30:1 (X6) -- Hot, sunny...

Set the alarm to get out of bed at 6:15 AM so can be out of the house by 7 AM for the LSD this morning. In theory, there's a plan. In practice, that's another story :-| Out the door at 8:45 AM and the sun was shiny. Made the executive decision to run south on Cherry Street and make my way east to Ashbridges Bay. I wore my cap so it would help -- just haven't worn any sunscreen this summer -- must get into the habit... Wish I could implement my plan as it was tough out there in the sun. There were lots of runners on the Martin Goodman Trail this morning as well as bicyclists. Today = 24.84 K; YTD = 1219.26 K. (Basically averaging 150 K a month, on pace for 1800 K for the year -- short of my goal of 2010 K).

A thought...after the Toronto Marathon, I might resort to running 5.00 K and then taking a minute break. In my training, I run on average 4 K in 30 minutes.

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront half marathon in a few weeks!!

Run before School

Went to school this morning to get some work done -- quiet! In the neighbourhood, got in 30 minutes of running -- 4.04 K. One hour runs are difficult to squeeze in but 30 minutes are possible. Beautiful day outside -- sunny and not humid :-) The hot and humid stuff returns this weekend :-( YTD = 1194.92 K (slowly inching to 1200 K).

1st run since Midsummer Night's Run

Rested for 3 days and was back at running this morning. Opted to run very slowly since I still need to recover from Saturday evening. Ran to the CNE and then back home. The sun shining is not something I enjoy as it makes it more challenging; fortunately, it wasn't that humid. 7.73 K this morning. YTD = 1190.38 K.

A few days ago, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon revealed a photo of the actual finisher's medals. Can't believe it's a month away! I'm anxious to know who the guest speakers at the expo will be.

Race Report - Midsummer Night's 30 K Run

This is the 3rd year I've participated in the Midsummer Night's Run; 2nd time in the 30 K race. I had a quick hour nap, took Bud on a short walk, and then was delayed a few minutes as I had trouble getting the time chip securely on the shoe. Left the house at 4:45 PM and at 5 PM figured out I FORGOT (!) my Garmin :-( There was no time to go back home so I'll have to make due without the watch.

I parked in a plaza neighbouring the start/finish line and arrived at 5:10 PM. Did a quick slow run and then it was time to line-up at the start. The weather behaved as it was overcast and a tad humid. The route this year changed:

Runners will proceed south on Cherry Street to Cherry Beach, east along the Martin Goodman Trail and u-turn at the Unwin Bridge and return to Cherry Street north to Commissioners. Also, in Tommy Thompson Park 30K runners will follow the 15K route and cross the foot bridge before rounding the lighthouse. The boardwalk and beaches park have been eliminated from the route although participant's will still run through Ashbridge's Bay park.

I would have to listen to the body to determine pacing without the Garmin. This actually turned out to be great since I could focus on running, rather than consistently looking at the watch for distance or for pacing. I might leave the watch at home for future races.

Fluid stations were approximately every 3 K and they served as my walk breaks. I brought along a water bottle that was about 1/4 full and that served me well for the first 3 K. The crowds dispersed after the first fluid station and there was lots of running space. As in previous years, not many spectators but lots of company with fellow runners.

The purpose of this race was to run the 30 K with a strong finish, which sets everything for the full marathon in October. I am pleased to report that I did have a strong race as I only took walk breaks at the fluid stations. I wanted to becareful since there would be running on rocks in Tommy Thompson Park and I also wanted to look out for the potholes -- don't want a repeat of tripping as I did in the Around the Bay 30 K race in the spring. Generally a flat course.

The weather cooperated! I prefer the overcast conditions and there was very light drizzle at times. The humidity became obvious and I'm embarassed to report when I felt drops of rain, it was me :-| It was driving home that it was pouring rain -- that meant the late finishers were soaked :-(

Not sure if it's me but I didn't see the 1 K, 10 K, and another marker. My other concern is I had no idea what time it was; usually, there's a time clock. There was a time mat at the 21.1 K mark but no clock. Not a big deal... Without a Garmin, 1 K seemed like a long distance.

It was a strong race! Gives good confidence for the Toronto Marathon on October 17th. In addition to the amazing hoodie/jacket, the finisher's medal is huge! All this for $49. A bargin when compared to other races.

