Not Quite So Wet Today

But it's colder, a little, I think. The rain isn't coming down as hard as it was yesterday, and I remembered my windbreaker, too. Now I have to find my running gloves.

Byron came out for another run today, after taking yesterday off. We started at the Y, and ran the 14th Street loop. Even though it wasn't raining as hard today, there were a lot less people out. I don't think it was any colder, but maybe a little windier. Who knows?

We had a pretty good run, though. I managed to keep my feet much drier today, and the insoles in my shoes behaved much better today. I used cotton socks, too, in case the synthetics I was wearing yesterday were a factor, but I never got to test that.

No GPS again today. I forgot to take it home last night to charge it, so I just used the distance posted at the Y for that route, and guesstimated our time. So....

Today's run (all numbers estimated again):
Distance: 4.98 km. Time: 30:00. Average speed: 10.0 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow)

Weather: Light rain and 7C

It's Pouring Rain, I Got Really Wet, And I'm Still Cold

So much for the nice fall weather. Today it's raining and cold, but I still wanted to get out and run. I forgot my windbreaker, too, which made it a little more of a challenge. Still, once I got going, I wasn't too cold.

I ran down to the 14th Street bridge and back, and most surprising, met a lot of other runners out pounding the pavement, or splashing in the puddles as it may be. There were even six guys playing rugby on the grass. That would have been too slippery for me.

I had a little trouble with the shoes, too. For most of the run they were OK, but then the right insole started to bunch up under the arch of my foot. I stopped once and got it flattened out, but it lasted about three paces before it started to bunch up again. Hopefully, they won't do that when they're dry again. Right now I have them, and all my other gear, arranged on the floor in front of a fan. That breeze is probably why I still feel chilled.

Most of the run was pretty driven. I guess I had a pretty stressful morning, so I had some tension to burn off. My GPS said I was over 12 kph for the first ten minutes or so. Then the battery died. I guess I forgot to turn it off yesterday.

Anyway, I'll estimate 11.5 kph for the whole run

Today's run (all numbers estimated):
Distance: 4.84 km. Time: 25:15. Average speed: 11.5 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow)

Weather: Rain and 7C.

I Was Cookin'!

Oh, man, what a great run. Fast and fun, with lots of energy. I really enjoy the distance runs lately.

I had a little motivation today, to get out and done early. Tru was volunteering at Spruce Meadows this morning in the Molson Cup. She suggested I come down after it was done, and she would give me the insider tour.

Anyway, I headed out the usual way, down The Path Under The Stairs and across the foot bridge at Prince's Island, to the promenade near Eau Claire. From there I was off to the west again, to Edworthy Park - the usual route. Across the river again there, and back along Parkdale Boulevard/Memorial Drive, and then up The Path. I felt really good, really strong, and I was (for me) just smokin' along the paths.

Today's run:
Distance: 16.22 km. Time: 1:23:20. Average speed: 11.7 kph.
Rest distance: 1.03 km. Rest time: 9:00.
Total distance: 17.25 km. Total time: 1:32:20.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Blue)

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

By the way, Spruce Meadows was awesome! Tru is very knowledgeable about the sport of show jumping through her children's involvement in it, and it was great to learn about it through her. Her volunteering also gives her a little inside knowledge about the personalities, both horse and human, that blanket the place. Way too fun! And way too much sun - I'm glowing a little (oops).

First Friday of the School Year

Another beautiful day. I don't think I've seen a cloud for a week. And of course, that gets a lot of people out on the paths.

I did a repeat of the last run up to the point where I caught up with Carla and Peter-Mark. This time I continued past the foot bridge to Prince's Island, and went down to the C-Train bridge.

It was a good, fast-feeling run. I've been mostly like that this summer, except for a few times. I think it means I'm still improving.

Today's run:
Distance: 7.68 km. Time: 41:48. Average speed: 11.0 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow)

Weather: Sunny and 19C.

Back to Noon Hours

I haven't done a noon hour run for far too long, so I was ready to correct that today. I got out on the paths, and headed east for a run along the short zoo route. It's really nice out, too, and I felt really good.

On the north side of the river just as I passed under Edmonton Trail, I caught up with Carla and Peter-Mark. I hadn't seen either of them for awhile, so ended up running with them and catching up. Peter-Mark is taking it easy running-wise this week, as he's running the Regina Marathon this upcoming weekend - his third marathon this year.

After we crossed the foot bridge onto Prince's Island we slowed to a walk, and continued the visit until we got to our respective office buildings. Nice run, and even met Chris, out for a really late lunch run.

Today's run:
Distance: 5.39 km. Time: 34:50. Average speed: 9.3 kph.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Yellow)

Weather: Sunny and 24C.

That's More Like It!

What a fun morning! Everything feels great, and I think I'm back on track. I got a great start, good stretching and warm up, and the run was just fun. Lots and lot of people out, so the paths were full of energy.

This morning I stuck to the north side of the river to start, and headed all the way to Edworthy. While there was never any kind of traffic jam, there were a lot of people out, and it seemed like everyone was glad to be out there. No "serious" runners, if ya catch my drift.

At Edworthy it was the usual, cross to the south and head back. The traffic really thinned out, because the path was supposedly closed. But there were enough people who had gone around the barriers to keep it from feeling lonely.

On the way down to the river I took The Path Under The Stairs, but the way back was by the Centre Street bridge, mostly to add to the distance. Even so I had good speed and felt pretty strong all the way through. Much, much better than I was earlier in the week.

Today's run:
Distance: 16.50 km. Time: 1:30:26. Average speed: 11.0 kph.
Rest distance: 1.05 km. Rest time: 10:00.
Total distance: 17.55 km. Total time: 1:40:26.

Shoes: Saucony Grid Phoenix (Blue)

Weather: Sunny and 17C to start, but quickly heating up to 25C by the time I climbed Nony's Awful Little Hill.

The End of a Tough Week

It's been tough for everything, and nothing really stands out. Just kind of a bleah week all over. And not just me either. I've heard comments from friends, and a couple have come down with some kind of viral infection. Bleah, bleah, bleah... Maybe it's some kind of end-of-summer thing.

Anyway, a hard, slow, painful run to Crowchild tonight. For the last twenty minutes I was resorting to the self talk I usually use at about the 35 km mark: "just to that fence... just to that sign...," just to the next marker, what ever it was.

The paths were nearly deserted. That's typical for a Friday before Labour Day weekend, I suppose. I was OK out bound, sort of, all the way to Crowchild. Crossing to the south side of the river and heading back, I was feeling heavy and a little tired. The little dip under 14th Street seemed hard going down, and the climb out too, even though it was all of fifteen steps or so.

Then just trudging, slogging to 10th Street, where I seriously considered walking the rest of the way. But I kept at it, somehow. At The Path, I just put my head down and kept moving, hoping I would eventually find myself at the top. After that, I felt like I had very little left.

So what the heck is up with all that? Tomorrow is a day off, and wI'll see what Sunday morning is like.

Today's run:
Distance: 9.88 km. Time: 57:50. Average speed: 10.3 kph.

Weather: Sunny and 20C.

Tough Day, Tough Week

I don't know what's up with that. But it seems to be a kind of yo-yo week, with emotions and energy bouncing up and down, day-by-day, even hour-by-hour. So tonight's run wasn't easy.

I ran down to the river by way of The Path Under The Stairs, to 14th Street and crossed to the south side. Then back all the way to Centre Street and up the bridge and Nony's Awful Little Hill.

It wasn't all that busy out there, but still lots of runners and cyclists. My legs seem to hurt more than usual. Even now I feel a little achy. Just more of that up and down, I think. Feeling OK one minute, then crappy the next. Hopefully it'll end with the work week tomorrow.

Today's run:
Distance: 7.34 km. Time: 41:41. Average speed: 10.6 kph.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 16C.

Oops, Forgot to Start

I was half way down The Path Under The Stairs before I realized I hadn't started the timer on the GPS. So my true distance is about a kilometre farther than that noted below.

But a nice evening for running, with lots of people out, and no sign of the rain that was forcast for today. There seemed to be an incredible number of cyclists moving away from the downtown, too.

Tonight, I just did the 14th Street bridge before turning around and heading home. At times it seemed like a hard slog, but climbing The Path, I pushed really hard. I think I got my heart rate way up, and certainly was breathing hard. It seemed like the thing to do.

Today's run:
Distance: 6.10 km. Time: 34:07. Average speed: 10.7 kph.

Weather: Cloudy and 19C.

Contemplative Run This Morning

There is a person that I know. I never got to meet her, but she had a really good friend. Someone who stood by her when she went through the worst that someone could possibly go through. Someone who is also a very good friend of mine, and through who I know a little bit more of this story. Anyway, yesterday this person passed away.

I haven't talked to my friend yet about it; I'll call in a minute. It's bringing up all kinds of stuff for me, as well, as I lost a very close friend the same way last November. It's interesting how it brings up flashbacks and stuff, and the sadness and loss comes right back.

But only for a minute. Once I get my composure back, I'll call and offer what comfort I can, if it's needed.

I ran this morning in a kind of fog, not really seeing much about what was around me. The path on the south side of the river is closed between Crowchild and Edworthy while they shore up the cliff over part of it. There are places in danger of collapse. So I ran on the north side, up to Edworthy and back.

I was up and down energy-wise. Some intervals I felt like I was struggling to plod along. Others where I was flying. Lots of running traffic out, and I think a race was on as well, as there were signs marking miles.

Today's run:
Distance: 17.01 km. Time: 1:28:01. Average speed: 11.6 kph.
Rest distance: 912.4 m. Rest time: 9:00.
Total distance: 17.92 km. Total time: 1:37:01.

Weather: Sunny and 15C, climbing to 19C. One more gorgeous summer day in a summer that's almost over.

New Shoes Again

Found them the other day, and they're great! I wanted to get another pair of the Saucony Grid Phoenix shoes. I like having a couple of pair in the loop to alternate between. Of course, The Running Room had only one pair in western Canada, not even my size. The Tech Shop and Gord's don't carry that model. But I wandered into a Sport Chek in a mall, and there they were, marked down even!

I like them cuz they have yellow instead of blue on them, so I know which pair is which. (Well, they're also lots cleaner, but that won't last.) I tried them out today, and they're just right. Another twenty kilometres and they'll be broken in just like the others.

Today I tried a mid-afternoon run. Almost no traffic out there, but that could also be because it's Friday. I find that Friday afternoons have been really quiet downtown during the summer. A few cyclists, three or four runners and only a couple of bladers. Maybe it'll pick up later during rush hour.

