I was out last night for my usual run, needing to get out and burn off some energy. I did the usual loop to 14th Street, without really noticing much. Perhaps I'm in a bit of a rut, although I do enjoy running along the river.
Yesterday was a little on the cool side, too, with threatening rain and all that. Gee, much like today.
Distance: 6.79 Time: 37:26
Average speed: 5:30 min/km (10.91 kph).
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: L n K again (my favourite tune!)
Weather: distant precipitation (whatever that is) and 6C.
Anyway, a co-worker suggested we try and get out today (Wednesday) since it's the day he doesn't work from home. He had a route figured out that would take us to Glenmore Landing and then along the Glenmore reservoir to the marina and back.
We headed down the stairs and outside. A little bit on the chilly side, but nothing to slow us down. An extra nice bit was there was no wind to drive the chill through our running cloths.
I'd forgot to start the GPS until we were across the overpass over the C-Train tracks and were about to cross Southland Drive. From there we headed northward, and from there, our route was a mystery.
Jerry had scoped it out, of course, winding through the various neighbourhoods. I recognized none of it, not even recognizing Elbow Drive until we'd crossed it. And then coming up to the sound wall that protects the adjacent neighbourhoods from the traffic roar on 14th Street.
A long wait at the light to cross, and up 90th Avenue, that long gently rising hill that for some reason was so memorable from the Police Half Marathon a few weeks ago. Only we crossed 90th and got on the path behind Glenmore Landing to the loop around the reservoir.
We took the low path along the shoreline westward toward the marina, watching a motorboat chug out to a floating pier lined with small sail boats and covered with a couple of dozen people.
At the marina, we looped back onto the upper path and headed back east, rejoining our path outbound and retracing our steps.
The nice thing about this loop is that it's almost all up hill to 90th and 14th, so the return is a long descent back toward the Southland C-Train station.
Good run, perfect distance for a lunch time noodle through the neighbourhoods.
Distance: 9.21 Time: 53:32
Average speed: 5:48 min/km (10.34kph).
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: None.
Weather: cloudy and 4C.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Is it Summer Yet?
It's actually a lovely day out, if a little grey. Windless and clear, and the mountains on the west horizon have a kind of glowing quality, probably because the cloud cover out that way is thinner or higher. It's a lovely sight.
After a short L n K, I was out the door and across the street. Walked a block or so as usual, and then started running as I came up beside the playground. The grey is a little bit bleah, but it's the kind of day, and maybe a kind unique to the prairie, that's calm and mild, a kind of eye-of-the-storm kind of calm.
I took the Centre Street bridge across the river and then down on the promenade. Quiet for such a beautiful morning, but busy enough. The first thirty minutes, as usual, were accompanied by the aches and stiffness that seem to have been accumulating for the last few years. By the time I reached Crowchild I was sufficiently loosened up and those aches were put away for the day.
I stayed on the south side of the river, running along below Spruce Cliff and along the tracks. There were no trains at all this morning. I wonder if that's because of it being a holiday weekend. But when I got to the first crossing, it struck me that I hadn't heard or seen any sign of a train. Usually, there are two or three while I'm out there.
By the time I got to Edworthy I was in head down and go mode. The first walk break after crossing the bridge and heading back toward downtown, I could feel a pull in the hip telling me that I'd been pushing it. I kept it up, too, up to the walk break just before reaching the foot bridge to Prince's Island, so that I can feel it not only in the hip and glutes, but all the way down the back of the legs.
The climb up The Path Under The Stairs was no power run. I was actually pretty slow by then, so more of a shuffle. At the top of the bluff I didn't push all that hard either, since by then there's less than a kilometre to go.
Nice run, finished by a good stretch. About time, too, I've been slacking too much.
Distance: 17.47 Time: 1:30:21
Average speed: 5:10 min/km. (11.64 kph)
Rest distance: .9579 km. Rest time: 10:00.
Total distance: 18.42 km. Total time: 1:40:21.
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: L n K plus something that completely escapes me now.
Weather: cloudy, 12C to start and finishing at 14C.
After a short L n K, I was out the door and across the street. Walked a block or so as usual, and then started running as I came up beside the playground. The grey is a little bit bleah, but it's the kind of day, and maybe a kind unique to the prairie, that's calm and mild, a kind of eye-of-the-storm kind of calm.
I took the Centre Street bridge across the river and then down on the promenade. Quiet for such a beautiful morning, but busy enough. The first thirty minutes, as usual, were accompanied by the aches and stiffness that seem to have been accumulating for the last few years. By the time I reached Crowchild I was sufficiently loosened up and those aches were put away for the day.
I stayed on the south side of the river, running along below Spruce Cliff and along the tracks. There were no trains at all this morning. I wonder if that's because of it being a holiday weekend. But when I got to the first crossing, it struck me that I hadn't heard or seen any sign of a train. Usually, there are two or three while I'm out there.
By the time I got to Edworthy I was in head down and go mode. The first walk break after crossing the bridge and heading back toward downtown, I could feel a pull in the hip telling me that I'd been pushing it. I kept it up, too, up to the walk break just before reaching the foot bridge to Prince's Island, so that I can feel it not only in the hip and glutes, but all the way down the back of the legs.
The climb up The Path Under The Stairs was no power run. I was actually pretty slow by then, so more of a shuffle. At the top of the bluff I didn't push all that hard either, since by then there's less than a kilometre to go.
Nice run, finished by a good stretch. About time, too, I've been slacking too much.
Distance: 17.47 Time: 1:30:21
Average speed: 5:10 min/km. (11.64 kph)
Rest distance: .9579 km. Rest time: 10:00.
Total distance: 18.42 km. Total time: 1:40:21.
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: L n K plus something that completely escapes me now.
Weather: cloudy, 12C to start and finishing at 14C.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Catch Up
Darn, talk about lax! I know I've been out running in the past week, but don't remember details.
But here are the stats, however unexciting they are....
For last Sunday:
Distance: 16.69 Time: 1:31:31
Average speed: 5:29 min/km. (10.94 kph)
Rest distance: .8064 km. Rest time: 10:00.
Total distance: 17.49 km. Total time: 1:41:31.
For last Tuesday:
Distance: 6.40 Time: 36:55
Average speed: 5:46 min/km (10.40 kph).
But here are the stats, however unexciting they are....
For last Sunday:
Distance: 16.69 Time: 1:31:31
Average speed: 5:29 min/km. (10.94 kph)
Rest distance: .8064 km. Rest time: 10:00.
Total distance: 17.49 km. Total time: 1:41:31.
For last Tuesday:
Distance: 6.40 Time: 36:55
Average speed: 5:46 min/km (10.40 kph).
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Back to the Schedule
I'm working from home today, and the plan is usually to get a noon hour run. Today I was tempted by other considerations L n K but in the end I was out on my route at noon sharp.