Not much room to walk after the race so I had to keep moving. Once again, water bottles were given at the finish line. I spent 15 minutes cheering runners and walkers to the finish line then went to the car to make the trek home. Stopped at the Subway to get a roasted chicken breast sub as a reward!

Gun Time = 2:52:46.0
Chip Time = 2:52:14.3
Pace: 5:46 min/K
Overall Place = 314 out of 651 (yes -- that's Pi!!)
Gender Place = 198 out of 316
Age Place = 71 out of 105
Reached 21.1 K @ 1:59:27
Time taken from 21.1 K to finish = 53:20

And like other races, Bud gets his photo taken with the finisher's medal:

Registered for ATB 30 K and Chilly Half Marathon

Just went on-line and registered for the Around the Bay 30 K race ($65 + $5 processing fee = $70) and for the Chilly Half Marathon ($65 + $5 processing fee = $70). Hoped for snail mail registration but couldn't find any; did e-mail ATB organizer but did not get e-mail reply. The one change I like is bib pickup has been extended on the Friday until 7 PM for the ATB race -- last year I arrived at 6 PM and only got in after people were leaving (i.e, doors locked). Fortunately, people were still at the bib pickup area -- just the expo was already closed.

With the increase in race registration, along with extra 8% tax due to HST, looking at cutting down on number of races. Probably going to focus on half marathons, 30 Ks, and full marathons, but as always, time will tell :-| Thus, won't be registring for the Resolution Run as I only run it for the jacket (which hang in my closet); further, it's not 5 K but 4.3 K last year. Also won't be running in the Sporting Life 10 K in May nor the Acura 10-miler in July. Since Toronto Marathon and Mississauga Marathon are on the same day, opted for the Toronto Marathon (even though Mississauga was 1/2 price early bird).

Thus, 2011 races look like:

- Chilly Half Marathon -- March 6, 2011 -- registered a few minutes ago!
- Around the Bay 30 K -- March 27, 2011 -- registered a few minutes ago!
- Toronto Marathon (full) -- "A" race -- May 15, 2011 -- not registered yet

- Midsummer Night's 30 K Run -- 3rd Saturday in August, 2011 -- not registered yet
- Toronto Waterfront Marathon (full) -- last Sunday in September, 2011 -- not registered yet -- "A" race

Midsummer Night's 30 K Bib Pick Up

Arrived shortly after 4 PM to the Delta Chelsa Hotel (Gerrard & Yonge) for bib pickup; same location as last year. Basically it was in and out within 5 minutes. The bibs & time chip pickup were located in the lobby and the shirt was located inside a conference room. I was happy to see a former student from summer school volunteering at the bib station.

Received a 60 K mortal pin. I asked about the 45 K mortal pin but they didn't have any. The numerous e-mails about this pin... I also checked the envelope and not in there either :-(

No tech shirt this year. I was pleasantly shocked with the New Balance Hoodie given out this year; especially at a time when race registration fees have gone up. I signed up for the 30 K race for $49. I avoided the on-line processing fee by mailing in my registration. It's always nice to get something different with registration.



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Never did download the photos of Bud wearing the finisher's medal from the 10-miler race last month. Here are 2 photos:

30:1 (X2)

Sunny but not too humid this morning. Began run shortly after 9 AM; the time off before the new school year starts really has made me wake up late :-| Tried my best to run in the shade again. After about 20 minutes, increased the speed, in preparation for Saturday's race. I like the fluid stations every 2 K since I stop for a short walk break. This morning = 9.65 K. YTD = 1152.15 K

PS: No issues with the new shoes.

New Shoes; 30:1 (X2)

Lazy days of summer...so true -- woke up at 10 AM (ouch!). Tried to make myself feel better as my run could be in the early evening; to prepare for the Midsummer Night's 30 K run, which starts at 5:30 PM. When I took Bud on his morning walk (that's theory -- in practice, he takes ME on a walk), it was overcast and not humid. I did my 30:1 (X2) and it was sunny -- fortunately, there was shady areas to run so it wasn't bad. Got in 8.04 K this morning, for 1142.5 K YTD.

I looked at my shoes and definitely ready for replacement. They say 700 K to 800 K for a pair of shoes. What about close to 1200 K for a pair of shoes -- totally embarassed. It's the same brand and version -- Brooks Adrenaline GTS 7 so I hope it'll all come together for me on Saturday evening, and I didn't make a big mistake not to let the shoes settle into running. Time will tell...

