Motion Creates Emotion

'Motion creates emotion'.  I could have borrowed that from my love of running.  On those days when I have no motivation, the act of moving from a walk to a run hurts for about a minute before I settle into a nice run.  The elation I feel after was worth the pain.  Motion does create emotion!

Until next time...

Running DOES solve everything

What was I thinking in my last blog post? (Running doesn't solve everything).  Running does solve everything.  On every run I've been on I've been able to 'solve all the problems of the universe' multiple times. If only I could remember the solutions after I finished...

Getting 'into the zone' where all the problems of the world disappear is magical.  Some days it happens quickly on others it only happens during the final kilometre.  I've always experienced it though no matter the run.

So running does solve everything...these are my top 5:

1. It solves the problem of what to do for an hour at 5 am in the morning.  It's better to go out running rather than trolling on Facebook.
2. Running allows you to talk to yourself without being called crazy.  Fess up:  you've had at least one run where you huffed out loud, "Come on...I can do this!!!".  Or the other version, "#%#!!%#@@!!...this is hard!!"
3. Running is better than swimming, biking.  Swimming - drive to public pool; put on bathing suit; shower;  then get wet in a chlorinated pool.  In the cold winter months this is a chilly affair.  Biking - buy bike, carry up and down elevator, store in apartment; give Spouse a reason to get angry.  And biking in the city? Unlike Holland with dedicated bike roads, sharing the road with cars in Toronto is like playing chicken.
4. Running can be done alone.  Sure you can run with a group but it isn't absolutely necessary.  Just get up, put on running gear and get outside.
5. You meet the nicest people running.  Really.  Sure all we talk about is running, getting injured and recovering from injury but it sure beats talking about politics and religion.  Maybe if more clerics and politicians ran things would run more smoothly (sorry...I couldn't resist the pun).

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

I love Summer running

The hotter the better actually.  And if I could, I'd run at high noon!  Call me crazy but I love running in the heat of the summer.

This past week in Toronto we were 'blessed' with ridiculously hot temperatures and humidity.  Air temperatures topped 30 C but with our high humidity it was the equivalent of 40 C.  Loved it!

Maybe it's the upbringing.  I grew up in Jamaica before moving to the Toronto area waaaaay back in 1972.  I can remember beach weekends in Discovery Bay and Port Antonio where it was too hot to walk on the sand.  And the drive to get there from home with no air conditioning in the car...now that was unbearable!

As kids in Jamaica we went to school from 8 am to 2:30 pm.  I know that end time sounds early but in late June before school let out for summer vacation I had difficulty staying awake after 1 pm it was so hot.  Well, that's my excuse for doing poorly on those subjects that we had after lunch.  And it explains why I do like Siestas (Siestas sound so much better than 'Nap Time for Grownups').

Summer Running Gear
Drying on the Balcony

Running in the heat of the summer does have a couple of drawbacks for me though.  The first is that I sweat.  A lot.  I can loose litres of water on a long run on a hot day.  Easy solution though...I drink a lot of water before and after especially hot runs.

Sweating a lot leads to the second challenge:  where do I hang my running gear to dry?  Compounding this challenge is the fact that we live in an apartment.  Neither Sally or Tia are particularly fond of smelly T Shirts and Tights drying on the balcony each day.  

I'm a summer person at heart.  I thrive on the heat.  I love running in the summer!

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

• The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
• The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

More Muffin Tops

From the reaction on Twitter last week, it seems I hit a raw nerve with the Muffin Top story.  The Muffin Top photo to be exact...my Muffin Top photo:

From Larry Savitch (@opus00)
so glad to have seen That first thing in the morning..  

Navin Sadrigani (@navin48):
The 1st muffin was good to watch,the 2nd would have been good to read abt, at most

My cousin, Karin Wilson had this to say (@Yardedge):
Muffin tops only good 4 eating Nothing another reggae marathon won't take care off!

Navin waded back in (@navin48):
ha ha, funny to see everyone respond. You at least are now certain that you need to let go of both muffins :-) Cheers.