Some time during the morning, it had started to rain, and part of the morning it was more or less a downpour. By noon, it had backed off to a drizzle. I went for shorts and a long sleeve tee with my running vest. About ten minutes into the run I was wishing I had thought to grab my running gloves, too.
Because of the rain, it was a little splishy-splashy in places. Just before the C-Train bridge, I got a bit of a soaking courtesy of a passing car. Because the path is about three feet above the roadway, it was only my legs that got wet.
On the 14th Street bridge, it was a different story. The two foot high wall between the traffic and the pedestrian path ensures that if any water is splashed by passing traffic, the trajectory needed to clear the wall is approximately chest high by the time any water following it reaches any people walking across. The nice thing about the fabrics used for running close is that they don't hold the water, so it wasn't bad.
By the time I reached the helicopter pad, about three quarters of the way around the loop, my hands were finally warming up. There were more people out than I expected given the weather, though still it was pretty quiet out there.
I took the stairs fairly aggressively, and they didn't slow me down much. Perhaps the week off was the break I needed to be able to do that. At the top, I took to the street, since the trail at the top of the bluff was a little soggy.
Nice run, wet, cold... A good run.
Distance: 6.94 Time: 35:56
Average speed: 5:10 min/km (11.59 kph).
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: On An Evening In Roma, Dean Martin.
Weather: light rain and 4C.
Some time during the morning, it had started to rain, and part of the morning it was more or less a downpour. By noon, it had backed off to a drizzle. I went for shorts and a long sleeve tee with my running vest. About ten minutes into the run I was wishing I had thought to grab my running gloves, too.
Because of the rain, it was a little splishy-splashy in places. Just before the C-Train bridge, I got a bit of a soaking courtesy of a passing car. Because the path is about three feet above the roadway, it was only my legs that got wet.
On the 14th Street bridge, it was a different story. The two foot high wall between the traffic and the pedestrian path ensures that if any water is splashed by passing traffic, the trajectory needed to clear the wall is approximately chest high by the time any water following it reaches any people walking across. The nice thing about the fabrics used for running close is that they don't hold the water, so it wasn't bad.
By the time I reached the helicopter pad, about three quarters of the way around the loop, my hands were finally warming up. There were more people out than I expected given the weather, though still it was pretty quiet out there.
I took the stairs fairly aggressively, and they didn't slow me down much. Perhaps the week off was the break I needed to be able to do that. At the top, I took to the street, since the trail at the top of the bluff was a little soggy.
Nice run, wet, cold... A good run.
Distance: 6.94 Time: 35:56
Average speed: 5:10 min/km (11.59 kph).
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: On An Evening In Roma, Dean Martin.
Weather: light rain and 4C.
First Run After the Police Half
And here I am writing this two days after again. Sheesh.
I took over a week off from running after the half. No reason other than I was mostly lazy. Well, and I supposed there were a few days where the stiffness was present, so no runs during the week following. And no run on the following weekend either, since I was L n K out of town.
It wasn't a power run or anything like that either, just a chance to get out and shake some cobwebs off. It was a bit cool, a bit breezy, not wonderful weather, rather nice for running.
Distance: 6.67 Time: 36:26
Average speed: 5:27 min/km (10.981 kph).
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: The Man With a Green Thumb, Tommy Emmanuel.
Weather: No details.
I took over a week off from running after the half. No reason other than I was mostly lazy. Well, and I supposed there were a few days where the stiffness was present, so no runs during the week following. And no run on the following weekend either, since I was L n K out of town.
It wasn't a power run or anything like that either, just a chance to get out and shake some cobwebs off. It was a bit cool, a bit breezy, not wonderful weather, rather nice for running.
Distance: 6.67 Time: 36:26
Average speed: 5:27 min/km (10.981 kph).
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: The Man With a Green Thumb, Tommy Emmanuel.
Weather: No details.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Police Half-Marathon Official Result
My official time is 1:53:34, for a pace of 5:24.
I placed 609th out of a field of 1833.
84th out of 194 in my age division.
Very happy with that.
L n K
I placed 609th out of a field of 1833.
84th out of 194 in my age division.
Very happy with that.
L n K
Sunday, April 26, 2009
The 2009 Calgary Police Half-Marathon
Considering how I felt yesterday, this was a pretty good run. I woke up the day before feeling a little scratchy in the throat, and after meeting friend for breakfast, seemed to be flirting with stomach flu or something. Later in the day, and into the evening, I was better, and suggestions on the L n K of hot water with lemon helped lots too.
This morning, I felt much better. I got suited up, opting for an extra tee between the technical shirt and windbreaker. It was a relief to discover no wind or snow as had been promised in the forecast. It was a little brisk, but actually a beautiful morning.
I drove to Mount Royal College, parked and walked into the building. Given my penchant for usually being ridiculously early, there weren't too many around yet. Lots of police of course, and the technicians were setting up the mats at the starting line, where the sensors pick up the timing chips.
I ran into the WaveRunner and chatted briefly before hunting down the bathrooms. Then went outside to jog up and down the parking lot, stretch the calves and generally try and warm up. It was staying nice, so I decided to strip off the second tee.
Finally the crowd started to gather in the starting chute. I had no idea where to be, so opted for somewhere in the middle. A noisy, chatty crowd drowned out the PA system, but I could make out the last few seconds of a countdown. At zero, there was a great whooping, and then we stood around for a few minutes, while the crowd in front filed out of the chute. It was about three minutes before I finally stepped across the starting mats.
After that, not much to tell. A long run down 50th, then over toward the water treatment plant. That was the first narrowing of the trail. Crossing the dam seemed especially narrow. It was a little wider for a ways, until crossing Glenmore, then in the forest behind Rockyview Hospital it was narrow again.
Coming out beside the hospital, I had some momentary disorientation, not recognizing the construction. I thought for a moment it was all the new stuff that had been built at the entrance to Heritage Park, but that was at least a kilometre and a half ahead of us. This was all new building on to the hospital.
The run through Eagle Ridge was quiet, although a couple of kids had carboard signs and an old stereo going in one driveway. Then the new entrance to Heritage Park, and we were on the trail along the reservoir again. Lots of people cheering here.
We went straight on to 90th Avenue, then right. I had never notice that 90th is a long, long slowly climbing hill. Someone cheering on the sidelines said we were about to reach a nice flat stretch, and I kept waiting to get to it.
At South Glenmore Park we turned in and through the parking lot, and straight through the adjacent playground. The path goes directly through and at each side is one of those narrow jogs in the chain link fence that you have to zigzag through. I think it's to keep cyclists from shortcutting through there, but we ended up almost stopping at both, having to walk through single file.
And then the flat part. All along the south side of the reservoir. It's a long stretch, but didn't seem to take long at all. In no time we were at the long hill that descends down to Weaselhead Flats. There's a little twisting and turning and a lot of the path is sheltered. I was expecting some icy patches, but there was only one bad spot, attended to by a couple of EMS personnel.