Today was the standard 14th Street loop. Some day I might reverse it, and follow 14th all the way up the hill to the Jubilee Auditorium, and then cut across to home. I haven't mixed it up for awhile. I felt really good too, but then it always takes a couple of days for the glow to fade after a run with Tru.

Today's run:
Distance: 6.97 km. Time: 40:01. Average speed: 10.5 kph.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 21C.

Tru and Jetta

This one was overdue. Tru called late in the morning to ask if I'd like to go for a run. I had a lunch date first, but was there and ready by mid-afternoon.

We got Jetta on the leash, and headed out from Tru's place, looping around to James McKevitt and heading south. Across the highway, and along the east side of Spruce Meadows. It's pretty quiet there now, but in a couple of weeks, it will be the Masters.

This road is long and straight for quite a distance, with a long hill that gradually steepens as we go. At the mailboxes, we turned right, and took the leash of Jetta so she could chase down the gophers. We ran until we ran out of road, then turned around and headed back, retracing our steps.

It's a pretty straight forward route, just out and back, but the company makes all the difference.

Today's run:
Distance: 8.33 km. Time: 51:24. Average speed: 9.7 kph.

Weather: Cloudy and 20C. But the rain clouds were moving in.

Windy and Warm

Not only is it that out there, but that's the name of a tune I regularly mangle on the guitar.

Anyway. My week off is going rather nicely. I'm getting some things done that needed attention, and all is good. Tonight I got out a little earlier than I usually do (since I'm not at work) and run to Crowchild. And due to the timing I hit the leading edge of the rush hour. Lots of cyclists heading away from downtown.

Mostly it was an uneventful run, but the extra energy that I've had lately wasn't there. It wasn't a hard or difficult run; more, um, "normal" than it's been lately.

Today's run:
Distance: 10.01 km. Time: 57:40. Average speed: 10.4 kph.

Weather: Cloudy and 26C. And the wind is out of the west at 32 kph. And we have a severe thunderstorm watch, cuz we like excitement around here.

Sunday Morning is Such as Great Time to Run

Interesting observation: There weren't too many solitary runners out this morning. But there were a lot of groups out, especially in twos and threes. And another thing is, the path below Spruce Cliff is closed for some reason, not that anyone was paying attention to the signs.

What a great morning! Nice and cool to start, but that didn't last long. About twenty minutes into it, I was wondering what I was thinking when I grabbed the long sleeved shirt. Since runs are about the only time I get to tan, it came off pretty quick.

I crossed to the promenade by the Centre Street bridge, then west all the way to Edworthy. It was an uneventful run, but fun and smooth and full of energy. I've found that since I've managed to stretch out the hip issues that I had after the Vancouver marathon, it's often been that way. My long runs just fly by, and I usually run the second hour a little faster. It feels faster.

Anyway, after a brief stop at Edworthy, I headed back toward downtown on the north side of the river. Even though it was a perfect morning, there were not a lot of people rafting on the river like there were last weekend. Then, it was like a watery Deerfoot, with bumper to bumper traffic going at crazy speeds. Today there were very few out there: three kayaks and a couple swimming under the 10th Street bridge.

At the C-Train bridge, I crossed back to the promenade, since I planned to take Centre Street and Nony's Awful Little Hill back to the top of the bluff, You can get on to the bridge from the north side, but you have to sprint across east-bound Memorial to a path in the grass, then up a steep stairway to the bridge deck. I prefer running to climbing, especially after I've been running for almost two hours anyway.

Today's run:
Distance: 17.36 km. Time: 1:34:55. Average speed: 11.0 kph.
Rest distance: 1.04 km. Rest time: 10:00.
Total distance: 18.41 km. Total time: 1:44:55.

Weather: Sunny and 14C to start, but ending at about 18C.

I'm Off for a Week!

Just a quick run tonight, cuz I gotta go hang with the Loganator! So down to the river, to 14th, across and back to the promenade, then across at Prince's Island and up the bluff.

In other words, the usual.
Today's run:
Distance: 7.06 km. Time: 40:54. Average speed: 10.4 kph.

Weather: Sunny and 26C. I'm all sweaty!

It's Dark Out There

Cloudy and threatening; we might get rain in a bit. But it was nice enough for a run. A lot of other people thought so, too. There were lots of runners out, as well as cyclists, and a few walkers and bladers, too. It was quite busy on the paths, considering how the sky was looking.

I did the usual run down to 14th Street. On the way back, I found a real burst of energy as I started up The Path Under The Stairs. I had lots of energy and managed to keep my speed up fine. I was running to my breathing - breath in for two steps, breath out for two steps - and I pushed as hard as I could without pushing that breathing pattern. I felt like I had lots of room, breath-wise.

From the top of the path all the way to the end, I pushed hard as I could without breaking that pattern, too. I felt really strong all the way. It's been a couple of weeks since I've felt that good.

Today's run:
Distance: 7.25 km. Time: 41:12. Average speed: 10.6 kph.

Weather: Cloudy and 17C.

No Time Tonight

But I had to get out and burn a few calories. So tonight it was once around the neighbourhood.

I went to Cresent Road and ran along the bluff above Sunnyside, all the way around to 13th Avenue. I took it back east for a block, then jogged up to 14th Avenue, which took me to 4th Street. Back to 13th, since 14th doesn't go any farther. Down toward Centre Street, then back home.

Today's run:
Distance: 3.74 km. Time: 21:26. Average speed: 10.5 kph.

Weather: Cloudy and 19C

I Love Sunday Runs

What can I say? It's wonderful to be out before it gets too hot, and say good morning to everyone on the paths. I love being in the morning sun, then in the shade of the forest, then back out in the sun again. Lots and lots of runners and walkers, and bladers and cyclists.

I went a little longer this morning, taking Nony's Awful Little Hill to the Centre Street Bridge and across the river that way. That adds almost a kilometre each way from my usual route down The Path Under The Stairs and across Prince's Island. Then along the promenade past Eau Claire, and the south side of the river, all the way to Edworthy Park.

At the point where the path crosses the railroad track, about halfway between Crowchild and Edworthy, the path west of there is very rough for blading. It actually seems to put a lot of drag on your skates, and you notice it a lot because the path goes over a bit of a hill. Gravity gives you speed, but the rough pavement wants to drag your legs out from under you.

So about fifty metres after crossing the tracks, a young couple were racing down the hill toward the tracks, he moving considerably faster (being a guy) and obviously not totally aware of the right angle turn he was about to have to make just around the bushes. There was an alarming sound of a crash, followed by some pretty nasty language, followed by the lady's giggles, followed by even nastier language. One critically injured pride, I think (and guys, we've all been there...)

There was no other excitement for the rest of the run. At the C-Train bridge, I crossed back to the promenade, and foot traffic had picked up, what with Afrikadey on the left (on Prince's Island) and Taste of Calgary on the right (in front of the Y). Hmmmm...I think I know were to go for lunch.

Back across the Centre Street bridge and up Nony's Awful Little Hill, and I was back home in no time.

Today's run:
Distance: 17.30 km. Time: 1:38:54. Average speed: 10.5 kph.
Rest distance: 1.13 km. Rest time: 10:00
Total distance: 18.43 km. Total time: 1:48:54

Weather: Sunny and 16C to start, and up to 20C at the end.

Another Week Done

Tru and I treated ourselves to a nice pasta dinner last night, at the restaurant we went to the night we met. And later we took the dogs for a walk, but I don't think there were enough calories burned to balance our intake.

While she hit the gym tonight, I did a run. Firstly, though, I had to pry myself off the couch, which meant a late start. But out into the evening, down The Path Under The Stairs and along the river to 14th Street. On the path beside Bow Trail, the wind broke a branch off a tree and nearly hit me with it. It wasn't huge, but it would have hurt.

Back along the promenade to Eau Claire, across the foot bridge from Prince's Island, and back up the bluff. For fun, I took a dirt path that went farther west, coming out at Cresent Road and 4th Street. It cut about half a klick off the run, but it was a hard, fun climb.

Today's run:
Distance: 6.53 km. Time: 38:40. Average speed: 10.1 kph.

Weather: Partly cloudy and 13C, with a wind gusting up to 50 kph.

Running in the Sort-Of-Rain

Hardly a rain, though. It's more like a little bit of spitting. For all the dark clouds and thunder, I was hoping for a little more than vague dampness, cuz I rather like running in the rain (as Nony knows). It didn't even cool things down.

But I got out, and got some energy burned off. I did the same run as yesterday: down to 14th Street and back. It was fairly busy out there even with the threatening clouds. There were lots of bikes and a few brave souls on blades. Nice run.

Today's run:
Distance: 7.22 km. Time: 40:52. Average speed: 10.6 kph.

Weather: Thunderstorm with rain (go figure!) and 18C.

Clearing My Head

It was one of those days. I needed to get out and just do some moving, do something with my body instead of my head, so I wasn't pushing hard to get anywhere, in any time. Just down to the river, west to 14th Street, and back. I thought about returning via the Centre Street bridge, but ended up climbing The Path Under The Stairs. It's a harder climb, but it's quicker.

Today's run:
Distance: 7.02 km. Time: 42:17. Average speed: 10.0 kph.

Weather: Partly cloudy and 31C.

After the Fringe in Saskatoon

We didn't get to any performances, but we did tour the street and take in the vendors and buskers. There were some excellent street performers, drawing some pretty big crowds. And the food! There were some excellent wings and samosas, and for desert, some amazing chocolate cupcakes. These were likely created by my eldest daughter's friend, who works at the upscale coffee shop that was selling them as the pastry chef. Dee-lish!

And so much for being nutritionally conscientious - the weekend was a wash for that. Too busy spoiling my grandson, although a fair number of calories were burned off in chasing after him. Still I was out Sunday before noon, determined to run some distance.

Again, I ran the length of the city, sort of. My daughter lives near the exhibition grounds in the south, and I ran to the 42nd Street bridge (also called the Circle Drive bridge), which is the northern-most one. I stayed on the east side of the river, which is the more exposed side. Once I got to the university, the trees seemed to stay back from the path.

It's such a scenic run, and it's a fun, winding path along the top of the bluff on the east side. Then across the bridge, and southward again, along Spadina. I would have thought to have seen many more people than I did out there. In perhaps the ninety minutes it took to get to Kiwanis Park, I may have met no more than half a dozen runners. And there were few other people around as well, until I got near the Bessborough Hotel, where every other bench was occupied and several people were strolling the path. I imagine everyone else had headed for the lakes for the long weekend.

Then under the Broadway Bridge, and past the Victoria Bridge (likely closed permanently, sad to say) and on to the new promenade and park being built at the south end of downtown. There is still much to complete, but the promenade itself is open to the public now.

