G20 LSD 30:1 (x6)

Woke up on time :-) The cloudy weather (usually) was helpful. Because of the G20 (and the protesters and riots), I opted to run east on the Martin Goodman Trail into Asbridges Bay and Woodbine Beach. Lots of people on the boardwalk and a scenic route. No issue with left calf. A bit humid, though. Got back home by 10:30 AM so I could walk the dog. Want to be at home and not "out there" as the protest continues this afternoon. Today = 26.05 K; YTD = 866.52 K.

Yesterday was disgusting. Walked Bud on Queen Street and saw a guy sitting on the rooftop of a police car (#766). Another protester was shouting into a microphone. Where were the police to arrest these people?? 2 hours later, on CP24, the same police cruiser was set on fire. 20 minutes of burning with no police (!). The fire truck then arrived. I would have thought since the car was damaged (siren lights destroyed, windows broken) that a tow truck would take the car away -- instead it's gone. Where were the police?? 680 News says international newspapers have snapped shots of police vehicles burning-- embarassing for Toronto.

iRun Race Report Submitted

Blogger, Karen (aka "Faster than Molasses"), invited me to submit a race report for the next issue of iRun magazine. Here's what I submitted:

NAME: Louis Lim
AGE: 38
HOMETOWN: Toronto
RACE: Mississauga Marathon
DATE: May 16, 2010
LOCATION: Mississauga

<< photo attached in a separate file >>

A marathon is said to be a celebration of months of training. The Mississauga Marathon has a special place in my heart since I ran my first half and first full marathon there. I like the scenic and downhill route and the fluid stations every 2 K, which allow for short walk breaks. This race marked my 3rd marathon as a runner.

My goal of a 4 hour marathon had to be adjusted after suffering left calf strain 4 weeks earlier at the Around the Bay 30 K. While running into Copps Coliseum, I nearly tripped from the steep incline and sharp turn. Weeks of stretching and physio appointments helped get me to the start line. To add to the challenge, I experienced light-headiness a few days before the race and it was only on race morning that I confirmed I would do it.

Thankfully, everything fell into place. After stretching the left calf, the tightness was not an issue. I was on track for a 4 hour marathon after the first 21.1 K. Reality set in with the final 10 K when my less than anticipated training set in; the rolling hills did not help the tired legs. The marathon is certainly a test of mental toughness as it felt like the race would never end, especially in the final 3 K when I was taking a walk break every minute. I appreciate the spectators who provided encouragement so I could run the remaining 400 m. I finished with a chip time of 4:17:10. I’ll go after the 4 hour marathon in the fall.

2 weekday runs

2 weekday runs:

Wednesday early morning (working from home due to exams): 7.80 K. The Garmin must have lost its satellite as the distance was decreasing! I ran more than 7.80 K but I'll take what's recorded :-|

Friday early morning (again, working from home due to exams): 9.01 K. Started slowly and then gradually increased distance.

G20 in Toronto. Lots of police on bikes, in police cars, and in unmarked vehicles. Today is a big protest starting at Queen's Park. 680 News says although it is supposed to be a peaceful protest and march, there may be plans to diverge and go south on Queen on University Avenue to storm the fence. Reality is, will any of the G20 take notice?? $1 billion dollars at work...

LSD 30:1 (X6)

LSD this morning, which began at 7 AM. Wore my sunglasses but should have brought a hat. The sun was hot, with occasional clouds blocking it. Lots of runners on the Martin Goodman Trail. Running west was fine but it's running east that's the challenge -- with the sun reaching higher in the sky and without shade :-| Thrilled with the distance ran this morning -- 25.86 K. A solid week of 3 runs = 43.49 K [first time running 3X since ATB 30 K race). YTD = 823.66 K. Next run most likely Wednesday next week on my day off to mark exams.

Friday's 30:1(x2)

Friday was the start of exams. I left work a bit earlier so I could get in my run before the start of the school day. Good thing I did that as the morning weather was good (considering the rest of the day would be hot!). Did my run near my school. Got in 8.53 K. No issue with left calf.

Tuesday 30:1 (x2)

Aiming for 3 runs a week again...the left calf has healed (I hope). But still need to remind myself of stretching. Got in 30:1 (x2) after work. Drove down Bayview Ave but construction alore made getting down to the Mount Pleasant Ceremony frustrating. Nice, peaceful run as I stayed inside the cemetary and went to both sides (west to Yonge Street and east to Bayview). Fastest run to date = 9.10 K. YTD = 789.27 K

LSD 30:1 (x6) + MIssissauga Marathon 1/2 registration fee!

Did my LSD this morning 30:1 (x6). Listened to the radio when I woke up and was worried of rain. It was overcast and the rain was north of Toronto so I walked and fed the dog and off I went. I prefer overcast conditions as the sun takes it toll. While on the Martin Goodman Trail, saw many bikers making the trek west to Niagara Falls for a charity bike run (200 K). Enjoyable run. The final 2 intervals I didn't look at my watch. Ate an egg mcmuffin afterwards -- just made the 11 AM changeover.

YTD = 780.16 K

During the afternoon took Bud to Woofstock. He met many dogs. There was a beginner's obstacle course and he did a good job -- just didn't go through the tunnel. Not show dog material but I already knew that!

On the Running Room web forum, someone posted the Mississauga Marathon registration is 1/2 price until June 30th. A dilemma...love the 1/2 route but the 2nd half is challenging -- the hills, the turns. Even saving $35 may not be enough to convince me to forgo the SPRING Toronto Marathon. I'll give this thought...

Wednesday's 30:1 (x2)

Been so busy at work to write my blog for this past Wednesday's run. Did my 30:1 (x2) run near work and it was enjoyable. The left calf is definitely healing well -- just need to remember to stretch regardless. Today = 8.58 K (a bit faster than usual).

Saturday 22.50 K

Just before leaving the house slightly after 8 AM, my Garmin says "Low Battery". I take 45 minutes recharging it (gives me time to make a "to do list" for the weekend). Run on the Martin Goodman Trail (opted for today rather than tomorrow since it's supposed to rain tomorrow morning). Today's forcast is sun and clouds 25C. Fortunately, there was a cool breeze so no humidity. But the sun made it muggy out there. Kept my eye on the Garmin since I didn't want to lose the tracking of distance and the 30 minute intervals. When I first saw the "low battery" message, almost at the Humber River Bridge, I was going to turn back and continue the run tomorrow - good thing I didn't as my entire 22.5 K run lasted :-) The 4rd interval happened at 10:20 AM so the 5th interval would be 10:50 AM, the 6th interval at 11:20 PM. The original plan of 6 intervals was reduced to 22.50 K (3 K short). That's okay. It was hot out there! YTD = 747.42 K. Left calf behaved :-)

Wednesday 30:1 (x2)

Wednesday morning run before meeting (late posting on blog):

The left calf knee is behaving :-) Got in 30:1 (x2) before attending a meeting. Parked car in usual place and ran in that community and then into the park trail. I like running in the morning due to lack of heat and humidity. 7.71 K for a YTD of 724.92 K.