Around the last corner and onto the flat part of the Flats, we were surrounded by pussy willow. I began to notice the odd hat or glove on the path, having been lost by a runner up ahead.
The next challenge is the long hill that climbs up from the Flats. Before that a narrow run across the bridge crossing the Elbow river. I hit the hill with lots of energy. I was surprised at how easily I was climbing. I had lots of leg, and didn't slow down much at all. At the top, another crowd cheering, plus the Police Pipe and Drum band performing.
A quick zip through another parking lot, and onto 66th Avenue, and what seemed like the longest stretch of the whole run. It was only about a kilometre and a half, but it seemed to take forever. Finally turned the corner toward Glenmore Trail again, a short buzz through another neighbourhood.
It was after I crossed Glenmore again, the I was pretty sure I wasn't going to beat my PR. Still, I wanted the best finish I could make, so it was head down and push hard. The rest of the race was a blur.
I crossed the finish line only three minutes off my PR, accepted my medal and a bottle of water, and proceeded to have a tremendous coughing fit, probably from breathing in that good old dry prairie air.
I had a great run. Achy and sore, and stiffening quickly, I found the post run snacks and called it a day.
Distance: 20.13 Time: 1:44:15
Average speed: 5:10 min/km. (11.64 kph)
Rest distance: 1.36 km. Rest time: 11:00.
Total distance: 21.49 km. Total time: 1:55:15.
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: It was L n K all the way.
Weather: mostly cloudy, -2C to start and finishing at 1C.
Hard run, and a good run, but no PR out of this one.
This morning, I felt much better. I got suited up, opting for an extra tee between the technical shirt and windbreaker. It was a relief to discover no wind or snow as had been promised in the forecast. It was a little brisk, but actually a beautiful morning.
I drove to Mount Royal College, parked and walked into the building. Given my penchant for usually being ridiculously early, there weren't too many around yet. Lots of police of course, and the technicians were setting up the mats at the starting line, where the sensors pick up the timing chips.
I ran into the WaveRunner and chatted briefly before hunting down the bathrooms. Then went outside to jog up and down the parking lot, stretch the calves and generally try and warm up. It was staying nice, so I decided to strip off the second tee.
Finally the crowd started to gather in the starting chute. I had no idea where to be, so opted for somewhere in the middle. A noisy, chatty crowd drowned out the PA system, but I could make out the last few seconds of a countdown. At zero, there was a great whooping, and then we stood around for a few minutes, while the crowd in front filed out of the chute. It was about three minutes before I finally stepped across the starting mats.
After that, not much to tell. A long run down 50th, then over toward the water treatment plant. That was the first narrowing of the trail. Crossing the dam seemed especially narrow. It was a little wider for a ways, until crossing Glenmore, then in the forest behind Rockyview Hospital it was narrow again.
Coming out beside the hospital, I had some momentary disorientation, not recognizing the construction. I thought for a moment it was all the new stuff that had been built at the entrance to Heritage Park, but that was at least a kilometre and a half ahead of us. This was all new building on to the hospital.
The run through Eagle Ridge was quiet, although a couple of kids had carboard signs and an old stereo going in one driveway. Then the new entrance to Heritage Park, and we were on the trail along the reservoir again. Lots of people cheering here.
We went straight on to 90th Avenue, then right. I had never notice that 90th is a long, long slowly climbing hill. Someone cheering on the sidelines said we were about to reach a nice flat stretch, and I kept waiting to get to it.
At South Glenmore Park we turned in and through the parking lot, and straight through the adjacent playground. The path goes directly through and at each side is one of those narrow jogs in the chain link fence that you have to zigzag through. I think it's to keep cyclists from shortcutting through there, but we ended up almost stopping at both, having to walk through single file.
And then the flat part. All along the south side of the reservoir. It's a long stretch, but didn't seem to take long at all. In no time we were at the long hill that descends down to Weaselhead Flats. There's a little twisting and turning and a lot of the path is sheltered. I was expecting some icy patches, but there was only one bad spot, attended to by a couple of EMS personnel.
Around the last corner and onto the flat part of the Flats, we were surrounded by pussy willow. I began to notice the odd hat or glove on the path, having been lost by a runner up ahead.
The next challenge is the long hill that climbs up from the Flats. Before that a narrow run across the bridge crossing the Elbow river. I hit the hill with lots of energy. I was surprised at how easily I was climbing. I had lots of leg, and didn't slow down much at all. At the top, another crowd cheering, plus the Police Pipe and Drum band performing.
A quick zip through another parking lot, and onto 66th Avenue, and what seemed like the longest stretch of the whole run. It was only about a kilometre and a half, but it seemed to take forever. Finally turned the corner toward Glenmore Trail again, a short buzz through another neighbourhood.
It was after I crossed Glenmore again, the I was pretty sure I wasn't going to beat my PR. Still, I wanted the best finish I could make, so it was head down and push hard. The rest of the race was a blur.
I crossed the finish line only three minutes off my PR, accepted my medal and a bottle of water, and proceeded to have a tremendous coughing fit, probably from breathing in that good old dry prairie air.
I had a great run. Achy and sore, and stiffening quickly, I found the post run snacks and called it a day.
Distance: 20.13 Time: 1:44:15
Average speed: 5:10 min/km. (11.64 kph)
Rest distance: 1.36 km. Rest time: 11:00.
Total distance: 21.49 km. Total time: 1:55:15.
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: It was L n K all the way.
Weather: mostly cloudy, -2C to start and finishing at 1C.
Hard run, and a good run, but no PR out of this one.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
A Very Spring-Like Spring Day
The promise was of sun and warmth. No sun, but we did get the warmth. It's a lovely day out. The chinook arch is standing off a little to the west of the city, and then a clear band of blue sits just out of reach. On the far side, cloud hangs over the mountains, so that everything visible is in shadow.
Down the bluff as usual and across the rive to the promenade. There is hardly any evidence left of winter, just the odd block of ice in the shade of the cottonwood stands. And for some of those, the beavers have already been munching. I didn't see any evidence today, but last Sunday there was quite a bit down by Sein Lok Park. I'd forgotten.
With great weather comes great crowds, and it was busy. No real traffic jams, though I did have to slow in a couple of places to wait for oncoming traffic before passing the odd group.
The Stairs were busy, too, but I didn't have to slow to a walk on any of it; people were reasonably spaced out on them.
A very nice, warm but grey run.
Distance: 6.70 Time: 37:16
Average speed: 5:33 min/km (10.21 kph).
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: L n K (a favourite!).
Weather: Cloudy and 14C.
Down the bluff as usual and across the rive to the promenade. There is hardly any evidence left of winter, just the odd block of ice in the shade of the cottonwood stands. And for some of those, the beavers have already been munching. I didn't see any evidence today, but last Sunday there was quite a bit down by Sein Lok Park. I'd forgotten.