After I deleted the offending photo, Navin had this to say (@navin48):
And the world is normal again :-D

And Larry Savitch had the last word...or so he thought (@opus00):
I was diggin the pic, just not 1st thing in the morning, was a brave move to post

Larry, here is another photo of...the Muffin Top :)

Delicious...

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
2. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

Muffin Top...Love Handles...oh my!

This Muffin Top causes the
'other' Muffin Top

Well it happened.  Gravity seems to have won.  I knew it was inevitable but hoped it would wait until my 6th decade.  Nope, 55 it was to be. Muffin Top!

I've tried 'sucking in my stomach' to minimize/eliminate it.  Works for about 15 seconds.  

I've bought larger size pants with 'high rise' but that just means my waist has moved up to my lower rib cage...not an attractive look for a middle-age guy...and it would only get worse.

I've gone to bulky sweaters.  That works well in the winter but not so cool in the summer.  Especially now that the hot, humid weather and temperatures have arrived with a vengeance in Toronto.

Am I finally past the stage of running tights?  Running shorts:  that option is even less attractive!  Unless I run at 3 am in the morning under cover of the dark, the Fashion Police will haul me in for sure.

Maybe I finally have to embrace weight training.  Yuck!

Dare I say ask the question, "Is my Muffin Top here to stay?"  Say it ain't so!!  I'm not ready to give up just yet.  I have 5 months until bathing suit weather in Negril at Reggae Marathon.  "Gravity...and age...you haven't won just yet!

So here's the plan: eliminate the salty snacks and junk food (including diet pop), smaller portion sizes, reduce alcohol, keep running.  

Muffin Top of the real Muffin courtesy of Wikipedia:  Edible Muffin.  Mmmmm....

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
2. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

Why can't every run be like this?

It was like running on a cloud.

Last Saturday out on my first run in a new pair of running shoes, everything clicked:  breathing deeply and without gasping;  landing on my mid-foot with quick and light leg turnover.  I went out for a quick 6 km run but felt I could have run for miles.

It must have been the new shoes!  It sure wasn't a result of loosing all that 'jiggly muffin top' mid-rift weight that I enjoyed building up over the winter.  I'm still working on that.

Maybe it was the weather.  Not too hot or too cold...just right in the mid-teens Celsius with no humidity or wind.  And at that early hour of the morning, not another soul in sight.  OK, that may have had something to do with the trail well off the beaten path that I was running on.

I ran with not a care in my head not worried about speed or form.  It's runs like this that make up for those mornings when my legs feel like lead, my breathing comes in gasps and I dread taking the next step. "Why can't every run be like this?"

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
2. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

Another Running Injury? What the...?

The Ice Pack is NOT a Fashion Accessory

This is NOT in the plan!  Getting injured again!!  

Last week during my weekly speed workout at the local High School track I felt a 'twinge'!  

What the...?

Dam!  That hurt.

I stopped instantly...I must have learned something after all...and walked home.  No trying to be a hero and 'toughing it out' that morning.  I immediately went to the ice pack and haven't run for the past few days.  I shouldn't have gone out for a speed workout that morning.  I was tired, didn't have a great night's sleep and had work on my mind.  In hindsight there was probably nothing I could have done to prevent the strained knee but I have to blame something.

So I'm back to recovery mode and not enjoying it one bit.  I'll be smart this time though:  no running until fully recovered.

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My other planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
2. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

Sunday morning and my thoughts are on running

Stylin recently in
Usain Bolt Pumas

It's Sunday morning June 2, 2013.  I was up early this morning...what's new.  This morning was special for a couple of reasons.  First, I didn't go for a run.  I decided to do my version of strength and ab training instead (pushups and situps).  Second, it's my 6th Wedding Anniversary to my lovely wife, Sally. I know 6 years doesn't have a super special gift item (Whew!) but this one just seems so very special. So here I am sitting on the deck, rain gently falling, listing to Jazz streaming from my Tablet and tapping out this blog post and thinking about life...and running of course:

• Sally sat in the hot, humid, muddy field at Long Bay Beach Park in December 2009 when I took on and conquered my first full marathon at Reggae Marathon.  I had given her a target time of just over 4 hours.  Wow, did I ever blow that!  I crossed the finish line in 5 hours and 25 minutes.  For over an hour while I was battling the heat and my own mental demons, I also thought about her sitting their worrying!  The tears I shed at the finish were for lots of reasons that day not the least being for her support!
• Sally puts up with stinky running gear!  There I said it! I sweat.  A lot.  It's common for me to loose 5 lbs of body weight on a normal run. We live in an apartment.  It's a good size but... where do we put the stinky running gear.  Again, a saint.
• Sally put up with 3 years of my foot injuries.  Mostly caused by me of course not respecting my age and trying too many new things too fast.  The break from running last September when I broke the bones in my right foot was a much needed break (Whew...I think I ran that word into the ground).  It gave me time to re-calibrate.  

So I'm back running comfortably.  I do track workouts once a week to improve my speed.  I run varied loops around home most early mornings. And I mix it up with some strength training.  Wow!  Can this really be me?  Who is this new RunninGuy?

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My other planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
2. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

Random Running Ruminations

"Ruminations".  There...I got to use a 'Three Dollar Word'.  Sally will be so proud.  Now I just have to use it correctly. Borrowing a page from her book, here is the dictionary definition:

ru·mi·na·tion  (rm-nshn) n.

1. The act of pondering; meditation.
2. The act or process of chewing cud.

Hmmm...Sally has noted that sometimes while watching TV I absentmindedly 'Chew my cud'.  I am definitely on to something here.  And the best part:  while running I both chew my cud and ponder.  Here are some of my recent ruminations:

• From Dan Cumming, Seasoned Runner, Running Guru, Marathoner, Ultra Runner, this gem about setting a new running goal:  "In your next 10K, run your age".  He suggested this after seeing my chip time from the recent Sporting Life 10K in Toronto.  So for me this means running a 55 minute 10K.  To do it I'll need to shave 4 minutes or so off my time.  Summer training here we come!
• "I gotta loose some weight, I gotta loose some weight...".
• "When the H did I put on this weight?".  Darn salty snacks...and beer!
• Time to buy new shoes.  Do I go minimalist again or find a happy medium.  I like the mid-foot running style...comfortable and I feel like I can run all day.  Suggestions?
• Breathe! From the stomach...I think they call it 'Diaphramatic Breathing'...there, that's my other $3 word for today!
• Left, Right...repeat.  This isn't so hard.

And just like that I'm back home.  Nice run.  Now what were those great ideas that ran through my mind again?

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My other planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
2. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

Running saved my life

Lisa reminded me of why I love running.  And I don't just mean because of the positive health benefits although managing my weight and blood pressure were the reasons I started running in the first place.  No, beyond the physical, running saved my life during those dark periods in my life when it looked as if I would never get through the 'Life Challenges'.  Discipline, mental toughness, "Just do it' are all part of the running experience.  In running as in life, the only way to succeed is to "Just keep moving!"  And running saved my life again recently.

I was drawn to this train of thought after a particularly intense conversation with a fellow runner this past weekend.  She mentioned that beyond the health benefits, one of the reasons she joined a running group was that it gave her the motivation and inspiration to keep going through a particularly difficult time in her life.  Her words spoke to me.  The past couple of years have been particularly challenging.  I've only make it through because I've kept running.  Not running scares the crap out of me!

First it was the 'Age Thing'.  It's taken a while but I've finally accepting that I really am 55.  Now when I see myself in pictures I don't wince at the image of the 'Old Guy'.  Well, not much anyway.

Then there's been the challenge of transitioning to career #3.  "Morales the Recruiter" has been a natural transition and I wish I had started sooner.  I am not a patient person though so when the business hasn't progressed as fast as I've wanted it to, I've been frustrated.  Every day though I remind myself that as long as I keep moving I'm a winner.