After that, it was across the Idylwyld Bridge, and up Poplar Cresent, past the old brewery site (fast filling in with condos) to the Taylor Street underpass, and a few more blocks. Then a nice cooldown walk the last couple of blocks.

Today's run:
Distance: 16.06 km. Time: 1:32:28. Average speed: 10.4 kph.
Rest distance: 930.7 m. Rest time: 10:00
Total distance: 16.99 km. Total time: 1:42:28

Weather: Probably around 30C, and sunny. Really beautiful weather.

A Tough Slog Tonight

I don't know what the heck is up, but tonight was hard running. Usually I run out of wind, but tonight, I ran out of legs. About six kilometres into it, I was seriously thinking of walking the rest. But I managed to hang in for the whole distance.

My calves were aching a little by three kilometres, and the ache would not work itself out. After crossing the river at Crowchild, things were really beginning to drag, with sore calves, sore feet and depleted energy.

Somehow I managed to keep going, just looking to get to the next lamp post or whatever. The Path Under The Stairs was brutal, and I felt like I was barely moving. It seemed to take forever to get to the top. After that, it was a hard slog to where I usually stop, but I made it.

Today's run:
Distance: 9.95 km. Time: 55:40. Average speed: 10.7 kph.

Weather: Partly couldy and 23C. Not particularly hot.

Where the Heck is Summer Going?

It's the end of July, almost, and it seems like I haven't accomplished anything yet this summer. Not that I had planned anything to accomplish, but you know...

Today I did the usual long run to Edworthy Park. Same scenery, same run. Still a lot of fun. I seem to be enjoying the runs a lot more the last couple of months, and I'm not sure why. I think it's because of the people out there - lots of smiles and good mornings and hellos.

The return was by the Centre Street bridge. With the Calgary Folk Festival going on Prince's Island, there were too many people to easily get across that way. And it was busy down there. Even by late morning, the crowds are big, and performances are underway.

One cool thing that I didn't get a close look at due to the crowd, was a man on a horse. He was Indian, with a beautifully embroidered gold suit and turban, and the horse was decked out in a similarly ornate blanket. I didn't notice a saddle, but something must have been there to hold up a huge umbrella, embroidered in the same way. Hindu or Sikh wedding? I'm afraid I'm much too ignorant of Eastern customs and celebrations to tell. But he was attracting quite a crowd, many armed with cameras.

It was another great run. Not only am I having fun on these runs, but I have a lot of energy on them, and it shows in the stats.


Today's run:
Distance: 16.89 km. Time: 1:28:11. Average speed: 11.5 kph.
Rest distance: 943.6 m. Rest time: 9:00
Total distance: 17.84 km. Total time: 1:37:11

Weather: Cloudy and 16 C at the start, and climbing to 19C by the end. Just enough of a light breeze, too. Perfect summer running weather!

Morning Run

Not at work this morning, so I decided to get out a little early. It's a beautiful morning again, but a little too early for the crowds.

I was only going to go as far as 14th Street this morning, but I felt good enough to keep going so I ended up going to Crowchild. No GPS this morning, as I left it at work. So I'll borrow some stats from an earlier entry.

(July 7, 2006) run:
Distance: 10.05 km. Time: 56:54. Average speed: 10.6 kph.

Weather: Cloudy and 20C.

Lunch With Carla

Well, not lunch exactly, but we did run some. It was a slow one, as she has some tightness in her back, and it's been bothering her for awhile. It was nice for me, too, since I have some stiffness from Sunday's hike (surprisingly little, though).

We met at the Eau Claire Y and headed up to 14th Street. At the C-Train bridge we crossed back to the promenade. The path near the foot bridge to Prince's Island is all dug up and you have to cross Memorial to get on it for now.

Anyway, it was a slow run/walk, and a nice time to connect and catch up with each other.

Today's run:
Distance: 4.73 km. Time: 33:52. Average speed: 8.4 kph.

Weather: Sunny and 25C. Beautiful day!

Another Hot Friday

I've run through a couple of these. Just a short run tonight, down to 14th Street and back. I challenged the heat, since I had some frustration to run off. There were a few other runners out, but mostly it was cyclists and walkers.

Today's run:
Distance: 7.08 km. Time: 38:37. Average speed: 11.0 kph.

Weather: Sunny and 29C. HOT! but I rather like running in the heat.

To the Zoo

I ran the long zoo circuit today, just for a change of pace. It's a nice run, but there aren't usually too many people out that way. Most stay on the promenade or go west.

I seem to be staying fast. I feel full of energy when I get out there lately, and everything feels stong. And I like being fast. Of course, there's always someone out there who'll pass me, but there are far fewer than there were a few months ago. It's been like this since the half marathon, that I've felt fast and stong, and just really, really good. I rather like it.

Today's run:
Distance: 6.94 km. Time: 36:06. Average speed: 11.5 kph.

Weather: Partly cloudy and 20C.

After the Stampede

The city is a little quieter now, and people seem a little grumpier. With no more Stampede parties to go to, everyone is back out on the paths along the river. I kinda like that. It seems pretty dead out there last week.

I did my usual run down to Crowchild and back, feeling strong but not so energetic for some reason. Even so, I had a good fast run.

Today's run:
Distance: 7.90 km. Time: 39:07. Average speed: 12.1 kph.

Weather: Cloudy and 16C.

It Just Gets Better And Better

Today was kinda wonderful out there. I didn't take to the paths right away, but had a great breakfast, then wandered down to the Starbucks with my newspaper. The coffee and the time to let breakfast settle helped to centre. And then, while I was stretching, just for fun, I did some visualization and deep breathing. I walked out the door calm, centred and ready to run.

And did I ever. I think this was one of the best runs I've done. Really calm and present, feeling strong and fast. I hope it's repeatable.

I did the usual Sunday route, down to the river and across Prince's Island, then west to Edworthy Park to cross back to the north bank. After a quick stop at the bathroom there (the reason I go that way so often) I came back eastward and up The Path Under The Stairs and homeward.

In other words, the usual. I never tire of it though. The people out there are always ready to say good morning, and it's just fun chugging along under the forest below Spruce Cliff.

Today's run:
Distance: 16.14 km. Time: 1:23:50. Average speed: 11.6 kph.
Rest distance: 1.24 km. Rest time: 9:00
Total distance: 17.38 km. Total time: 1:32:50

Weather: Sunny and 14C at the start, up to 16C by the end. A perfect sunny summer day.

Post Pancake Breakfast

I found one close by this morning. I thought I'd better get to one somewhere while I had the chance, before the Stampede ends on Sunday. Yesterday was donuts at work (as another employee was leaving), then the firm's Stampede party with beans and beef on a bun, and beer. It's been a nutritionally challenging 24 hours.

Needless to say, I was out to burn off some calories today. I did the usual run down to Crowchild and back, and you can sure tell it's Stampede. It's just beautiful outside, and yet the river paths are nearly deserted. But it was another fun run just the same.

Today's run:
Distance: 8.22 km. Time: 42.07. Average speed: 11.7 kph.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 21C.

Southern Run

Tru has had problems with her knee, and hasn't been out for a run for awhile. Last night she decided to give it a go, so we did an easy run out into the country from her place.

We got out onto James McKevitt Road and headed south. We quickly got to the crappy part of the run, which was trying to cross highway 22X without getting killed, but since we had a bit of a late start, we missed rush hour traffic. We continued south along the east side of Spruce Meadows, quiet and deserted now after the North American competition that ended on the weekend.

Eventually we came on a set of mailboxes, and turned west. We found ourselves in a rural subdivision containing some of the biggest houses I've ever seen. All new to me, but Tru knows the area well since they boarded her daughter's horse in the area for years.

After twenty five minutes, we turned around and retraced our steps back to her place. And meanwhile, throughout the run, the sky was dramatically decorated with building thunderheads and potential rain squalls. We didn't get any rain, but we welcomed the cooling air. And after, we relaxed on Tru's deck with beer and her most excellent barbequed burgers.

Today's run:
Distance: 8.39 km. Time: 50:54. Average speed: 9.9 kph.

Weather: Mostly cloudy and 20C.

Hot Solo Run

That's hot as in fast, although it's a little warm out too. I got the Brooks shoes on and headed down to Crowchild and back. Not a lot of people out for some reason, maybe they're all Stampeding somewhere. The building I work in is surrounded by a line up for free beef and beans, and there are likely lots of other freebies around.

Today's run:
Distance: 8.20 km. Time: 42:57. Average speed: 11.5 kph.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 18C, but it's gotta be warmer than that.

Official Time on the Half Marathon

I was 651st overall out of 1965 runners,
417th out of 789 males
62nd out of 114 in the men's 45-49 category.

My final (gun) time was 2:01:41.7,
My pace was 5:42/kilometre.

My chip time was 2:00:07.6.

So close to breaking the two hour mark, but still a really fun time, and I had another really strong finish. The official results are here. I can't wait to do it again!

The Calgary Half Marathon

Beautiful day for a run. I was at Mewata Armoury shortly after 6:00, and wandered around. Mostly pacing, probably due to a little nervousness, but I was no where near as nervous as I was last year. I managed one bathroom visit soon after I got there, and then the lineups grew exponentially as people began to arrive.

I eventually got into the start area and waited while the clocked ticked down to the start time. I kept looking around for friends who were running, but no sign of them. And at 7:00 the shotgun went off (an actual shotgun, by the way).

With over five thousand people running, it took a while for the traffic to thin out. I was almost at the Stampede grounds (at 3 km) before there was enough room to maneuver. Even then, the crowd would gather and dissipate off and on.

Once through the Stampede, we made our way to Ramsay, over to 12th Street, and through the zoo. They changed that route a little this year. Last year we went past the tiger cage, and then on to some service road in the bush. This year they lead us through the North American habitat, past cougars, and bears, and bison and mountain sheep and goats. The path was really narrow at times, and that got a few people complaining when some walkers got in the way. But it was rather nice to see the exhibits.

Down that service road (no avoiding it) and under Memorial Drive to the zoo parking area, and they had a water station on St. George's Avenue, at the top of the hill, where I met with Peter-Mark. He was running the half as well, having already done two marathons this year, the Vancouver and the Ottawa. Down the hill toward 4th Avenue, and at the corner of 4th and 12th Street was the half way point, where a guy with a stop watch was counting off the seconds. He was at 62 minutes and 40-some seconds as I passed him. Not bad for a split time.

After that, we were out of the hills, and it was down 1st Avenue, and then over to Memorial by way of Edmonton Trail. Memorial was straight running until the turn around point just past Crowchild.