With great weather comes great crowds, and it was busy. No real traffic jams, though I did have to slow in a couple of places to wait for oncoming traffic before passing the odd group.
The Stairs were busy, too, but I didn't have to slow to a walk on any of it; people were reasonably spaced out on them.
A very nice, warm but grey run.
Distance: 6.70 Time: 37:16
Average speed: 5:33 min/km (10.21 kph).
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: L n K (a favourite!).
Weather: Cloudy and 14C.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
One Week to the Police Half
For some reason, I was thinking last night that it was time to back off on training, cuz I have a race next weekend. Thinking I just need to do a 10K in the morning. But really, a half marathon isn't much more than what I usually do on a Sunday morning L n K, so what would slacking really do? Feeling sheepishly lazy, I decided to continue with my usual run to Edworthy and back.
I wore just shorts and a tee, and it did feel a little crisp. Not uncomfortably so, and by 15 minutes I didn't notice. In fact the temperature was pretty much perfect for running.
I knew it was going to be another fast run, since the first interval was already fast. I suppose running the down-slope of Nony's Awful Little Hill and the Centre Street bridge helped with that.
Already on the promenade there were a lot of people out. Runners and walkers, and near Chinatown, tai chi and different kinds of meditative activities.
Not too much happened on this run. No races to get in the middle of or anything like that. Mostly just hunkered down and ran. I had a fast start and a fast time, rounding Angel's just before 50 minutes, at least five minutes faster than average.
On the way back, again nothing much other than pushing hard. Near the soccer field at 19th Street and Memorial, I spent a walk break trying to release a little tightness in the hip, but while running it never bothered me at all. It may have been one of those transient aches that seem to get worked out as I continue running.
At The Stairs, I took The Path and pushed hard all the way up. That felt really good, and actually I had a good fast run up the last half of the hill. The really steep part in the bottom half slows me down no matter what, even walking.
Just at the top of The Path Under The Stairs, was my last walk break. Nice to walk along the top of the bluff and take in the view. That left about 600m to the end of the run, and I took it a little slower.
Distance: 16.53 Time: 1:24:23
Average speed: 5:06 min/km. (11.64 kph)
Rest distance: .904 km. Rest time: 9:00.
Total distance: 17.43 km. Total time: 1:33:23.
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: Blue Moon by Tommy Emmanuel.
Weather: mostly cloudy, 4C to start and finishing at 9C.
I wore just shorts and a tee, and it did feel a little crisp. Not uncomfortably so, and by 15 minutes I didn't notice. In fact the temperature was pretty much perfect for running.
I knew it was going to be another fast run, since the first interval was already fast. I suppose running the down-slope of Nony's Awful Little Hill and the Centre Street bridge helped with that.
Already on the promenade there were a lot of people out. Runners and walkers, and near Chinatown, tai chi and different kinds of meditative activities.
Not too much happened on this run. No races to get in the middle of or anything like that. Mostly just hunkered down and ran. I had a fast start and a fast time, rounding Angel's just before 50 minutes, at least five minutes faster than average.
On the way back, again nothing much other than pushing hard. Near the soccer field at 19th Street and Memorial, I spent a walk break trying to release a little tightness in the hip, but while running it never bothered me at all. It may have been one of those transient aches that seem to get worked out as I continue running.
At The Stairs, I took The Path and pushed hard all the way up. That felt really good, and actually I had a good fast run up the last half of the hill. The really steep part in the bottom half slows me down no matter what, even walking.
Just at the top of The Path Under The Stairs, was my last walk break. Nice to walk along the top of the bluff and take in the view. That left about 600m to the end of the run, and I took it a little slower.
Distance: 16.53 Time: 1:24:23
Average speed: 5:06 min/km. (11.64 kph)
Rest distance: .904 km. Rest time: 9:00.
Total distance: 17.43 km. Total time: 1:33:23.
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: Blue Moon by Tommy Emmanuel.
Weather: mostly cloudy, 4C to start and finishing at 9C.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
A Stiff Nor'wester
Working from home, I had planned on a nooner, but with sleep being such a problem lately, I couldn't make it any farther than the couch. An hour nap, though, and I felt much better.
But a cold blustery day for April. The wind had a definite bite. I felt a little overdressed after I got out the door, but a few minutes in the wind convinced me I was dressed about right.
I ran my usual 7K loop, not really fast like on the weekend, but a nice pace. On the 14th Street bridge, I had the wind at my back, and then I felt I had too many layers on. But as soon as I got to the other side and tacked into the wind, I cooled off about right. Just a real chill in that breeze
Ran the stairs, and then kept the running pace at the top, although slow, of course. I do find my recovery time getting shorted if my breathing is any indication. Good run.
Distance: 6.71 Time: 39:25
Average speed: 5:52 min/km (10.21 kph).
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: Jeepers! L n K.
Weather: Light snow and 2C with 45 to 55 kph wind.
But a cold blustery day for April. The wind had a definite bite. I felt a little overdressed after I got out the door, but a few minutes in the wind convinced me I was dressed about right.
I ran my usual 7K loop, not really fast like on the weekend, but a nice pace. On the 14th Street bridge, I had the wind at my back, and then I felt I had too many layers on. But as soon as I got to the other side and tacked into the wind, I cooled off about right. Just a real chill in that breeze
Ran the stairs, and then kept the running pace at the top, although slow, of course. I do find my recovery time getting shorted if my breathing is any indication. Good run.
Distance: 6.71 Time: 39:25
Average speed: 5:52 min/km (10.21 kph).
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: Jeepers! L n K.
Weather: Light snow and 2C with 45 to 55 kph wind.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter
Slept in a little bit, at least later for me, so was a little bit late in getting through my morning ritual with coffee and the newspaper. And a little bit later in getting out the door for this run.
It is a spectacular day for getting outside and doing anything, certainly for running. Shorts and t-shirt, of course, not even worth considering anything warmer. I crossed the avenue I live on and on to the street to the bluff. At the park by my starting point, a large group of kids stood with pastel baskets in hand, clustered together and smiling at assorted adults with cameras, while one of them explained the scope and rules of their egg hunt.
Along the bluff, were lots of cars parked on both sides of the street. People were wanting to be out in the spring weather, I imagine. I got to the top of The Path Under The Stairs, shuffled down about 20 metres before deciding to go the other way, towards Centre Street.
As I got near Eau Claire, I saw runners with racing bibs, warming up. Another race? Lots of people milling about by the Y, but I couldn't see if there was a starting gate or something. However the pylons set up to direct running traffic westward, and the group of EMS personnel gathered near by clinched the idea a race was about to start.
I kept on along the side of the river to Crowchild, where I crossed to the north. I briefly thought about continuing all the way to Edworthy on the south side, but last year at this time there was still several feet of ice in places below Spruce Cliff from the natural springs that dribble out of the side of the forested slope. Best to give it another month before checking it out.