Then I had the ultimate scare with the broken foot last September:  what if I can never run again?  Seemed real at the time but I kept at it.  I swam for 3 months then as soon as I could I started walking.  Now that I'm back to running 3 - 4 days each week I can't believe how silly the thought of not running was.  I'm looking forward to my first race, the Sporting Life 10K on May 12.  I'll be running it with two of my boys.  They'll leave me in their dust but I'll be in the race.

"Just keep moving!"  I know it sounds cliche and maybe it is.  I am sure though that as long as I keep moving life with be OK!  Thanks for the reminder Lisa.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy
++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Sporting Life 10K, May 12
2. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
3. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

The Runner's Prayer

My sister Ginette sent me this on my 55th birthday last Friday and I was moved to share it.  A prayer for runners and a mention in the Bible!

O Lord, may I never just look as if I’m in the race – the race you have set before me.Instead, let me be running with all my heart. And may I never allow myself to be detoured by the difficulties of life. Amen 

“Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”   Hebrews 12:1

The photo above features me with Larry Savitch on the left and Dan Cumming on the right.  It was taken after we completed our various Reggae Marathon events last December in Jamaica.  Runners...Friends...Uncomplicated.  I pray for more friends like that.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Sporting Life 10K, May 12
2. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
3. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

Reggae Marathon 2012 was Special!

I almost cracked open a bottle of champagne last Sunday.  The occasion?  Four consecutive days of running since breaking my foot last September.  And in really bad running conditions as well:  super cold one day, sloppy conditions the next;  clear sidewalk one morning, watch out for the black ice the next!  One thing that has kept me motivated are the memories from last December's Reggae Marathon:

Don't let the gray hair fool you...I am still a 12 year old at heart.  Just ask Sally!  I still love running straight into the Caribbean fully dressed right after finishing.  This year I remembered to take off my running shoes.

If there was ever a shot of a master at work this would be it.  Sully, no one has ever consumed a fresh cut coconut with as much skill as you demonstrated in this photo from Reggae Marathon last December.  

I have seen sunsets from Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles, Biarritz in the South of France and in Sydney, Australia.  They are all fantastic in their own way and I know I have missed a number of others but the sunset from the Cliffs in Negril's West End is my favourite!

The 'After' shot.  We're only missing Mark in this shot.  He was still working on finishing his first half marathon.  Brave sole...I hear he is training hard for the Mississauga Marathon this spring.  Oh, and did you notice Andrew's shoes?  He had a special 'Jamaica Colours' made just for Reggae Marathon.  This year I'll get him to try Pumas.

Yes I'm back running.  Taking it slowly for the rest of the winter with the goal of the Sporting Life 10K on May 12 as my first event.  If all goes well, planning on the ending the year back at Reggae Marathon December 7 for my 5th consecutive race event!  Where did those 5 years go?

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Sporting Life 10K, May 12
2. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
3. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

Too cold for running outside?

Some days it's really too cold for running!

A funny thing happened during my journey through injury and recovery these past 4 months:  I don't like running in the cold any more!  How did that happen?

Once upon a time I enjoyed even looked forward to running in ultra cold temperatures.  Base layer, tights, windpants, toque and facemask made running not only tolerable but actually enjoyable.  And I had some great cold weather runs including two favourites:  Anchorage, Alaska and Regina, Saskatchewan.

I was in Anchorage 25 years ago shooting an advertisement for for my client, Isuzu Trucks.  We hit upon the idea that if we showed how tough Isuzu Trucks were in a foreign environment then they would be more than good enough in Canada.  It was a pretty good idea and it worked.  It also meant a 10 day trip to Alaska in January to shoot the photography.

Now Alaska in January is cold!  The temperatures weren't significantly below what we experience here in Toronto but the wind off the Bering Sea or North Pacific (take your pick) made the temperatures seem a lot colder.  I didn't go out for a long run that morning in January but it sure was fun to run along the snow covered streets of downtown Anchorage at 9 am in the morning ... in the pitch black!  In Alaska in January they only get 5 - 6 hours of sunlight each day with sunrise around 9:30 am and sunset at 3:30 pm.  I learned about sunlight deprivation that trip.