I found my sweet spot after that, and did the hard push for the last couple of kilometres. Up onto the 14th Street bridge, and then onto 9th avenue and the finish line. I pushed really hard on the last couple of hundred metres. Lots of people cheering and all, it was great. I crossed when the clock was at about 2:01, which is a great time for me. I should see an official time later today.

And then I got my medal, and they cut off the chip, and that's when I saw Tru cheering from the sidelines. It meant a lot to see her, and that moment entirely made my day.

Today's run:
Distance: 19.72 km. Time: 1:47:33. Average speed: 11.0 kph.
Rest distance: 1.42 km. Rest time: 11:00
Total distance: 21.14 km. Total time: 1:58:33

Weather: Sunny and 16C to start, climbing to 19C about the time I crossed the finish.

Hot Friday

But a fun run nonetheless. I rather like running in the heat, and as far as I can tell, it doesn't affect me too much. I had good energy from start to finish, and my hydration levels were good.

But it was quiet out there tonight, with just a few commuters on bikes and the odd runner. Closer to downtown there were a few people out walking, but nothing like I've seen when the weather is this nice. The reason is probably because it's the first day of Stampede.

I wanted to do one more decent bit of a distance run before race day on Sunday. I was going to run last night, but ended up walking Tru's dogs instead, and getting caught in a downpour. So I headed down to the river, then off to Crowchild and back. Used the new shoes too, and they still feel OK, but I think I'll stick to the Saucony's for anything over 10 km.

Today's run:
Distance: 10.058 km. Time: 56:54. Average speed: 10.6 kph.

Weather: Sunny and 25C, although the sign in front of the CBC building said it was 28C. The breeze was just enough, and the shade was cooler. Very nice evening.

New Shoes

It's a hot one today, but fun. I found some new shoes at the Eau Claire Running Room the other day, where they were having a clearance sale, and got to try them out today. They are Brooks' Axiom model, a light stability shoe, which is what my Saucony's are. I found them a little stiff in the padding, though that might change as they wear a bit. And much lighter, weight-wise. The have a very different feel, yet the cushioning and support are very similar to the Saucony's. I think I like them.

Today I wanted to get a little bit of distance in, so I ran down to Crowchild and back. Lots of people out, to where there was a little congestion on parts of the paths, traffic-wise.

Right now I'm feeling my wrists. I tend to tense my hands when I run and I have to really be aware of when I'm doing that. But today, I'm kinda achy in the fingers and wrist of the right hand.

Today's run:
Distance: 8.13 km. Time: 43:48. Average speed: 11.1 kph.

Weather: Sunny and 26C - almost hot!

One More Distance Run

The Calgary Marathon is just a week away, so this is the last chance for a good run. I don't think I mentioned here that I signed up for the half marathon. I'm looking forward to it, especially since the long range forcast has changed from a high of 33C for that day to a high of 24C at the moment. And that high will be long after we're done. In fact I expect it to be much like today.

I met Byron at Eau Claire and we headed west. It was a fun but uneventful run, except Byron had to stop after about 13 km. I left him back by 14th Street and finished strong about fifteen minutes later. And then it was guzzle water and wait for him at the Good Earth for coffee.

I felt strong throughout the run, just the usual aches that crop up as I run, stay a little while and fade away. And a perfect day for it too. But you can tell it's the long weekend, cuz the crowds were pretty thin. The big training groups are gone, too. I imagine all those runners are tapering now for next week's marathon.

Today's run:
Distance: 13.81 km. Time: 1:18:03. Average speed: 10.6 kph.
Rest distance: 897.3 m. Rest time: 8:00
Total distance: 14.71 km. Total time: 1:26:03

Weather: Sunny and 16C at the start, rising to about 20C to finish. And hey, another severe thunderstorm watch is in effect.

Variation on a Theme

Just to be different, I thought I'd run a little delivery errand while I was out at lunch. We started out as usual, down to the 14th Street Bridge and across, but then we continued north on 14th for awhile, crossing Kensington and wandering into Hillhurst. My landlord lives in the area, and was insisting that I deliver some rent checks (go figure), so it was a nice diversion into some new scenery.

From there, it was back to Kensington, navigating the crowded sidewalks toward 10 Street, where we rejoined the paths along the river, and trundled back to Eau Claire.

Today's run:
Distance: 5.84 km. Time: 33:20. Average speed: 10.5 kph.

Weather: Mostly cloudy and 16C.

The Heat Continues

I was a little late getting going today, and I missed Mike, who I haven't run with for ages. It was another hot one out there. The crowds were a little thinner today because of that, I think.

I wanted to run to Crowchild and back, but the heat was a little much, so I cut it off at 14th Street. I don't think that was a bad idea.

Today's run:
Distance: 4.84 km. Time: 26.32. Average speed: 11.0 kph.

Weather: Sunny and 28C

Too Hot

Almost a nice run yesterday. Met up with Byron and Peter-Mark and headed east toward the zoo. It was a fantastic day, a little hot, and the paths were crowded, even where there usually aren't that many people.

But maybe a little too hot. The heat got to Byron about half way, and we walked most of the way back. And the GPS simply could not find a satellite. So I'll forgo trying to estimate any running data.

Weather: Sunny and 26C

Distance Again (Finally!)

It's been awhile since I've run any distance, so this morning was a treat. I did the usual down to Edworthy and back, this time staying on the north side to start, and returning on the south side.

It was a beautiful morning, sunny with a light breeze. Even at 7:00 am there was a good crowd out on the paths. Most were walking or running, though there were a few cyclists and blades out.

It was a pretty uneventful run, actually, but fun and fast feeling, none the less.

Today's run:
Distance: 16.29 km. Time: 1:29:42. Average speed: 10.9 kph.
Rest distance: 917.5m. Rest time: 9:00
Total distance: 17.21 km. Total time: 1:36:42

Weather: Sunny and 18C.

Just Running

Some extra energy and stress, so I went out to try and run it off. Just down to 14th Street and back.

Today's run:
Distance: 6.88 km. Time: 40:06. Average speed: 10.3 kph.

Weather: mainly sunny and 18C

Jetta and Me

Last night I was back in the south, for a run. Tru has been busy settling in after moving into her new home, and has been pressed for time to fit everything in, so I offered to take Jetta, her border collie, for a run. I wasn't sure how it was going to go, not having run with a dog before. And Jetta has been basically a farm dog since day one. But Tru has her well trained.

We headed north on James McKevitt along the walk on the west side. Jetta was a little skittish at first, not being used to having so much traffic around her. After a kilometre or so, she settled down, and I managed to adjust to dealing with the leash. It soon occurred to me that I should have brought a bag just in case she decided she needed a stop, and I worried about that for the next few kilometres.

At the point where James McKevitt curves to the east, we headed west through green space that used to be 146th Avenue. That took us to Evergreen Drive, and we trundled along that until we got to another green space that I thought led to an old road down into Fish Creek Park. There was a steep path down into the park, but not the road I was expecting. And once we emerged from the bush at the bottom, I recognized nothing. This wasn't surprising, actually, as it's been a couple of years since I've been in that part of the park.

A quick check of a sign at an intersection of several paths revealed that where I thought I was, was actually about a kilometre to the north, so Jetta and I headed off through the forest. With the threatening clouds that had been hanging around the city all afternoon, not too many had ventured out to the park, so we hardly saw another soul.

We soon found the intersection where I thought I was before, and the old road, and we headed up, back toward suburbia. Through a green space at the top between the houses, and we were back on Evergreen Drive. By now, Jetta had totally settled into running with me, though she still took all of the leash.

From there we retraced our path back to Tru's. This was a great run. Jetta was awesome to run with, very well trained, and pretty calm considering the unfamiliar environment.

The GPS was dead within a couple of minutes of starting the run. I must have left it on, and I forgot to put it in the charger. So I have no idea how far we went. But we were out for about an hour and fifteen minutes, and looking at a map, I would estimate we traveled about 14 kilometres. So...:

Today's run:
Distance: 14.00 km. Time: 1:15:00. Average speed: 11.2 kph.

Weather: Partly cloudy 13C, with thunderstorms in the area.

First Run of Summer

It's been too long since I've been out for a run and I was going a little buggy without it. Almost two weeks, now. So tonight, I stretched everything as much as I could, and I headed out.

Warm, light breeze - a beautiful evening. And what better way to spend some time than on a run. A lot of people were out doing the same, along with all the bicycle commuters and walkers and bladers. With all the people out, the paths felt lively and fun.

Since this was the first run for awhile, I tried to keep the speed down, and just did the 14th Street loop. There was lots of cloud too, but the sun was out for almost the whole run. And I got home, just a little ahead of a big black cloud that was coming in from the west.

Today's run:
Distance: 7.00 km. Time: 41:00. Average speed: 10.3 kph.

Weather: Mostly cloudy and 18, with a severe thunderstorm watch.

Number 300

This is the 300th post to this blog, and I don't have a run to write about.

My right hip flexor has been a little sore ever since Vancouver, but stretching has been helping, and once I got moving, it was fine. Not today. I don't know what happened, but I couldn't stretch it out this time. I tried running anyway, but gave it up after a block or so.

We'll give it a week and see how it feels.

A Run With Chris

I haven't run with Chris since early April, so it was good to see her out again. We just did a quick run to 14th Street and back, returning by way of 2nd Street, past all the construction. She wanted to do a "ssssslow run" - readers can decide if it was slow by the speed posted below.

It was a great day for crowds, too. The forecast threatened rain, but there still were a lot of people out on the paths. Maybe that energy was what was pushing us.

Today's run:
Distance: 5.03 km. Time: 27:21. Average speed: 11.0 kph.

Weather: Cloudy and 17C.

It's Monday Again...

They keep promising rain, but it doesn't seem to be happening. Not like the monsoons of last year, fer sure.

Just the usual lunch hour run, all the way down to Crowchild, and back. They're doing some maintenance or repairs to the suspension bridge to Prince's Island, and they have this fence down the middle. It's going to be pretty congested when it gets a little warmer.

Today's run:
Distance: 8.12 km. Time: 43:40. Average speed: 11.2 kph.

Weather: Cloudy and 13C.

Back Into Distance

Back to doing distance runs on Sunday, and it sure does feel great. I've been missing the long runs, the ones that feel good to finish, that aren't so long that I'm done for the rest of the day. The reason I want to get back into distance is that I've signed up for the Calgary Half Marathon on July 9.

Today I ran across Centre Street, and along the promenade. I kept going on the south side of the river until Edworthy. I love the stretch below Spruce Cliff. Crossing over at Edworthy, I headed back toward downtown, but staying on the north side of the river. At the suspension bridge to Prince's Island, I climbed up to it and up The Path Under The Stairs, and then home.