At the end of Crowchild was a volunteer setting up to direct traffic and I asked what was happening. It was the Spring Trio, and I was about fifteen minutes ahead of the start.
I soon passed the turn around for the 10K run, at which volunteers had just finished setting up. I passed and continued on, passing a few more markers for the 15K part.
A quick turn around Angel's, and then I started meeting the front runners on the 15K. It seemed like there was a lot of traffic all of a sudden.
True to what ever I've been doing lately, I was fast, having a couple of intervals well under 5 minutes per kilometre. I was having a good fast run again, and began to run into lots of traffic too. Lots of good mornings, but the racing crowd were a little focused and often I don't think they even noticed I'd said anything.
Passing under Crowchild, traffic thinned a lot, as the racers were directed to the south side of the river. I kept the pace up. At 10th Street, I discovered the path under the bridge was open. They must have chipped the ice away, since there was still a thick layer beside the path.
Eventually I got to The Stairs, I climbed the first two flights to the first landing, and stepped off on The Path. I was almost to the top when the alarm buzzed for my last walk break. Just as I topped the path and stepped on the red shale along the top of the bluff, I began the last interval, and took it a little slower, for the last six hundred metres.
Distance: 16.42 Time: 1:25:49Average speed: 5:09 min/km. (11.64 kph)
Rest distance: .8627 km. Rest time: 9:00.
Total distance: 17.50 km. Total time: 1:34:49.
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: L n K.
Weather: Sunny, 8C to start and finishing at 11C.
It is a spectacular day for getting outside and doing anything, certainly for running. Shorts and t-shirt, of course, not even worth considering anything warmer. I crossed the avenue I live on and on to the street to the bluff. At the park by my starting point, a large group of kids stood with pastel baskets in hand, clustered together and smiling at assorted adults with cameras, while one of them explained the scope and rules of their egg hunt.
Along the bluff, were lots of cars parked on both sides of the street. People were wanting to be out in the spring weather, I imagine. I got to the top of The Path Under The Stairs, shuffled down about 20 metres before deciding to go the other way, towards Centre Street.
As I got near Eau Claire, I saw runners with racing bibs, warming up. Another race? Lots of people milling about by the Y, but I couldn't see if there was a starting gate or something. However the pylons set up to direct running traffic westward, and the group of EMS personnel gathered near by clinched the idea a race was about to start.
I kept on along the side of the river to Crowchild, where I crossed to the north. I briefly thought about continuing all the way to Edworthy on the south side, but last year at this time there was still several feet of ice in places below Spruce Cliff from the natural springs that dribble out of the side of the forested slope. Best to give it another month before checking it out.
At the end of Crowchild was a volunteer setting up to direct traffic and I asked what was happening. It was the Spring Trio, and I was about fifteen minutes ahead of the start.
I soon passed the turn around for the 10K run, at which volunteers had just finished setting up. I passed and continued on, passing a few more markers for the 15K part.
A quick turn around Angel's, and then I started meeting the front runners on the 15K. It seemed like there was a lot of traffic all of a sudden.
True to what ever I've been doing lately, I was fast, having a couple of intervals well under 5 minutes per kilometre. I was having a good fast run again, and began to run into lots of traffic too. Lots of good mornings, but the racing crowd were a little focused and often I don't think they even noticed I'd said anything.
Passing under Crowchild, traffic thinned a lot, as the racers were directed to the south side of the river. I kept the pace up. At 10th Street, I discovered the path under the bridge was open. They must have chipped the ice away, since there was still a thick layer beside the path.
Eventually I got to The Stairs, I climbed the first two flights to the first landing, and stepped off on The Path. I was almost to the top when the alarm buzzed for my last walk break. Just as I topped the path and stepped on the red shale along the top of the bluff, I began the last interval, and took it a little slower, for the last six hundred metres.
Distance: 16.42 Time: 1:25:49Average speed: 5:09 min/km. (11.64 kph)
Rest distance: .8627 km. Rest time: 9:00.
Total distance: 17.50 km. Total time: 1:34:49.
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: L n K.
Weather: Sunny, 8C to start and finishing at 11C.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Another Nooner
I love running at noon, along the paths along the river and close to downtown. Two Tuesdays in a row now, and it's been wonderful.
But I had a long, though productive morning, so was out a little bit early. It's so nice, and was strictly shorts and tee weather - finally!
Except for loving the lovely weather, and being out in the sun and running at noon, it was a pretty standard deal, up to 14th and back.
Distance: 6.66 Time: 35:30
Average speed: 5:19 min/km (11.26 kph).
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: I have no idea, but it was an annoyingly repetitive tune.
Weather: Sunny and 9C.
But I had a long, though productive morning, so was out a little bit early. It's so nice, and was strictly shorts and tee weather - finally!
Except for loving the lovely weather, and being out in the sun and running at noon, it was a pretty standard deal, up to 14th and back.
Distance: 6.66 Time: 35:30
Average speed: 5:19 min/km (11.26 kph).
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: I have no idea, but it was an annoyingly repetitive tune.
Weather: Sunny and 9C.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
New Shoes
I did some checking this week on my running stats, and discovered my Asics were getting up there as far as distance, currently about 768 km. They've been feeling a little flat and hard lately, so I imagine the cushioning is pretty much done after all that. But I quite liked them.
However, that meant another ordeal of buying shoes. I went to the place where I'd bought them, hopeful that that model hadn't already been replace by a new and improved version. No luck. The GT-2130 has been superceded by the GT-2140, which as usual, is a completely different shoe, and a completely different fit. So back to square one.
They did still have several pairs of the older one in stock, piled by the window, and at a discounted price, however the smallest was size 9. A brief moment of hope was dashed as I tried them on. Sloppy heel and a little too roomy. Damn.
So began the endless round of trying on shoes and walking around the store while the sales guy made trips to the back for more. A pair of Saucony's was almost chosen, but there was just a slight squeeze across the arch, which I knew would cripple me within a kilometre. I finally settled on, amazingly, a pair of New Balance 769's.
I've never liked NB's, but have been surprised by them in the past. These ones seemed to have a great fit, but the sponginess was a bit of a concern. Not to worry, though, they actually were completely out of my awareness this morning, before I got to the bluff.
Fantastic morning for a run, or for anything outside, and the rest of the day promises to be the same. I crossed the river at Centre Street as usual. and the first walk break was pretty chilly. Just past the brass propeller, (commemorating some river boat, I think) I heard a countdown on a loudspeaker, and could see a big crowd at the Eau Claire Running Room lined up, and pointed in my direction. A volunteer a hundred metres on said it was something called the CBI Hustle for Hunger. Just as the starting gun went off behind me.
Being a 10K, I was soon overtaken by the fast ones. Surprisingly, after being passed by a couple of dozen runners, I was keeping pace with most of them. It felt very good to be keeping up with the front of the pack at their 10 km pace, although in retrospect, they were probably saving the speed for the last half.
