The Stairs. I climbed The Path Under The Stairs rather agressively for me, for having already run some 25 km. Then a hard push to home. A very good run.

Today's run:
Distance: 24.25km. Time: 2:20:23. Average speed: 10.4 kph.
Rest distance: 1.85 km. Rest time: 15:00.
Total distance: 26.10 km. Total time: 2:35:23.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) A.

Weather: Mostly cloudy and 12C to start, up to 14C at the end.

The Calgary Marathon is in 25 days.

A Big Dirty Cloud

To use the terminology of my grandmother. The skies look threatening, but the sun still shines through. I think between the cloud, and the fact that it's Friday, the less dedicated to walking and running are elsewhere. But still lots of people out.

The river is so high right now. The path under 10th Street is still partly under water, but it seems to be about the same as yesterday. The river is grey-brown and full of debris.

I did the 14th Street loop again. My hip is still sore, but it didn't seem so bad today. There's more of a stiffness to it, and that probably contributed to the feeling that my core strength had disolved. I felt like I was swinging my shoulders more than usual; it may have been due to that stiffness.

Great run, all the same.

Distance: 7.12 km. Time: 39:21. Average speed: 10.9 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Partly cloudy and 16C.

The Calgary Marathon is still in 29 days.

An Old Problem

I kept it short today. For some reason, I've been feeling the hip flexors again. After that last long run, I was pretty sore, and I think because of that, I've been a little off kilter in my running. Hence the soreness in my knees (which, I'll concede, could be from that long descent from Heart Mountain last Saturday.)

So, just down to the 14th Street bridge, and back along the promenade. After heavy run-off from the mountains, and the wicked rain storm we had a couple of days ago, the river is awfully high, and running fast. I found that debris was floating by me even as I was running in the same direction as the current.

The path under 10th Street is half under water on the north side. I'm surprised they haven't closed it off. The north side of Prince's Island, which is not sheltered by the berm, is underwater as well. Shades of the floods of '05 but without the rain.

Distance: 7.06 km. Time: 38:10. Average speed: 11.1 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Mostly cloudy and 14C.

The Calgary Marathon is still in 30 days.

One Tough Run

I did the distance today, since I didn't get to it on the weekend. It showed. I was fine for the first hour and a half, but then it started to get difficult. Aches and pains started to get hard to ignore, and I found myself slowing some.

I headed straight up the north side of the river to Edworthy, at a nice easy pace. Not a lot of traffic at that time of day, so I was missing the people aspect of the run. Crossing to the south side, and heading back east was lovely, running along below Spruce Cliff.

By the time I got back to downtown, I was starting to slow down. My speed was still up, but I could feel it. At 12th Street, I crossed to the zoo, and that's about when I was wishing it was over.

I started thinking about trying to avoid the new stairway up to the footbridge at Prince's Island. I could run past it and take the ramp up on the other side, and this was probably the most sensible route. I was also thinking of crossing back to the south side at Edmonton Trail, then taking the Centre Street Bridge. But in the end I tackled the stairs. I don't know what the worry was, as I took it two at a time with no effort. Obviously the running muscles are completely different from the stair climbing muscles.

On The Path Under The Stairs was where I met the real traffic. Lots of people doing hill training, I think. Shortly after I passed under The Stairs, it was walk time. So I got to walk the steepest part of the path. And after that, I was able to get a little agressive on the rest of the climb. But there was nothing left at the top.

The last kilometre was little more than a shuffle. I have lots of stretching to do, cuz stuff hurts.

Today's run:
Distance: 22.84km. Time: 2:10:55. Average speed: 10.5 kph.
Rest distance: 1.51 km. Rest time: 14:00.
Total distance: 24.35 km. Total time: 2:24:55.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) A.

Weather: Partly cloudy and 21C at the start, and only 22C at the end.

The Calgary Marathon is in 32 days.

Wussed Out on a Long One

I really did think about getting out for 25 km or so this morning, but after yesterday's adventure, I didn't feel like I would have enough gas. I even considered not going out at all, but not too much into the morning, I felt the need.

I was out the door and down the street, then wondered what The Path Under The Stairs would be like after yesterday's long descent. Not bad at all, as it turned out. Of course, the longer I ran, the better things felt, but I never know if that's a good thing or not.