On the promenade, I found myself just ahead of the Walk for Miracles. On the return trip I caught up to the crowd near the CBC building, and had to contend with heavy walking traffic until the C-Train bridge. They had a great day for it, and what looked to be a great turnout.

Today's run:
Distance: 16.64 km. Time: 1:31:00. Average speed: 11.0 kph.
Rest distance: 1.02 km. Rest time: 10:00
Total distance: 17.66 km. Total time: 1:41:00

Weather: Cloudy and 11C.

Woohoo! It's Friday!

After yesterdays deluge, it was good to get out again. I feel a definite imbalance in the calories in vs. calories out.

Kinda quiet on the paths today, due to the weather I imagine. But a good run, down to Crowchild and back. I had lots of energy and most aches and pains were not noticeable. The cold is still hanging on a little, but it's not slowing me down at all any more. Feeling great!

Today's run:
Distance: 8.19 km. Time: 42:05. Average speed: 11.7 kph.

Weather: Cloudy and 11C. Nice enough day, even though it looks a little wet and cool.

Getting Back to Lunchtime Runs

I've been itching to get back to running during the lunch hour, and finally got the chance today. The last couple of days, I've been busy over lunch, and ended up running after work.

Today, I pushed it all the way out to Crowchild, which I haven't done since Vancouver. It was a beautiful day, with lots of people out and I was feeling great. Nothing special about it, though, other than I'm back to my pre-marathon speed.

Today's run:
Distance: 8.15 km. Time: 43:58. Average speed: 11.1 kph.

Weather: Cloudy and 19C, with a fairly stiff, but welcome breeze.

Hot Run

Well, not really. It's just nice out, and a lot of people are out doing their thing. Lots of energy on the paths.

Just another short run to 14th Street and back. I'm still coughing a little, but there's no pressure in the chest. I've found a pace for climbing The Path Under The Stairs that works, too, and allows me to breath about the same as when on level ground. It makes for an even, steady-feeling run.

Today's run:
Distance: 6.93 km. Time: 40:28. Average speed: 10.3 kph

Weather: Mainly sunny and 20C.

Trying to Shake This Cold

And it seems to be a stalemate. It isn't getting any worse with the running, but it isn't going away, either. A run does tend to loosen things up, though,

Nice day out, even a little on the warm side. Lots of people out on the paths, mostly bike commuters, but lots of runners, bladers and walkers, too. Even lots wandering or sitting on the grass on Prince's Island.

I'm sticking with the short run until I can get past this congestion, so only to 14th Street and back.

Today's run:
Distance: 6.45 km. Time: 37:41. Average speed: 10.3 kph.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 22C. That's warmer than they said it would get to this morning...

Another Tentative Run

I've been fighting a cold for a week or so, and since it mostly seems to be past, I thought I'd try a short one. Initially my chest felt a little heavy but after awhile I was breathing OK. And I kept my speed down; no sense going hard just to collapse into a coughing fit or something.

I was just going to go as far as the C-Train bridge, but the Enerflex Super Cities WALK for MS was underway and the bridge and paths to the east were packed. I opted to avoid the traffic and kept on going to 14th Street. And I was feeling fine by then.

There was a bit of air traffic as well. Two of the military's Griffon helicopters settled into the helipad by the promenade for a few minutes. I missed seeing them land because I was west of 10th Street by then. But they were sitting on the pad when I went by, with crew members of one on the ground. Crossing the suspension bridge at Prince's Island, a third Griffon circled in, and by the time I was half way up The Path Under The Stairs, all three were in the air and heading slowly to the west. Neat.

Today's run:
Distance: 6.82 km. Time: 41:39. Average speed: 9.8 kph.

Weather: Cloudy and 15C, although it seemed a lot warmer.

Wet Saturday Run

A little chilly out there this morning, and a little wet. By the time I got my running gear on and got out the door, the rain had stopped. And what is with this GPS? It takes fifteen minutes to find satellites under a clear blue sky, but today, with the heavy overcast, it was locked on and ready by the time I got to the street. Maddening.

I decided that it's time to get back into some serious running. After my run with Tru, I mostly felt good, and now, after today's run, everything is great. I certainly know where the sore spots were, but right now there's no pain, just a little warmth on the hip and in the ankle, where the worst of it was after I crossed the finish line in Vancouver.

So: down to the river, across to the promenade, and all the way down to Crowchild. Across there, back to the C-Train bridge to go back to the promenade, then down to the Centre Street bridge. At the top of that, I rather aggressively tackled Nony's Awful Little Hill, and boy, did that feel good! From there I continued to push hard, not quite sprinting to home.

Today's run:
Distance: 10.24 km. Time: 55:04. Average speed: 11.2 kph.
Rest distance: 607.3 m. Rest time: 6:00
Total distance: 10.85 km. Total time: 1:01:04

Weather: Light rain and 6C, but the rain stopped just as I was starting out.

Beating the Rain

Finally getting this written, two days late.

I haven't gotten together with Tru for what seems like ages, so it was great to be able to get together with her for a run. We met up in the south end of the city, and headed for my old running routes in Fish Creek Park. In the background was a rather dramatic looking sky: big black clouds and even a little lightning in the distance.

We parked in Glennfield, and headed east along the paved path, taking to the shale paths as soon as we were able. We thought about going west, but that's were a lot of last year's flood damage happened, and I believe many of the bridges are still out. Not too eventful a run, we went as far as the Bow Valley Ranch before turning around and heading back.

We make quite a pair, with Tru's left hip still hurting from a muscle pulled while playing tennis (her passion), while my right hip flexor is still a bit sore from the Vancouver marathon. She was also nursing a bit of a cough, which slowed her down some more. But we both needed a chance to burn off some tension more than anything.

Afterwards, the rain started in earnest as we went for a burger. A great run, and a chance to reconnect with Tru, and also a chance for her to check out the park, as she'll be moving to a new home in that area next week.

Today's run (well, Thursday's run):
Distance: 7.57 km. Time: 45:10. Average speed: 10.1 kph.

Weather: Cloudy and 11C.

Stormy Weather

Lots of storm clouds in the sky, and it's actually rather dramatic looking. Also a little windy, but it's warm out and there are lots of people out on the paths along the river.

This was another run to 14th Street and back, via the Centre Street bridge. That's still about all I'm up to for now, but it feels pretty good, nevertheless. The right hip is still tight, and I need lots of stretching to get it going. Once I'm running it's all right, but even now I can feel it tightening up again.

I have decent speed, too, which I didn't think would be possible. I seem to recall my last experience as being rather slow for a couple of months. But then my recovery has been much, much easier this time.

Today's run:
Distance: 6.88 km. Time: 38:59. Average speed: 10.6 kph.

Weather: Cloudy and 21C, with some gusty winds.

Holiday Monday Run

Second try at posting this, cuz something went wonky.

Anyway, I got out for a run, just another short one to 14th Street and back. On the return, I took the Centre Street bridge, as it adds about 1.3 km to the westward loops that I run. And Nony's Awful Little Hill is a lot easier to tackle than The Hill Under The Stairs.

It was a beautiful morning for a run, and I think I'm pretty much over the effects of the Vancouver marathon. I still have some tightness in the right hip, but that comes out nicely if I do a few lunges. I really have had a much better recovery this year, compared to last year, where the effects lasted well into the fall.

Today's run:
Distance: 6.82 km. Time: 37:22. Average speed: 11.0 kph.

Weather: Partly cloudy and 19C. Very nice.

On another note, my friend Byron ran the Woody's RV Marathon in Red Deer yesterday, with a time around 4:53. No official times have been posted yet. He ran in memory of our friend, Judy Zaback, who passed away last November. We all miss you, Judy, and we know you were with us yesterday.

This just in... Byron's official time was 4:55:45, and you can find that here

Second Post-Marathon Run

Took a little time to get things worked out - lots of aches and twinges and stuff. By the time I got to the top of The Path Under The Stairs, I was mostly loosened up. And as a bonus, there were two weddings being photographed at the top of The Stairs. Four limos take up a lot of parking space.

This was another short one to 14th Street and back. It's pretty quiet out there once I got past the weddings. I imagine a lot of people are out of town for the long weekend. I found myself taking it sort of slow, and really, that speed was about all I had. Toward the end I was able to push a little harder, but I'm not looking for any PRs right now.

I've been doing some rollerblading. Kate got me out last weekend, and it felt so good, I've been out a couple more times. We'll probably go again this weekend, too. But it's nice to be able to exert myself a little without trying to use what was used up in the marathon.

Today's run:
Distance: 6.65 km. Time: 39:17. Average speed: 10.2 kph.

Weather: Cloudy and 20C, with a sever thunderstorm watch.

Tentative Trundle

This morning Tru suggested we meet up for a run, but we weren't able to make it work. Her schedule is slightly insane for the next three weeks at least, but I stay hopeful.

Anyway, it's been a week since the marathon, so I thought it was about time to see what still worked, and what hurt and where. From my place down to the river, west to 14th Street and back. I wasn't breaking any speed records, but after the first mile everything felt quite well. Some aches in the hips and calves, and the right Achilles was tight, but a after a little time I almost felt normal. The only persistent issue as a general feeling of being depleted.

A great sunny day though, and lots of people out and about. I might try my blades this evening. Kate and I gave it a shot yesterday, and they felt wonderful.

Today's run:
Distance: 7.06 km. Time: 43:28. Average speed: 9.7 kph.

Weather: Sunny and 15C, and warming up more as the day goes on.

Vancouver Marathon Official Results

I was 2109th overall out of 3550,
1371st out of 2019 males
219th out of 313 in the men's 45-49 category.

My final time was 4:24:27,
My pace was 10:06/mile,
my time at the half was 2:13:43
and at 20 miles was 3:23:14

My chip time was 4:20:43.

A little different than the time I got on my GPS, but then I stopped that timer during those line-ups for the bathrooms. Still, I'm very happy with these results. Official results are here

My brother Shane's results are here and his official time is here

Vancouver International Marathon

I survived it. It was a challenge, but I managed to face it and get through it. Tru says it takes a certain mental toughness to run a marathon. She even dug up the number of people that actually run one, which is one tenth of one percent. Tru is very good at making me feel good about doing this stuff.

It was a cold and rainy morning. Dark too, at 4:00 AM, but we were up and breakfasted promptly. Dressing for the run, well, shorts and tee shirt was all I needed. We had stopped at a second hand clothing store the night before and picked up a couple of old fleece jackets. What happens is that people start with jackets and sweaters, which they shed early in the run, and a charity will follow and pick them up for resale.