I paced the group for awhile, meanwhile threading through the usual sunny Sunday morning crowd, also out in the sunshine. Lots of traffic out there this morning. I ended up chatting with Julie, freshly back from teaching English in Japan for four years and contemplating training for the Honolulu Marathon in December. Also trying to decide whether to go back to Japan to her boyfriend, or try to convince him to give Canada a try. Long distance relationships have got to be tough. L n K Just before crossing back across the river at Crowchild, I took a walk break and wished her a good run.
At the race's turn-around point, I trundled on through, and kept the pace that I was pumped up to by being in the middle of the race pack. Nothing like being surrounded by fast runners to get you going fast, too.
I was at Angel's Cafe quickly after that. The return trip was pretty uneventful. I passed Peter-Mark, a friend that I see out there quite often, and we high-fived in passing. Uneventful but fast. Perhaps the new shoes had an effect, I don't know. But I was pushing quite hard from Crowchild all the way back to The Stairs.
I took The Path to the top of the bluff, and then the usual finish along Cresent Road to 4th Street. Wonderful run on a beautiful morning.
Distance: 16.42 Time: 1:24:40Average speed: 5:09 min/km. (11.64 kph)
Rest distance: .9797 km. Rest time: 9:00.
Total distance: 17.40 km. Total time: 1:33:40.
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: None - never seem to occur when I'm head down and fast.
Weather: Sunny, -6C to start and finishing at -1C.
However, that meant another ordeal of buying shoes. I went to the place where I'd bought them, hopeful that that model hadn't already been replace by a new and improved version. No luck. The GT-2130 has been superceded by the GT-2140, which as usual, is a completely different shoe, and a completely different fit. So back to square one.
They did still have several pairs of the older one in stock, piled by the window, and at a discounted price, however the smallest was size 9. A brief moment of hope was dashed as I tried them on. Sloppy heel and a little too roomy. Damn.
So began the endless round of trying on shoes and walking around the store while the sales guy made trips to the back for more. A pair of Saucony's was almost chosen, but there was just a slight squeeze across the arch, which I knew would cripple me within a kilometre. I finally settled on, amazingly, a pair of New Balance 769's.
I've never liked NB's, but have been surprised by them in the past. These ones seemed to have a great fit, but the sponginess was a bit of a concern. Not to worry, though, they actually were completely out of my awareness this morning, before I got to the bluff.
Fantastic morning for a run, or for anything outside, and the rest of the day promises to be the same. I crossed the river at Centre Street as usual. and the first walk break was pretty chilly. Just past the brass propeller, (commemorating some river boat, I think) I heard a countdown on a loudspeaker, and could see a big crowd at the Eau Claire Running Room lined up, and pointed in my direction. A volunteer a hundred metres on said it was something called the CBI Hustle for Hunger. Just as the starting gun went off behind me.
Being a 10K, I was soon overtaken by the fast ones. Surprisingly, after being passed by a couple of dozen runners, I was keeping pace with most of them. It felt very good to be keeping up with the front of the pack at their 10 km pace, although in retrospect, they were probably saving the speed for the last half.
I paced the group for awhile, meanwhile threading through the usual sunny Sunday morning crowd, also out in the sunshine. Lots of traffic out there this morning. I ended up chatting with Julie, freshly back from teaching English in Japan for four years and contemplating training for the Honolulu Marathon in December. Also trying to decide whether to go back to Japan to her boyfriend, or try to convince him to give Canada a try. Long distance relationships have got to be tough. L n K Just before crossing back across the river at Crowchild, I took a walk break and wished her a good run.
At the race's turn-around point, I trundled on through, and kept the pace that I was pumped up to by being in the middle of the race pack. Nothing like being surrounded by fast runners to get you going fast, too.
I was at Angel's Cafe quickly after that. The return trip was pretty uneventful. I passed Peter-Mark, a friend that I see out there quite often, and we high-fived in passing. Uneventful but fast. Perhaps the new shoes had an effect, I don't know. But I was pushing quite hard from Crowchild all the way back to The Stairs.
I took The Path to the top of the bluff, and then the usual finish along Cresent Road to 4th Street. Wonderful run on a beautiful morning.
Distance: 16.42 Time: 1:24:40Average speed: 5:09 min/km. (11.64 kph)
Rest distance: .9797 km. Rest time: 9:00.
Total distance: 17.40 km. Total time: 1:33:40.
Shoes: New Balance 769.
Today's earworm: None - never seem to occur when I'm head down and fast.
Weather: Sunny, -6C to start and finishing at -1C.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Lock Up
Not quite, but boy are things ever tight south of the knees. I ran the 7 km loop to 14th Street, and about 3/4 of the way around was when if finally started to loosen up a little. I did some stretching at 10th Street, while waiting for a walk light, and that helped some.
Since I'm working from home today L n K, I tried a noon hour run. Haven't done that in almost two years, and it felt great to be out there in mid day. Lots of traffic, too, which was kind of nice.
I've missed the lunch hour runs. It was fun.
Distance: 6.97 Time: 40:01
Average speed: 5:44 min/km (10.45 kph).
Shoes: Asics GT-2130.
Today's earworm: On the Bayou, Hank Williams.
Weather: Cloudy and 4C.
Since I'm working from home today L n K, I tried a noon hour run. Haven't done that in almost two years, and it felt great to be out there in mid day. Lots of traffic, too, which was kind of nice.
I've missed the lunch hour runs. It was fun.
Distance: 6.97 Time: 40:01
Average speed: 5:44 min/km (10.45 kph).
Shoes: Asics GT-2130.
Today's earworm: On the Bayou, Hank Williams.
Weather: Cloudy and 4C.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Springtime in Calgary
Another spring weekend, another spring storm. About the same amount of fresh snow on the ground as last weekend, too. By the time I got out there, the side streets weren't too bad. There'd been enough traffic to pack a couple of tracks down, but not enough to polish it up.
When I switched over to the path down Nony's Awful Little Hill, I was back to prancing through foot deep snow again, until the top of the Centre Street bridge, where the sidewalk plows had left a veneer of soon-to-be-slush snow.
Most annoying was the GPS just wasn't catching a signal at all for the first ten minutes. So I have an accurate time record, but the distance measure is way off. So I'll use last week's distance for the calculations.
Once on the promenade, the north wind made itself noticeable. Not too bad this morning, though. It seemed a lot warmer than the -5C being advertized on the weather websites. That was also about the time my left shin tightened up considerably.
The first walk break wasn't too bad, but from there it began to hurt enough that I was wondering if I was going to be walking back home. I gritted my teeth and pushed through it. By the time I got near the bus terminal, I was half hobbling.
OK, make it to Crowchild and head back, was what seemed to make sense. By the time I was near The Pumphouse, it was finally loosening up, and once across the river under Crowchild, all was right again, though I could still feel some pull.