I kept to the north side of the river, and ran to Crowchild. Along Memorial was a station set up for the MS Super Cities Walk, lots of snacks and water bottles. Some of the first walkers were just arriving as I passed.

The paths weren't busy, but lots of runners were out, as well as the odd blade and bicycle. One thing I noticed was how most people were in a good mood. Most returned my good-mornings with more than a startled mumble.

As I got to the promenade under the C-Train bridge at 10th Street, traffic suddenly jumped, due to the walkers. Something was going on on Prince's Island, too, so lots of people out there. Climbing The Path was a little challenging (glad I kept it to a shorter run), and then I was headed home.

Distance: 10.05 km. Time: 58:08. Average speed: 10.4 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) A.

Weather: Sunny and 18C.

The Calgary Marathon is still in 34 days.

Great Crowds, Great Run

Wow, but the traffic was thick in places. Right around Eau Claire, at the end of the Jaipur Bridge, it's almost impossible to run because of the people. Even the walkers have to dodge and weave. I love it.

I really like the loop from Edmonton Trail (actually called the Langevin Bridge) to 14th Street (actually called the Metawa Bridge.) It's a great distance, and a fun and scenic run. With the trees leafed out and the sun shining, it's just lovely.

Distance: 10.57 km. Time: 55:48. Average speed: 11.4 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) A.

Weather: Sunny and 20C.

The Calgary Marathon is still in 37 days.

Getting Outside Should Be Mandatory

It is too beautiful a day to be indoors for long. The sky is cloudless, and the air is spectacularly clear. The western horizon from McHugh's Bluff is breathtaking.

So much traffic on the paths today. I love it. It seemed like an substantial fraction of the downtown population was out walking and running. No blades, and only one or two cyclists that I could see.

I wanted to stay short today, so I ran the 14th Street loop. Nice run, felt good, although The Path Under The Stairs was a little challenging lung-wise. Maybe I was more agressive on it than I thought.

Distance: 6.91 km. Time: 37:13. Average speed: 11.1 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) A.

Weather: Sunny and 17C.

The Calgary Marathon is still in 38 days.

Woohoo! It's Summer!

Well, not yet, and it's not hot, but definitely warm enough. I love running in sunshine, with lots of people around. I love the energy on the paths along the river on days like this. I think I've raved about that before.

Edmonton Trail to 14th Street again. It's almost exactly the same distance as the Crowchild loop, but it stays closer to the crowds. It's thick enough along the promenade that I was weaving in and around clumps of people. Crossing Prince's Island, I was forced to slow to a walk until an opening showed up. (I know, I know - I crab about cyclists using people as racing pylons).

Everything is so green, and all the people and sunshine - it's just great running.

Distance: 10.08 km. Time: 54:55. Average speed: 11.0 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) A.

Weather: Partly cloudy and 13C.

The Calgary Marathon is still in 39 days.

The Rain Waits

It's supposed to dump on us tonight. Yesterday they were saying it would start earlier, but it's holding off.

I ran the long zoo to Edworthy loop again. I really like the distance and the duration. It takes about two and a half hours and I always see lots of people. They've opened the gate to the path below Spruce Cliff now, too, so no more cutting through the bush or through the hole in the fence.

Kind of a cool moment just as I was coming up to the 9th Avenue bridge over the Elbow, right where it joins the Bow. Four pairs of adult Canada geese, with 51 little ones. I think. They're hard to count when they're running all over the place. They ranged from small and fluffy yellow, to not so small and not so fluffy browny-grey. Of course, it's back to agility training, too. (And people complain about the dog poo...)

Today's run:
Distance: 22.58km. Time: 2:05:18. Average speed: 10.8 kph.
Rest distance: 1.36 km. Rest time: 13:00.
Total distance: 23.95 km. Total time: 2:18:18.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Cloudy and 14C at the start, cloudy and 17C at the end.

The Calgary Marathon is in 41 days.

Friday Again

Out with the lunch time crowd again. I rather liked the Edmonton Trail to 14th Street loop, so I thought I'd try it again. I started out with lots of energy, so my speed was up there. I was out just before noon, and going east, you don't see the crowds that you get to the west of Eau Claire. Add to that the fact that it's Friday, and the cool weather, and I expected to see way fewer people out. But the sun was trying, and I suppose that was lure enough for most of us.