We got to B.C. Place about 6:00, and found a place on the playing field to sit and stretch, with occasional trips to the Port-a-Pottie lineups. At 7:20, we headed out the doors to the start line. The rain was still coming down, and our jackets were getting a little heavy. Once the start signal was given, we had what seemed like a ten minute shuffle before we got to the actual starting line. I don't know how many were in the marathon, but with the half marathon there were almost 15,000 people there.

After the start line, we were winding around the streets for a bit, in Chinatown, I think. At my first walk break, my brother pulled ahead, and I shed my jacket. And then it was straight running. That was about the time the rain stopped too.

Most of the race I don't remember. I did make a couple of bathroom stops early on, and there were always lineups. I wasn't up to stopping in the bushes like a lot of guys were doing. I remember being fairly energized during the run through Gastown. And the oranges that one of the downtown hotels were handing out were probably the best thing I've ever tasted.

The crowds were fantastic. Our first names were printed on our bibs, and a lot of spectators would shout encouragement using our names. For some reason, that became important toward the end.

Near the half way point a company was handing out samples of its energy bars, but I think the seagulls got the most out of that. I suppose they were what I needed about then, but too sweet, and too dry to eat while you're huffing and puffing. Good thing there was a water station a couple of hundred metres farther on.

The run through Stanley Park was lovely, even though it started to rain again. That stopped by the time I got to English Bay. And then the crowds really started to thicken up.

The biggest climb was the Burrard Bridge, but it wasn't too bad. And then it was a long slog toward UBC. This is where I really started to struggle. My calves started to tighten up a little, and by the time I got to the end and turned to come back, I was more hobbling than running. One redeeming moment was passing the company passing out fruit gums. They were dumping them on cookie sheets and holding them out for the runners to grab as they went by. Very tasty. But a hard trudge back to the bridge.

And then something happened. When I got to the Burrard bridge, I seemed to get an extra burst of energy. I had about three kilometres to go, and I hurt all over, but something kicked in. I really began to focus on the end, since I knew it was close, and I added speed. And this is where it was so cool to have my name on my bib, because people were using it to shout encouragement from the sidelines. It really helped to keep me going.

I did the run/walk thing again, but going through the park, I totally missed the walks periods, and ran through a couple of them. Which helped to get me past a bit more of the field. They all caught up to me later, of course. And over the last three kilometres, I ran through them as well.

At the end, it was get the medal, lose the timing chip, get a plastic blanket, and all that. Kinda like sheep would be herded. Standing in the airlock to get into B.C. Place, I found my bro, who had crossed ahead of me by about four minutes. And after that it was get some food, get the shirt, then collapse on the floor for awhile.

The best part was knowing that there were so many people cheering for me. I most want to thank Tru for her faith in me, and Nony too. It was an awesome run, and I had a great finish. Now it's time for recovery.

Today's run:
Distance: 39.61 km. Time: 3:43:32. Average speed: 10.6 kph.
Rest distance: 3.07 km. Rest time: 24:00
Total distance: 42.69 km. Total time: 4:07:32

Weather: Light rain and 8C to start, changing to cloudy and 12C at the end.

Blowing Off Some Energy

I couldn't stand it, I had to get out and run. I didn't go long, just up to 14th Street and back. But I was getting antsy about not being out there. Anyway, it'll likely be the last time before Vancouver.

Going west is a pretty good workout today too. The wind is insane, and the building where I work is creaking like an old whaling ship. Running into it is like running in glue. You can push off hard but the next footfall doesn't gain much ground. And of course, you never gain running with the wind what you lose running into it.

Today's run:
Distance: 5.10 km. Time: 25:18. Average speed: 12.1 kph.

Weather: Cloudy and 7C, with those nasty winds blowing at 58 kph and gusting up to 74 kph.

A Light Run With Nony

Nony's in the neighbourhood, house- and animal-sitting, for the next week or so, and once we got through the end-of-the-work-day stuff, she wandered over and we went for a run.

We trundled down The Path Under The Stairs and along the river toward 10th Street, and after twenty minutes we turned around and headed back. Unfortunately, we hit the steepest part of TPUTS during the running part of an interval, so no breaks for Nony. (But I think she's forgiven me a little for bumping her running time last week.)

Today's run:
Distance: 2.66 km. Time: 16:56. Average speed: 9.5 kph.
Rest distance: 2.31 km. Rest time: 24:00
Total distance: 4.97 km. Total time: 40:56

Weather: Light rainshower and 10C. Rather a nice evening, except for the rain, although it was very light.

Last Big Run Before the Big Run

Pretty much the same run as last week, down to Edworthy, back to Edmonton Trail and home. A little more goose poo to dodge, a little less ice on the path below Spruce Cliff. I did forget to reset the intervals from my run with Nony last Monday, so the alarm went off after four minutes instead of nine. I stopped and reset things, then started over, so there's four minutes unaccounted for off the beginning.

It was a nice reflective run this morning. I thought of all the people who have cheered me on in the last year. Nony, for sure, and now Tru, too. The acting class. My kids. The rest of my family. The Rebuilders. Wow, quite a list. If any of you read this, my heartfelt thanks. I'll be thinking of all of you next week.

Today's run:
Distance: 18.81 km. Time: 1:45:34. Average speed: 10.7 kph.
Rest distance: 1.09 km. Rest time: 11:00
Total distance: 19.90 km. Total time: 1:52:34

Weather: Light rain and 2C. Actually it was snowing a little for the last half of the run.

Too Much energy

I needed to get out and get some running in, just to burn off some energy. Not that it was a rough day or anything, but I was a little hyper.

It's so nice to get out, and there are a lot of people out running, and on blades and bikes. I headed down to the river, then to 14th Street and back. I had great energy all the way to the end, and even got a little agressive climbing The Path Under The Stairs, which was fun cuz I passed a cyclist on the way up.

Today's run:
Distance: 7.45 km. Time: 37:54. Average speed: 11.8 kph.

Weather: Sunny and 16C. Very summery.

Reservoir Run With Nony

It was supposed to be a recovery day, but Nony asked if I'd like to join her for a run at the Glenmore Reservoir. I can't refuse Nony, and anyway, it was nice to reconnect and catch up with each other.

We started at the parking lot at the south end of 36th Street, and headed west down the hill. It's such a beautiful area, and looking down on the forest just before we decended into it, you can see the first hints of green on the trees.

We did an easy run/walk down the hill and through the forest, running 4 and walking 6. We did that for 20 minutes before turning around to come back. I think Nony thought we were doing 3 and 7, but she can handle a little more running, and the timing of our intervals ensured that all the running was either downhill or on the flat.

Today's run:
Distance: 2.43 km. Time: 16:58. Average speed: 8.6 kph.
Rest distance: 2.33 km. Rest time: 24:00
Total distance: 4.76 km. Total time: 40:58

Weather: Sunny and around 13C. But windy.

Easy Distance

I'm a little late getting this in as my computer died over the weekend, and I haven't had a chance to fix or replace the damn thing yet.

I was thinking of doing one more long run Sunday, but I thought, if I can already do 30+ km, I can do 42, right? So what's to prove?

Still, I went out for a couple of hours. And this time I thought I'd do the scenic route. I headed down to the river and across at Prince's Island, then west to Crowchild where I crossed back to the north side of the river. By then I was warmed up and cruising nicely.

At Edworthy Park, I decided to cross again and take the path back eastward under Spruce Cliff. This were only a couple of places hwere there was still ice. Natural springs from the bluff run across the path all year, and in the winter, there can be a lot of ice buildup on a long stretch of the path. But the morning sun reaches down there for a long while early in the day, and it's now mostly clear.

At Croschild, I crossed back again and headed east toward the downtown on the north side again. This was just straight through, and I went all the way to Edmonton Trail before crossing to the south again.

Then it was back to Centre Street and across the bridge, up Nony's Awful Little Hill and home.

Today's run:
Distance: 19.35 km. Time: 1:47:50. Average speed: 10.8 kph.
Rest distance: 1.03 km. Rest time: 11:00
Total distance: 20.38 km. Total time: 1:58:50

Weather: About -5C to start and somewhere above 0C at the finish. Not too much wind.

Tru's Birthday

Another gorgeous day out there, and traffic on the paths was heavy. Everyone out on thier lunch hour walking and running, taking in the sun and spring air. I love the ambiance when there are all those people out there.

Today, we just did a short one, down to 14th and back. It's actually a nice lunch hour distance, and seemed about right for today.

Today's run:
Distance: 4.88 km. Time: 27:06. Average speed: 10.8 kph.

Weather: Sunny and 8C, but it seems much warmer. I think a lot of runners out there today started overdressed, with lots of jackets and windbreakers tied around waists.

Getting Close

A good distance run today, felt really good, and had a great, strong finish. I met Byron at the Eau claire Y and we headed west. It started cold, but very quickly warmed up, so I had to deal with extra clothing.

Down the south side of the river to Crowchild, then across and continuing west, we did a loop around the Shouldice pool before heading back. By then the paths were filling up with other runners, and the odd blader and biker. Clear skys and sunshine warmed us up nicely, even with a stiff and chilly breeze from the south west.

Just past Crowchild, Byron started to stiffen up, and he waved me on. From there I was probably at my strongest, with the last two intervals being smooth and fast. I felt I could have gone all day, something I haven't experienced for several months.

About the time I had walked around the block after arriving at the Y, Byron caught up, and we stopped for a post-run coffee and snack. great run for me, but maybe not so great for him?

Today's run:
Distance: 20.76 km. Time: 1:55:11. Average speed: 10.8 kph.
Rest distance: 1.11 km. Rest time: 12:00
Total distance: 21.86 km. Total time: 2:07:11

Weather: Sunny and -2C to start, and up to 6C by the end. A simply gorgeous morning for a run. Shoulda wore shorts...

Legs of Lead

Felt kinda heavy from the knees down today. But still good. Today I ran solo around the short zoo route, and then down to the C-Train bridge before heading back to Eau Claire.

I could have had a running partner too, but Chris was a little late checking in to see if anyone was around. I did pass her on the trail, though, so we waved.

Today's run:
Distance: 7.83 km. Time: 40:36. Average speed: 11.6 kph.

Weather: Mainly sunny and 10C. Could have shed a tee shirt.

Forgot to Recalibrate

No data for today, cuz I forgot to let this GPS thing find itself. Last time I used it was 500 m lower and 700 km further east, so I think it's a little lost. I'll borrow from another run over the same route, though.

We ran to 14th and back, nothing strenuous. Byron is actually beginning to get serious about Red Deer. He did a distance run on Sunday, and he's feeling it, so we took it easy.