Toronto Waterfront Marathon

The finisher's medal for next month's Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Half-Marathon, 5K has been released. The CNE is a great choice! Looking forward to earning the half-marathon medal. For 2011, with the Toronto Marathon moving to the spring, will most likely do the Waterfront full marathon...maybe Niagara Falls??

Always enjoy this race -- especially the huge expo with the wonderful superstars they have as guest speakers.

Saturday's 30:1 (X6)

Woke up late and didn't begin the run until close to 9 AM today -- ouch! Opted not to run on the Martin Goodman Trail due to the hot sun and lack of shade. Went to the proven route of Lower Don River Trail -- lots or runners and bikers out there this morning. There were many instances of lack of shade here as well :-| Although it was hot, there was a breeze at times. Had to conserve the Gatorade and enjoyed a large Coke Zero from McDonalds + free refill. Not easy to run with a blazzing sun but there was clouds at the end of the run. 25.53 K; YTD = 1134.46 K.

Next Saturday is the Midsummer Night's 30 K Run. Supposed to have redsigned finisher's medal and a slight modification to the route. Will be my 3rd consecutive year; did 15 K, then 30 K, and this year 30 K. As race registrations have gone up, this one hasn't. Still $49 for early registration and I registered via snail-mail so I only paid $0.57, rather than register on-line and pay the on-line service fees.

Thursday's 30:1 (X2)

Too lazy (!) to report Thursday's run on the day of the run :-| Ran in Cabbagetown -- hot and humid again. Could "feel" the left leg and will monitor -- chalking it up due to the training. 8.12 K; YTD = 1108.92 K

30:1 (x2) Hot & humid

Hot and humid :-| Got in my run, 8.08 K. Not easy in this awful weather. Want cool and overcast weather (but again, it'll be winter soon and then I'll be asking for warm weather -- can't win!).

YTD = 1100.81 K

Friday's Run + Sunday's 30:1 (X6) LSD

Friday's run was 8.18 K. Ran in the community and tried my best to stay in the shade. Just not enjoying hot and humid weather :-|

Today = 25.14 K using 30:1 (X6). Woke up to light rain and listened to the radio to see if I should run this morning or tomorrow (i.e., can go back to bed). Rain tomorrow and hotter and humider. So, ran this morning. Fortunately, it stopped raining as soon as I got out and the overcast conditions made the run that much better :-) (although it was still humid). Ran on the Martin Goodman Trail -- it's been a while since I've done that. Opted not to run too much on Yonge Street due to the sidewalks. YTD = 1092.73 K.

Debating about:
* Resolution Run $40 + HST + online fees (not sure about this as it's at the CNE again and not advertised as 5 K) -- the run is about the jacket

* Chilly half marathon -- $65 to September 15 (most likely will sign up)

* Around the Bay 30 K -- $65 to September 1 (will sign up for this one)


Racing fees are getting out of hand! There's a 5K race in Yorkville next month for $50 (early fee) and $75 on race day. Ouch!! For next year, should only sign up for half marathon, 30K, and full marathon distances; anything less is just too expensive :-|

30:1 (X2)

Back to regular running routine (with summer school over). Unfortunately, woke up late and began run at 9 AM (planned for 7 AM run). Hot and humid out there :-( Glad there shade or at least running with the sun to my back. Got in 8.31 K this morning. It's been a month since I've run for an hour during the weekdays. YTD = 1059.41 K.

It's time to change running shoes. I have 1 new pair remaining but keep forgetting to use them.

My running report appeared in the current issue of iRun magazine! I thank Karen for the invite.

Week in Review

Wednesday -- 3.76 K; Scenic route near work -- natural habitat, nice view, stream; ran on path twice around the body of water (so I don't get lost).

Friday -- 5.80 K; went back to scenic park -- this time, got more adventurous like last week, and once again, I got lost :-| I really don't know my bearings...

Sunday -- 32.05 K; north on Yonge until Steeles and then back south. Debated about LSD today or tomorrow and was convinced from 680 News. Supposed to be cloudy and 25C (humidity 30C); tomorrow humidity up to 35C. Started off cloudy and then the sun came out. Anyways, an enjoyable run along the Toronto Marathon route. Hoggs Hollow was great -- any practice on this 0.6 K hill is great!

This week = 41.61 K
YTD = 1051.1 K

Next week back to an hour run on the weekdays as I'm on holidays until Labour Day. Haven't had a break since March Break. Should I run with Bud?