I really had a good pace going, I think. I had good breath, and a good stride, with quick turn-over. Two days without a run makes a big difference. I thought briefly about getting out yesterday. The paths were clear, as the snow melted on contact with the pavement. But still, ten or more centimetres of snow, and cold and windy, and broken trees everywhere - it seemed a bit much, so I wimped out. And besides, I did two 10 km runs on Tuesday.

Just at the C-Train bridge, I ran into Carla going the other way, so I turned around, and we made our way to Eau Claire. We stretched and caught up with each other, and then I headed home.

Distance: 9.12 km. Time: 50:47. Average speed: 10.8 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) A.

Weather: Cloudy and 9C.

The Calgary Marathon is still in 43 days.

Double the Fun

I completely forgot I had planned to do this. Gord's Running Store hosts a group run every Tuesday, and I've been thinking of checking it out. So I planned to do so tonight.

I met a small group at the store, and at 7:00 sharp, we headed out and eastward down 8th Avenue. Some of the faster runners disappeared in a hurry, but there were a few of us who ran together for the first couple of kilometres.

Down 8th Avenue, and then south along Nose Creek. The path splits and we took the one that went west, toward Tom Campbell Hill. By now the group had completely spread out and we were pretty much each on our own. I circled the hill, then headed through the gate at 13th Street, down Thomson Avenue, zigged to Abbot Avenue, zagged to 12A Street, then finally on to 12th Avenue.

At 11A Street, I headed uphill, to a path that rises steeply, then in the last five metres, rises really, really steeply, to Jamison Avenue. This cul-de-sac turns into 5th Avenue, which I followed downhill again, to 6A Street. It's all kinda convuluted, since these streets and avenues have to follow around the bluff.

At 4th Street, I headed uphill (yikes, what a hill!) and westward at the top on 7th Avenue. Across Edmonton Trail, down 3rd Street, up 2nd Avenue (another hill, this one so steep, they've blocked it off to traffic). Down Samis Road, and up Centre Street to the store.

Nice run. I also ran part way there, and part way home after.

Distance: 9.85 km. Time: 56:21 Average speed: 10.5 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) A.

Weather: Partly cloudy and 13C.

The Calgary Marathon is still in 46 days.

Change-Up

I was hoping to get a good distance run in over the weekend in Saskatoon, but weather conspired against me. That, and I was having too much fun spoiling my grandson. So today was my first run in about five days.

Just to keep it interesting, I crossed the river at Prince's Island right off, and headed east. I thought about running the short zoo loop, but for what I was planning, it probably would have been too long. So I crossed back at Edmonton Trail.

From there, it was past the cranky parents of a single fuzzy Canada gosling. Wings spread and hissing, they don't back down. There was a girl ahead of me that walked gingerly by them, and I don't blame her.

From there I headed all the way west to 14th Street, crossed to the south side of the river again, ran back along the promenade to Prince's Island, then homeward.

My right calf was awfully tight for most of the run, but at about the 8 km point, I realized I wasn't noticing it any more. Since I got home, I've been stretching it. I hope the tightness doesn't linger.

Distance: 10.12 km. Time: 55:15 Average speed: 11.0 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) A.

Weather: Mostly cloudy and 10C.

The Calgary Marathon is in 46 days.

Early in the Day

I decided to get out earlier than I usually do. I was out the door shortly after 10:00. Not too many out at that time of day, and I ran the big loop, to Crowchild.

This morning, there was a news story about issues pedestrians and runners have with rude cyclists. I agree it is a problem, with many cyclists seeming to be totally absorbed in themselves, using the rest of us as racing pylons, or obstacles to their hell-bent progress. Whether it was that story that raised some awareness, or just that the only cyclists out at that time of day are the courteous ones, I can't say. But almost every one that passed from behind either used a bell or gave a verbal warning. Thank you to all.

And another note: I just recently realized that the emal notifications that someone has left a comment have been lately intercepted by the spam filter. There have been a few that I've missed. (Sorry, Nony!)

Distance: 10.04 km. Time: 57:38 Average speed: 10.5kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) A.

Weather: Sunny and 18C.