After that, it was back to normal. I think it was warmer this week than last, where it was freshly plowed, any packed snow was immediately slippery. And mostly what was on the pavement was melting, so a bit splashy in places.
At Point MacKay I was back to normal, and was running at a nice fast pace. I rounded Angel's Cafe, and headed back downtown. The wind was now at my back, but I was feeling the heat, too. It was much warmer now, and the sun was trying to shine a little.
Most of the way to past 14th Street was head down and go. But just as I was coming up to 14th, I also caught up with the Wave Runner so finally got to say hello. Always meet lots of runners, but never meet another blogger. Cool!
After chatting for a bit, I resumed my pace and quickly found myself at The Stairs. Ow. Actually the first three or four flights were OK, but I quickly ran out of steam, somehow just making it to the top without stopping. A short walk break and the rest of the run was over quick.
Distance: 16.42 Time: 1:30:01
Average speed: 5:44 min/km. (10.94 kph)
Rest distance: 1.05 km. Rest time: 10:00.
Total distance: 17.47 km. Total time: 1:40:01.
Shoes: Asics GT-2130.
Today's earworm: Sugarfoot Rag, Junior Brown.
Weather: Cloudy and -5C all the way.
When I switched over to the path down Nony's Awful Little Hill, I was back to prancing through foot deep snow again, until the top of the Centre Street bridge, where the sidewalk plows had left a veneer of soon-to-be-slush snow.
Most annoying was the GPS just wasn't catching a signal at all for the first ten minutes. So I have an accurate time record, but the distance measure is way off. So I'll use last week's distance for the calculations.
Once on the promenade, the north wind made itself noticeable. Not too bad this morning, though. It seemed a lot warmer than the -5C being advertized on the weather websites. That was also about the time my left shin tightened up considerably.
The first walk break wasn't too bad, but from there it began to hurt enough that I was wondering if I was going to be walking back home. I gritted my teeth and pushed through it. By the time I got near the bus terminal, I was half hobbling.
OK, make it to Crowchild and head back, was what seemed to make sense. By the time I was near The Pumphouse, it was finally loosening up, and once across the river under Crowchild, all was right again, though I could still feel some pull.
After that, it was back to normal. I think it was warmer this week than last, where it was freshly plowed, any packed snow was immediately slippery. And mostly what was on the pavement was melting, so a bit splashy in places.
At Point MacKay I was back to normal, and was running at a nice fast pace. I rounded Angel's Cafe, and headed back downtown. The wind was now at my back, but I was feeling the heat, too. It was much warmer now, and the sun was trying to shine a little.
Most of the way to past 14th Street was head down and go. But just as I was coming up to 14th, I also caught up with the Wave Runner so finally got to say hello. Always meet lots of runners, but never meet another blogger. Cool!
After chatting for a bit, I resumed my pace and quickly found myself at The Stairs. Ow. Actually the first three or four flights were OK, but I quickly ran out of steam, somehow just making it to the top without stopping. A short walk break and the rest of the run was over quick.
Distance: 16.42 Time: 1:30:01
Average speed: 5:44 min/km. (10.94 kph)
Rest distance: 1.05 km. Rest time: 10:00.
Total distance: 17.47 km. Total time: 1:40:01.
Shoes: Asics GT-2130.
Today's earworm: Sugarfoot Rag, Junior Brown.
Weather: Cloudy and -5C all the way.
Late Again
Darn. From last Thursday...
It was cold and windy. Not very spring like at all. And I was out later than usual, which timing-wise L n K, worked out great. One good thing is that even that late, it's still light out.
Distance: 7.18 Time: 39:35
Average speed: 5:30 min/km (10.88 kph).
Shoes: Asics GT-2130.
Today's earworm: L n K.
Weather: Cold and windy.
It was cold and windy. Not very spring like at all. And I was out later than usual, which timing-wise L n K, worked out great. One good thing is that even that late, it's still light out.
Distance: 7.18 Time: 39:35
Average speed: 5:30 min/km (10.88 kph).
Shoes: Asics GT-2130.
Today's earworm: L n K.
Weather: Cold and windy.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Snow, Please Go!
A lot of what dumped on us Sunday morning has been moved, but it's still laying around being white and cold. Some places are tricky to walk on, especially on roads, where the slush got packed down.
The breeze has a bite to it tonight, too, out of the east, meaning I was running into it on the last half of the run.
The Path Under The Stairs was clear all the way, with no ice from meltwater running across it like it usually gets. I imagine that will happen in a few days when it begins to warm up.
The foot bridge wasn't bad either, for the same reasons. I took it first tonight, across the island and down the promenade. Pretty quiet, but by the time I got there I was warmed enough not to notice the cold.
All the paths are clear. I think with the minimal sun that we had yesterday, it melted what wasn't scrapped away, and the wind dried it up.
I took the stairs to the top this time, felt every one, though I kept a running pace. Mostly I run out of wind, and it was the same today.
I took to the street instead of trying to navigate the edge of the bluff. It's probably not bad, but it'll be icy in a day or two.
Distance: 6.70 Time: 38:28
Average speed: 5:44 min/km (10.45 kph).
Shoes: Asics GT-2130.
Today's earworm: L n K.
Weather: Cloudy and -2C.
The breeze has a bite to it tonight, too, out of the east, meaning I was running into it on the last half of the run.
The Path Under The Stairs was clear all the way, with no ice from meltwater running across it like it usually gets. I imagine that will happen in a few days when it begins to warm up.
The foot bridge wasn't bad either, for the same reasons. I took it first tonight, across the island and down the promenade. Pretty quiet, but by the time I got there I was warmed enough not to notice the cold.
All the paths are clear. I think with the minimal sun that we had yesterday, it melted what wasn't scrapped away, and the wind dried it up.
I took the stairs to the top this time, felt every one, though I kept a running pace. Mostly I run out of wind, and it was the same today.
I took to the street instead of trying to navigate the edge of the bluff. It's probably not bad, but it'll be icy in a day or two.
Distance: 6.70 Time: 38:28
Average speed: 5:44 min/km (10.45 kph).
Shoes: Asics GT-2130.
Today's earworm: L n K.
Weather: Cloudy and -2C.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
24 Hours
That's how long ago it was when I was wearing my light fleece, the one on which the wind resistance would be tripled by a single layer of cheesecloth, and I was thinking, it's too warm for it. Twenty four hours later, I'm coming home after a long run, with -10 wind chill and beat from plowing snow as deep as mid-calf.
It you don't need to drive today, it's gorgeous. It would probably also be a good day if you really liked shoveling snow. I've done my walk three times this morning.
I picked my way to the street, where it's packed down a little, and made my way to my starting point. A little bit of traffic had packed some ruts, so it wasn't to bad. I stayed on the street along the bluff, just cuz I wanted to avoid the deep stuff, but once getting to the top of The Path, that was impossible.