How about these numbers from March 24th:
Distance: 4.87 km. Time: 27:17. Average speed: 10.7 kph.

Weather: cloudy and 7C. I thought there would be a few more out given that it's so nice, but maybe the rain kept them in?

Small City

I tried a long run Today. I was only going for a two hour run, but I ran out of city, sort of. I started at Lorne Avenue, then alone the street that went by what used to be a brewery. Then to Poplar Cresent, and the Idlywyld Freeway bridge where I crossed the river.

They've tore down the old school board offices and have some big redevelopement going, so I had to work my way around that. (To the north end of the Victoria Bridge, which is permanently closed now, it being too old and narrow, and too deteriorated to repair.) From there, northward, past the Bessborough Hotel, under the University Bridge, past the Mendel Art Gallery and the weir to the train bridge at 33rd Street.

There is a snazzy new stairway up to the pedestrian path on the bridge, so I took that across to the university side of the river, then continued north to the 42nd Street bridge.

At which point only 45 minutes had elapsed. This was surprising. I didn't expect to be that far, or should I say I expected it to take much longer to go that far. The city is smaller than I remember.

So I turned around and headed back. This time I stayed on the east side of the river, along the university, and then Saskatchewan Cresent and through Victoria Park. This took me back to Poplar Cresent. At Taylor Street, I headed to St. Henry Avenue and kept to the river for a couple of blocks before cutting straight across back to my starting point.

Today's run:
Distance: 15.58 km. Time: 1:29:19. Average speed: 10.5 kph.
Rest distance: 810.4 m. Rest time: 9:00
Total distance: 16.39 km. Total time: 1:38:19

Weather: Cloudy and about 5C or so. Not a lot of people out, but maybe this town doesn't have too many early morning runners.

Back to Saskatoon

I'm in Saskatoon for the weekend, so I took the time for a little run near the exhibition grounds Saturday morning.

Right off the start, I took a pedestrian overpass across Idylwyld Drive, then down to Ruth Street. I had some vague idea of following the river north to 8th Street and backtracking, but once I got near the river (St. Henry Avenue, I think), I remembered the loop around Diefenbaker Park. That took me close to the river, across from the Queen Elizabeth power plant

After doing that loop, I followed St. Henry Avenue along the river bank until I got to the Taylor Street underpass under Idylwyld, then back to my starting point.

Today's run:
Distance: 5.61 km. Time: 31:44. Average speed: 10.6 kph.

Weather: probably around 5C and cloudy.

Socked In

Holy cow, is it ever foggy. I can hardly see the ground from the 33rd floor. But the rain stopped for the noon hour. Great run today, as Chris finally joined us.

We just did the short loop to 14th Street and back, and she said she was a little out of shape, not having been out for awhile. But she set a decent pace nonetheless. Great fun run, and we had a chance to catch up.

Today's run:
Distance: 4.94 km. Time: 26:59. Average speed: 11.0 kph.

Weather: Fog and 4C. Very, very thick fog, though it did lift a little at ground level.

Wet Spring Day

Rained overnight, and has been a little drizzly off and on all morning. Still very nice for running, and lots of people seem to feel the same.

I tried something a little different: I ran the long zoo (12th Street bridge to the zoo), but instead of cutting across at Prince's Island, I continued on to the C-Train bridge before crossing back, and ended at the Y. That gave me a nice distance, actually a little farther than the Crowchild loop.

Body talk: felt good for the whole run. I'm noticing my knees, though, and it seems to be from the distance runs, especially the three hours last Sunday. I'll be repeating the buildup cycle beginning this coming weekend, so it'll be two hours, and I'll see how I feel after that.

Today's run:
Distance: 8.95 km. Time: 49:11. Average speed: 10.9 kph.

Weather: Cloudy and 5C.

Tough Run

It was OK to start, but at about 6 km, my innards were not happy. I ended up walking the rest of the way, trying not to be too overwhelmed by stomach cramps. Not sure what was up with that. Meanwhile Byron has some tightness in the ankles, but then his training regimen hasn't been exactly rigorous. So both of us were kinda hobbled today.

Today's run:
Distance: 6.09 km. Time: 33:29. Average speed: 10.9 kph.

Weather: Cloudy and 10C. A little breezy, but a very nice day. Just about everyone else who works in the downtown core who runs was out there too.

Another Three Hour Tour

I was a little later getting out of the house this morning for this one. I totally forgot about the time change, so I had lost an hour by the time the alarm went off.

But I was out the door at a respectable time, and I headed off toward the river. The GPS managed to grab satellites almost right off the start, but then it lost them after five minutes. And it took another twenty for it to get back in touch with them.So my distance measurement is off a little.

I headed west along the river again. The luxury of that open bathroom by Edworthy is just too good to pass up. This time, after I crossed the James Hextall bridge into Bowness, I veered to the right and followed Bow Cresent. This is the route the Calgary marathon follows, and it's probably the worst surface to run on. Packed clay and oiled gravel, with enough larger stones to keep you watchful. They hurt to step on them, unless you're running in trail shoes, maybe.

The other hazard is the usual spring thing. The geese with gasto-intestinal issues are back, leaving evidence of such all over the place. In a couple of weeks, the paths might be pretty gross. Heck, they already are! And the geese are a little agressive, too.

I hit my turn around time just as I was about to go under the railroad bridge over the river, just past the end of Bow Cresent. And then it was a matter of retracing my steps. At the turn around, the GPS said I'd gone almost exactly 12 km, and by the time I got home, I'd gone 29.0 km. And on the way back I went straight along Memorial Drive to the stairs up to the Prince's Island foot bridge, instead of crossing over at the C-Train bridge and then back across at Prince's Island, which is what I would have done if I'd actually truely retraced my steps. So that says my one way distance was closer to 17 km instead of 12 km. Which would make a round trip of 34 km, with sounds a little high. But I have no doubt I was at least 30 km total. In looking at the data, I have none for the period between ten and twenty minutes into the run because of the lost of the satellite links.

So I'll go with 30 km then. But here are the stats as reported by the GPS:

Today's run:
Distance: 25.93 km. Time: 2:40:29. Average speed: 9.8 kph.
Rest distance: 3.07 km. Rest time: 17:00
Total distance: 29.00 km. Total time: 2:57:29

Weather: Fog and -1C to start, changing to cloudy and 5C by the end. It didn't warm up like I thought it would, and I was a little underdressed.

Hard Run Day

Don't know what was up with this, but maybe Tru is having an effect? Anyway, it was a hard, fast run, despite starting out a little stiff and achey. Once I got loosened up, it felt really good.

I decided to do a little bit of distance and went to Crowchild and back. For such a lovely day, there weren't many out running or doing anything else. But then maybe everyone took a late lunch because the crowds seemed to build a little by the time I got to my end point.

Today's run:
Distance: 7.30 km. Time: 36:03. Average speed: 12.1 kph.
Rest distance: 458.9 m. Rest time: 3:48
Total distance: 7.76 km. Total time: 39:51

Weather: Mostly cloudy and 9C. It's spring!

Back to an Evening Run

My schedule seems to keep shuffling around, and sometimes my lunch hours are taken up by, well, lunches. Such was today's lunch hour, so no run. But I felt I needed to get out there and burn some calories, so I brought my gear home and changed into it as soon as I got home from work.

I ran down to the river, down to 14th Street and back, nothing special. I needed to feel like I'd been out there and to loosen up things a little after the distance run on Sunday. I've been feeling a little tight in the calves and left knee since that, and more running kinda loosens things up a little. You can bet I'm doing a lot of pre- and post-run stretching, though.

Today's run:
Distance: 6.78 km. Time: 37:52. Average speed: 10.7 kph.

Weather: Cloudy and 4C; not quite tee shirt and shorts weather, which explains why I was a little cold. The cloud gave everything a greyness too, which lent a slight oppressiveness to the day. Otherwise, a good run.

Spring Has Spung

What a fabulous day to be outside! Tee shirt and shorts time, and does it ever feel good. I did the long zoo route, with the thought that maybe I'd go all the way back to 10th Street, but once I got to the Prince's Island foot bridge, I decided that was enough.

The calves felt a little tight from the Sunday run, but they loosened up OK once I was a few minutes into it. There was a fair bit of traffic on that route compared to what it usually it like, and when I hit Prince's Island it was almost like a marathon start it was so crowded. Everyone wants to get out in the sunshine.

Today's run:
Distance: 6.12 km. Time: 35:15. Average speed: 10.4 kph.
Rest distance: 301.9 m. Rest time: 3:00
Total distance: 6.42 km. Total time: 38:15

Weather: Mainly sunny and 5C, but I think the temperature is a lot higher downtown.

Used Up Today

Got a decent start this morning, bright and early. It was a little damp out, but we didn't get the massive snowfall they were promising since Friday night.

I headed to Cresent Road and down The Path Under The Stairs. Across to Prince's Island and along the south side of the river to Crowchild, where I crossed back to the north side. I'd love to run the south side to Edworthy, but with the natural springs that are along that side, it's likely to be very icy and slick.

Along Parkdale Boulevard to the footbridge to Edworthy, and thank goodness for the Point Mackay Washrooms. On past Shouldice Park and here's were I should have stayed with the original plan. I was going to zig-zag up Home Road to 13th Avenue, which runs down the middle of Shouldice Park, but instead stuck to the path along the river. It was very icy and also very wet, making for a treacherous shuffle.

Then across the John Hexall bridge and along Bowness Road to the railroad overpass, at which point the GPS announced my turn-around point. So back toward the downtown, with a brief break at those washrooms again.

From the Edworthy bridge, it got really busy. There must have been a dozen groups of fifteen to twenty runners, plus several smaller groups and solo runners. I would guess they are Running Room groups preparing for the Calgary Marathon or the Policeman's Half or something. Those are about 16 weeks away, so about right to start a training program.

From Crowchild on, the traffic disappeared, and it was straight slogging. I crossed back to the south side of the river at the C-Train bridge, then chugged back at Prince's Island, where traffic picked up again. The Path Under The Stairs was particularly difficult to climb this morning, but then I got to it at about the two and a half hour mark.

After that is was a short drive to home. I never really recovered my breath after that hill in those last few blocks, but then I was pushing pretty hard.

Today's run:
Distance: 25.00 km. Time: 2:22:12. Average speed: 10.5 kph.
Rest distance: 1.42 km. Rest time: 15:00
Total distance: 26.42 km. Total time: 2:37:12

Weather: Cloudy and 1C, warming to 4C. Perfectly beautiful spring day.