The Calgary Marathon is in 51 days.

Well, darn...

I got the email this morning:
"Thank you for applying for the
ING New York City Marathon 2007.
Unfortunately, you were not selected in
the random international lottery drawing."
So I'll be doing my alternate self-inflicted birthday present, Middle Beach.

It's a bit of a downer, but also a little bit of a relief, since what Middle Beach will cost in total, might just cover one night at a New York hotel.

Today's run was fun and fast. Just to 14th Street, but it's such a beautiful day, and so many people are out.

Distance: 6.90 km. Time: 37:26 Average speed: 11.1kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) A.

Weather: Sunny and 19C.

The Calgary Marathon is in 52 days.

All Over The Map

Emotionally, that is. Wonder what's up with that? I miss Nony. I miss Tru. I haven't seen Roxanne on the path for ages. Nevertheless, I do feel better after getting out and running off some of what ever weird karma is following me around today.

I was only going to run the 14th Street loop, but once I was out there, I felt more than good enough for Crowchild. It's becoming my standard daily run, that. I even passed a couple of bladers. Obvious beginners wobbling across the river on the Crowchild footbridge, but I'm happy to pass anyone.

I've been considering trying one of the running groups again. I also have an idea for bit of a challenge run. These are some things that I may try in the next couple of days. Stay tuned.

Distance: 10.07 km. Time: 55:30 Average speed: 10.9 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) A.

Weather: Sunny and 19C.

I'll find out if I'm in the New York City Marathon in about 30 days.
The New York City Marathon is in 172 days.
The Calgary Marathon is in 53 days.

Mom's Day Run

And it wasn't part of the Forzani Mother's Day Run. But I was out there in the rain.

I tried the Zoo to Edworthy Park loop again. This time I threw a bit of a variation into it, by braiding the route. That is, on the way from the Zoo to Edworthy, I crossed the river at Prince's Island, then back at 10th Street, then over at 14th Street and back again at Crowchild. On the way back I did the same. It probably added over 4 km to the run.

The rain wasn't too heavy when I got out the door, and it stopped before I was half an hour into it. Even so, it thinned the crowd. It was pretty quiet out there, although there were quite a few out running. There was a small group of protesters at Eau Claire, but I didn't catch what they were protesting. They were just getting the banner unfurled and the placards out as I passed.

Otherwise, a nice quiet run.

Today's run:
Distance: 24.18 km. Time: 2:18:17. Average speed: 10.1 kph.
Rest distance: 1.52 km. Rest time: 15:00.
Total distance: 25.70 km. Total time: 2:33:17.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Light rain and 5C at the start, cloudy and 7C at the end.

I'll find out if I'm in the New York City Marathon in about 32 days.
The New York City Marathon is in 174 days.
The Calgary Marathon is in 55 days.

Time for Lunch!

It feels like ages since I ran at noon, and today I had the opportunity. Fabulous! Great weather and lots of runners, and walkers too. And I'm tanning!

I was only going to go as far as 14th Street, but I felt so good being out in the sun among people, that I pushed on to Crowchild. One thing I like about noon is that everyone is on foot. There are very few bikes, so the pedestrian path/bike path splits don't matter much. You can choose which to run on if you run into congestion.

Great run!

Distance: 10.30 km. Time: 53:39 Average speed: 11.5 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Sunny and 18C.

I'll find out if I'm in the New York City Marathon in about 34 days.
The New York City Marathon is in 176 days.
The Calgary Marathon is in 57 days.

Up and Down

That's the kind of day it's been. Running is sometimes the only thing that helps to even things out.

I'm feeling things today. Mind you, I've been downtown twice today, and I can feel the descent of the bluff in the knees a little. My calves are making themselves known right now, too. Maybe I need to do more stretching?

Anyway, I kept it short tonight. I did the 14th Street loop, and it was good. Nothing special, just the usual plugging along.

I have found The Path Under The Stairs to be fun lately. I seem to have lots of leg to power my way to the top, and when I get there, I feel quite good.

Distance: 7.38 km. Time: 40:10 Average speed: 11.0 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Sunny and 15C.

I'll find out if I'm in the New York City Marathon in about 35 days.
The New York City Marathon is in 177 days.
The Calgary Marathon is in 58 days.