I wanted to take the Centre Street bridge, so headed down Nony's Awful Little Hill. With snow at 30 cm or more, I ended up adopting a high-stepping prancing pace, that was more about lifting out of the mire than move forward. Slow going.
At Centre Street, there was evidence of a snow plow's passing, and the going was much easier. Occasional slushy spots necessitated the prancing again, to keep my feet dry, and the ramp down to the promenade appeared to be where they dumped the scrappings form the bridge.
I climbed over that snowbank, and once on the promenade, it was pretty decent. There'd been some plowing, although only one pass so it was a little narrow for a bit.
The wind was a little blowy, but not overly so. I had wondered about wind chill, but never felt it much.
Running was good, until just past the 10th Street bridge (which is at 9th Street on the south side of the river) where the plowing had stopped. I probably should have backtracked and crossed the river, but there had been a lot of foot traffic that had packed a trail through the snow.
It wasn't too bad running, although it's kind of like running a tightrope, since the trail is narrow. And it was a little slippery. By the time I got to the 14th Street bridge, I'd had enough, and plodded through the slush on that bridge to the north side. From there it was all freshly plowed.
Tons of traffic too. I think they were all groups training for various races, and all quite large. By the time I got to Extreme Bean, though, everyone disappeared, and it seemed I was the only soul out there until Angel's Cafe.
The last interval around the turn around was when this speed thing kicked in for me again. The next interval was under 5:00/km as were two more after that, L n K. I seem to get into this kind of head down, narrow focused place, and time and distance just slip by.
The Stairs, of course, slowed me down, but not like I thought they would, and at the top I was running as soon as I was on pavement. After that, it'sa short sprint to my finish line.
Distance: 16.42 Time: 1:29:03
Average speed: 5:25 min/km. (11.78 kph)
Rest distance: .8414 km. Rest time: 9:00.
Total distance: 17.26 km. Total time: 1:38:03.
Shoes: Asics GT-2130.
Today's earworm: But He Don't by Kim Barlow, followed by Sanitarium Shuffle by Tommy Emmanuel, then Cadillac Baby by Colin James.
Weather: Light snow and -5C all the way.
It you don't need to drive today, it's gorgeous. It would probably also be a good day if you really liked shoveling snow. I've done my walk three times this morning.
I picked my way to the street, where it's packed down a little, and made my way to my starting point. A little bit of traffic had packed some ruts, so it wasn't to bad. I stayed on the street along the bluff, just cuz I wanted to avoid the deep stuff, but once getting to the top of The Path, that was impossible.
I wanted to take the Centre Street bridge, so headed down Nony's Awful Little Hill. With snow at 30 cm or more, I ended up adopting a high-stepping prancing pace, that was more about lifting out of the mire than move forward. Slow going.
At Centre Street, there was evidence of a snow plow's passing, and the going was much easier. Occasional slushy spots necessitated the prancing again, to keep my feet dry, and the ramp down to the promenade appeared to be where they dumped the scrappings form the bridge.
I climbed over that snowbank, and once on the promenade, it was pretty decent. There'd been some plowing, although only one pass so it was a little narrow for a bit.
The wind was a little blowy, but not overly so. I had wondered about wind chill, but never felt it much.
Running was good, until just past the 10th Street bridge (which is at 9th Street on the south side of the river) where the plowing had stopped. I probably should have backtracked and crossed the river, but there had been a lot of foot traffic that had packed a trail through the snow.
It wasn't too bad running, although it's kind of like running a tightrope, since the trail is narrow. And it was a little slippery. By the time I got to the 14th Street bridge, I'd had enough, and plodded through the slush on that bridge to the north side. From there it was all freshly plowed.
Tons of traffic too. I think they were all groups training for various races, and all quite large. By the time I got to Extreme Bean, though, everyone disappeared, and it seemed I was the only soul out there until Angel's Cafe.
The last interval around the turn around was when this speed thing kicked in for me again. The next interval was under 5:00/km as were two more after that, L n K. I seem to get into this kind of head down, narrow focused place, and time and distance just slip by.
The Stairs, of course, slowed me down, but not like I thought they would, and at the top I was running as soon as I was on pavement. After that, it'sa short sprint to my finish line.
Distance: 16.42 Time: 1:29:03
Average speed: 5:25 min/km. (11.78 kph)
Rest distance: .8414 km. Rest time: 9:00.
Total distance: 17.26 km. Total time: 1:38:03.
Shoes: Asics GT-2130.
Today's earworm: But He Don't by Kim Barlow, followed by Sanitarium Shuffle by Tommy Emmanuel, then Cadillac Baby by Colin James.
Weather: Light snow and -5C all the way.
I Remember Shorts and a Tee
And that's about all I remember from Thursday's run. Jeez, I'm gettin' bad at writing these things up. I think it was up around 5C or 7C, and clear and sunny. Lot's of people out running, looking awfully overdressed.
Distance: 6.77 Time: 38:08
Average speed: 5:37 min/km (11.51 kph).
Shoes: Asics GT-2130.
Today's earworm: L n K.
Weather: Sunny and 7C?.
Distance: 6.77 Time: 38:08
Average speed: 5:37 min/km (11.51 kph).
Shoes: Asics GT-2130.
Today's earworm: L n K.
Weather: Sunny and 7C?.
St. Patrick's Day Catch Up
I got home from the run last Tuesday, and was completely unable to get online. Turns out the whole city was off line. So here is what I wrote off line, then forgot to post until now
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St. Patrick's Day and No L n K
Right now I'm writing this in Notepad, since I have no access to the internet. A quick call to the tech support line, and I got a message saying if I live in the Calgary area, I may not have access. Duh! All I got on the second try at connecting was a busy signal.
Anyway, it was a pretty good run. Kinda fast, and since it's around the freezing mark, there's no big puddle to pick a way around. However there is a lot of ice and some of it is just wet enough to be slippery.
Otherwise, it was a pretty standard run. I took The Stairs this time, and felt it when I got to the top. All good.
Distance: 6.70 Time: 37:15
Average speed: 5:33 min/km (10.79 kph).
Shoes: Asics GT-2130.
Today's earworm: ??.
Weather: ??.
-----------
St. Patrick's Day and No L n K
Right now I'm writing this in Notepad, since I have no access to the internet. A quick call to the tech support line, and I got a message saying if I live in the Calgary area, I may not have access. Duh! All I got on the second try at connecting was a busy signal.
Anyway, it was a pretty good run. Kinda fast, and since it's around the freezing mark, there's no big puddle to pick a way around. However there is a lot of ice and some of it is just wet enough to be slippery.
Otherwise, it was a pretty standard run. I took The Stairs this time, and felt it when I got to the top. All good.
Distance: 6.70 Time: 37:15
Average speed: 5:33 min/km (10.79 kph).
Shoes: Asics GT-2130.
Today's earworm: ??.
Weather: ??.
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