First Run With Tru

Finally got to run with Tru this morning. We've been talking about getting together for awhile now, and I think we're pretty well matched. I let her set the pace as she hasn't been outside all winter, but the treadmill running has definitely kept her on track. We set a pretty decent pace right off the start.

Mindful of my intention to run distance tomorrow as usual, we did a quick loop, down The Hill Under The Stairs, out to 14th Street and back. And given that we walked most of The Hill on the way back, I think our pace was pretty darn good.

Today's run:
Distance: 5.99 km. Time: 35:56. Average speed: 10.0 kph.

Weather: Cloudy and 3C. Absolutely a beautiful morning.

Foggy Day in Calgary Town

It's lifted a little, but this fog has been hanging around all week. Another reason I'm glad I can walk to work. It makes for a really nice run, too, once the temperature climbs above zero. There was a thin layer of ice in a lot of places this morning, which made for some treacherous walking.

Byron and I just did a short run out to 14th Street and back. Poor guy has been abusing his knees by moving into his new house and shuffling boxes up and down stairs. Not a whole lot of traffic out there. With the fog, and it being Friday, maybe people just went for an extended lunch.

Today's run:
Distance: 4.87 km. Time: 27:17. Average speed: 10.7 kph.

Weather: Fog and 0C. Even a little misty at times. Very nice running weather.

Is It Spring Yet?

Wotta week! Seems like I have had something going on every day. But today I finally got a free lunch hour.

Running solo today, so down to Edmonton Trail, west to 14th Street, then back to the Y. Nice run, beautiful weather and lots of people out.

Today's run:
Distance: 7.40 km. Time: 37:29. Average speed: 11.8 kph.

Weather: Partly cloudy and 6C. The cloud is high and thin, so the sun is shining through quite nicely.

Two For One

Got two runs to document this time. I ran late Thursday just to burn off some excess energy, and because I haven't been able to get out much this week for some reason. I was out in the dark and the fog about 9:30 pm, just down to the river, crossing at 14th Street, then back home by the Centre Street bridge. I was going to write it up after, but Tru called, and that's a perfectly reasonable interruption to anything.

Thursday's run:
Distance: 6.43 km. Time: 37:27. Average speed: 10.3 kph.

Weather: Foggy and cold. I think the temperature was around -7C.

Today, it was one of those mornings. So rather than toss and turn until the alarm, I just got up and got my running gear on. I was out the door by 6:00 am.

A little chilly to start, and I'm glad I chose the light sweatshirt over the tee shirt. The wind was in my face all the way to Bowness, and kind of erratic. Not too many out at that time of day, either, but traffic started to pick up on the way back.

I made it to 32nd Avenue on Bowness Road before turning around after 70 minutes of running. On the way back, I crossed to the south side of the river at 14th Street, and ran to Eau Claire before crossing back at Prince's Island and chugging up The Path Under The Stairs.

Today's run:
Distance: 21.91 km. Time: 2:05:50. Average speed: 10.4 kph.
Rest distance: 1.13 m. Rest time: 13:00
Total distance: 23.04 km. Total time: 2:18:50

Weather: Light snow and -11C the whole way.

St. Patrick's Day Run Results

From the Running Room website, these are official results:

Rank: 125/388
Clock Time: 50:40
Pace/km: 5:04
Bib: 1190
Division: M4049
Division Rank: 28/57

This is over six minutes better than my performance last year (56:52).

What a Week!

Too much stuff going on, and I haven't been able to get out like I want. I took the afternoon off to get some pressing matters dealt with, and found I got them done a little early, so I had time for a run.

Not sure I like running during the afternoon rush hour. I found myself breathing a lot of bus exhaust, and the smell still lingers. Bleah. But it was a nice run nonetheless. The fog that's been hanging over the city all day gave a little bit of atmosphere, too.

I headed to the river, by way of The Path Under The Stairs, then along the north side all the way to Crowchild. Crossing to the south side, and heading back toward downtown, I met lots of cyclists out, and a few runners. It's a pretty quiet time of day. I went all the way to Centre Street and back home, up Nony's Awful Little Hill.

Today's run:
Distance: 10.24 km. Time: 52:27. Average speed: 11.7 kph.
Rest distance: 482.5 m. Rest time: 5:00
Total distance: 10.72 km. Total time: 57:26

Weather: Fog and -4C. Good conditions, but the pollution from the rush hour traffic made it challenging.

St. Patrick's Day Run

This one snuck up on me, and I almost forgot about it. Friday it occurred to me that I needed to pick up my race kit. Saturday, I remembered that Byron had also signed up, so I picked up his race kit. He didn't make it, due to extenuating circumstances (he slept in). Boohoo for him, but it turned out OK for me, cuz I lost my beer ticket, and used his.

It was a cooler day this year, but without the wet snow. There was also one stretch behind the University of Calgary campus where the snow hadn't been removed from the road, and it was crusty ice. But mostly it was pretty good. There was a very light snow coming down, hardly enough to notice, and a stiff enough breeze to make it uncomfortable until I got warmed up.

I think I started too far back in the pack. I was about the same place as I was last year, but I think my pace is about a minute per kilometre faster this year. At the first kilometre marker, my average speed was just 8.4 kph. Lots of traffic to get past, but by the time we got half way and started the second ciruit around the campus, it was pretty evened out.

I felt really good through the whole run. In fact, I felt like I was needing to hold back, cuz I didn't know what I'd need at the end of the race, and if I'd have it. It was nice to pass the 9 km marker, because that's when I let go and found a natural pace that was comfortable, long and fast. I think I passed the most people in that last kilometre, excepting for the first two when I was in all the traffic. It seems like it takes about 8 km to get to that point, where the miles go by and it takes very little effort.

After, I checked the official stats, and my time was 50:40, and I think I was 125th out of around 700 runners. I can't remember exactly what I ranked in my age group, 26th out of 57 sticks in my head, but I may be making that up. I'll check the official stats in a couple of days. But here's what I got with my GPS:

Today's run:
Distance: 10.39 km. Time: 50:33. Average speed: 12.3 kph.

Weather: Light snow and -11C. Not as wet as last year, just colder.

Snow Storm

It's not really a storm, but it is snowing and it is blowing. Might be a fun drive home for people tonight. Otherwise it's good running weather. Lots of people out too, undetered by the snow and wind.

I just did a short one today, and without the GPS. I took it home to charge it up last night, and forgot it there. So another estimate... Here's the stats from February 22:

Today's run:
Distance: 4.82 km. Time: 26:35. Average speed: 10.9 kph.

Weather: Light snow and -3C, with a gusty wind from the north.

Still Luverly

Not quite the day we had yesterday, but only a degree cooler and overcast. Still a beautiful day for a run. The reduction in the traffic on the paths was barely noticeable.

This was another one of those days where I must have forgot to shut off the GPS, cuz the battery was depleted. So I'll look back through this blog and see what my history is on that loop, and then estimate what I probably did.

Today's run:
Distance: 7.50 km. Time: 42:00. Average speed: 10.7 kph - I'll buy that.

Weather: Cloudy and 5C. No wind, too, so really nice out.

Is It Spring Yet?

Sure feels like it. I just wore a couple of tee shirts and I was way overdressed. A far cry from the other extreme that I experienced last Sunday. Everyone was out taking advantage of the nice weather too. Traffic was really heavy between the Prince's Island foot bridge and 10th Street, on both sides of the river.

I decided to kind of go both ways from the middle today, heading east to Edmonton Trail, then west to 14th Street before heading back to the Y. The paths are clear, and actually dry for the most part. And maybe it was the energy of the crowd, or something, but I really had great speed out there. The last half, I was cruising!

Today's run:
Distance: 6.07 km. Time: 32:23. Average speed: 11.2 kph.
Rest distance: 327.6 m. Rest time: 3:00
Total distance: 6.40 km. Total time: 35:24

Weather: Sunny and 6C. Gorgeous weather for a run.

A Little Distance, Finally

It's been too long since I ran some real distance, and it feels good to get back to it. I ran west along the river all the way to Shouldice Park and back. It's a little bit on the cool side, and I wondered at times if I was underdressed. Actually, I probably was, but no harm done; just a little uncomfortable at times.

The new shoes are performing just fine, with not too much of any discomfort lingering from the old ones. I really did leave getting them replaced for far too long.

Today's run:
Distance: 19.37 km. Time: 1:47:50. Average speed: 10.8 kph.
Rest distance: 968.1 m. Rest time: 11:00
Total distance: 20.34 km. Total time: 1:58:50

Weather: Clear and -17C to start, warming up to -15C by the end (woohoo)

Snowy Friday

The paths are being kept clear, which is nice. There is a little ice here and there, and in places there is a layer of hard packed snow. But it's rather nice to be out with the snow coming down.

I did run/walks out to Crowchild and back, kinda pushing it a little toward the end. I'm really starting to like these shoes. Yesterday I didn't run, but expected some tightnessfrom the day before. In fact, I was less tight than I have been for awhile. Nony says it's always the second day before you really feel it, though, and as usual, she's right. This morning it was worse, but still better that it has been. We'll see what a distance run does, if I can get one in this weekend.

Today's run:
Distance: 7.22 km. Time: 38:34. Average speed: 11.2 kph.
Rest distance: 458.0 m. Rest time: 4:00
Total distance: 7.68 km. Total time: 42:34

Weather: Light snow and -11C, with confused breeze that didn't know which way to blow. Seemed like I was running into the wind going and coming.

New Shoes...Finally

Went out and got some new ones last night. I tried a three or four different ones. The Asics were sqeezey in the wrong places, but close. Brooks just doesn't work, and Mizunos felt good, but the sales girl said because of the light weight, they didn't have the durability, and I don't want to be replacing them any sooner than I have to. So I went with the Saucony Grid Phoenix shoes.

Good run today. Typical of new shoes (for me, anyway) is how they bring out all the little aches and pains that can be brought out. Most are transient, thank goodness, just the usual twinges that come and go. I did feel some tightness in the calves that wasn't there before. Well, it was, but usually not while I was running. I think all of it is just adjustment to something new.

So while I can't say love the new shoes, I certainly like them. We'll see how I feel in 24 and 48 hours.

Beautiful day for a run, so I headed down to Crowchild and back. The paths have been plowed and brushed, but there is still a layer of packed snow on them, and with the sun out like it is, there's some melting going on. Gotta watch for the odd icey spot.

Today's run:
Distance: 7.07 km. Time: 38:11. Average speed: 11.1 kph.
Rest distance: 407.0 m. Rest time: 4:00
Total distance: 7.48 km. Total time: 42:11

Weather: Sunny and -9C, but it seems much, much warmer. Beautiful day out there.