Burning Off Some Vibes

It's been a frustrating week. And just because. So it was good to get out and burn off some of that energy.

After such a depleting weekend, I managed to recover enough to have a pretty decent run. Actually I should be in good enough shape to handle that kind of energy expenditure.

I was originally planning to just run to the 14th Street loop, but ended up going all the way to Crowchild again. It's a little cool and a little cloudy; good running weather.

Distance: 10.02 km. Time: 56:01 Average speed: 10.7 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Cloudy and 11C.

I'll find out if I'm in the New York City Marathon in about 36 days.
The New York City Marathon is in 178 days.
The Calgary Marathon is in 59 days.

I'm Feeling That

I tried something different today, in trying to get back on track with running. Instead of heading out in the morning (which I couldn't do today), I headed out early in the afternoon. And in another departure from the usual, I headed east at the river, toward the zoo.

I thought that since the loop from the zoo to Crowchild is about 17 km or so, if I extended that to Edworthy, it would be a pretty decent distance run. And I wouldn't lose the crowds like I do when I venture into Bowness.

I wondered how it would go after my impulsive little adventure yesterday, especially at the knees. The first hour was great, with none of the twinges and aches I expected. Even the second hour was great. It was only at about two hours that I started to feel the fatigue. No hurts, just no energy left. The last half hour was a slog. But outside of that, it was a great run.

Today's run:
Distance: 22.27 km. Time: 2:06:25. Average speed: 10.6 kph.
Rest distance: 1.41 km. Rest time: 14:00.
Total distance: 23.68 km. Total time: 2:20:25.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) A.

Weather: Partly cloudy and 15C to start, sunny and 19C at the end.

I'll find out if I'm in the New York City Marathon in about 39 days.
The New York City Marathon is in 181 days.
The Calgary Marathon is in 62 days.

Off the Rails

My running schedule is kinda messed up, still. I didn't get a distance run this weekend, and I don't know if I'll be able to make up for it. It may not be too important at this point, so I'm not worrying about it.

Weather is a little on the cool side, and breezy again, but quite nice for running. I ran the 14th Street loop again, taking it easy, but more because I'm so late getting out there. Now I rush this to publish, gulp a bite and I'm gone again.

Busy, busy, busy. But in a way, I like that.

Distance: 7.17 km. Time: 38:41 Average speed: 11.1 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 12C.

I'll find out if I'm in the New York City Marathon in about 45 days.
The New York City Marathon is in 187 days.
The Calgary Marathon is in 68 days.

The Weekend is Here

Tonight was more fun than it's been for awhile. I guess I just needed to change things a little. And there were lots of runners out too. A few dog walkers, and a couple of bird walkers.

There was a couple out taking their birds for a walk. One was an African Grey, which I believe is the same breed that Nony used to have. The other was a Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, according to the results of a Google Images search. That last was a little cranky, I think. It was sure making a lot of noise.

The beginnings of leaves are popping out all over, and there's green grass everywhere. Even a few flowers.

Distance: 7.68 km. Time: 38:52 Average speed: 11.9 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Partly cloudy and 18C.

I'll find out if I'm in the New York City Marathon in about 48 days.
The New York City Marathon is in 190 days.
The Calgary Marathon is in 71 days.

Turning It Around

I tried something different today, just to mix things up a little. Today I ran the Crowchild loop the other way around.

woohoo.

Still, it was something different, and it felt different, and certainly better.

I think I need to get back into the noon hour runs. Those seemed to break up the day a lot better. I'll have to ponder that for a little.

Distance: 9.81 km. Time: 53:56 Average speed: 10.9 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Cloudy and 13C.

I'll find out if I'm in the New York City Marathon in about 49 days.
The New York City Marathon is in 191 days.
The Calgary Marathon is in 72 days.

Cloudy Again

Just another run. It's getting that way. But I like being out there and among the crowds. Lots of runners out, among the cyclists. I went all the way to Glenmore tonight.

Maybe it's time for a new route.

Distance: 10.15 km. Time: 55:02 Average speed: 11.1 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow) B.

Weather: Cloudy and 12C.

I'll find out if I'm in the New York City Marathon in about 50 days.
The New York City Marathon is in 192 days.
The Calgary Marathon is in 73 days.