My second memorable cold weather run happened in Regina, Saskatchewan about 15 years when I was on a business trip with Dairy Queen.  This one was not as enjoyable. In fact it was downright scary.

I always ran early mornings on business trips.  That's where 'That Running Guy' has it's roots:  my colleagues would shout that out if they saw me heading out for a run.  At 5 am that morning after donning all my running gear, I headed out from the downtown hotel for a short 6 K run. It was -40 Degrees Celsius! And to use the Prairie cliche, 'It was a dry cold'.  I thought I was prepared.  For the first 3 K things were OK.  I didn't notice that the slight wind was at my back.  It was only when I turned for the run back to my hotel that things started to go awry.

The wind in my face combined with the sweat started me shivering.  "This is cold, really, really cold" I remember saying to myself.  I started to slow down.  For the first time in my running life, I felt scared.  I knew that if I stopped running, things would get really bad. I kept shuffling along and managed to make it back to the hotel.

After I had recovered from that run and while watching the early morning TV news a bit later I learned that with the wind chill, the effective temperature was around -60 degrees C.  Yikes! It's no fun freezing to death running!  

I've never run again in Regina conditions.  And recently I've found that even -10 degrees Celsius is uncomfortable.  Age, stage...some days it really is too cold for running!

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Sporting Life 10K, May 12
2. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
3. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

My Top 10 Life Lessons Learned from Running

I love reading lists.  Especially the ones I create. :)

Like just about everyone I know, reading the 'Top 10' or 'Top 7' lists is appealing.  Since last September when I injured my foot and I've been walking not running, I've had some time to think about the things I've learned about life from running.  In this case, not running.  Enjoy:


#10.  Life is life!  What I'm doing today is important.  I'm not practicing for the future. Today is all I have.  I've got to live it completely and thoroughly.

#9.  Sometime it rains.  And I am going to get wet.  So what?  Clothes and skin dries so I might as well get out there and enjoy it.  It will be sunny again.

#8.  You will loose your way.  Unlike Sisyphus who did the same thing over and over again, I hate repeating myself.  I've learned that I never learn anything new without trying something new.  And sometimes I get lost...dammed if I don't experience some fun things though.

#7.  People will help you...if you ask.  If you have some idea of where you want to go, stop and ask for help in getting there.  Good people are eager to help.

#6.  Breathe.  As a runner that's why I'm outside in the first place:  to get a breath of fresh air.

#5.  'ABL'...'Always Be Learning'.  Ask a lot of questions especially when I don't know the answer.  I've found that until I fully understand something I don't sleep well at night.

#4.  Get up early!  Forget the 'early bird gets the worm...I hate worms...and fishing.  I get up early to get a head start on the day...and on life.

#3.  Listen.  Then listen some more.  I find it easy to give unsolicited advice.  Especially when I've made up my mind before I've heard the entire situation.  Life is so much better when I take the time to listen completely (I wouldn't have endured this silly foot injury if I'd truly listened to my body).

#2.  Give Thanks Every Day!  If you go to church each week that's great.  Spend a few minutes every day giving thanks that you woke up!

#1.  Go Running!  I'm a runner.  Have been for over 30 years.  If you don't run, go for a walk, a bike ride or a swim.  It doesn't matter, just get out there.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Sporting Life 10K, May 12
2. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
3. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

Stop Whining!

Thanks Ah-nold!  I needed that!!  Oh, and maybe, just maybe Sally might have mentioned the same thing...once or twice...OK, maybe a lot!  But I broke my foot! Waaaaaaa......

There...that feels much better!

I haven't run since I broke my foot last September. I've tried once or twice in the last few weeks but another injury sidelined me. In my desire to be a hero I walked 10K in Reggae Marathon in December.  It made for a nice story, I got to take some pictures while I was 'Walking' and I hit my goal of raising $2,000 for the Heart & Stroke Foundation.  Walking the 10 kilometres in Reggae Marathon likely contributed to the new injury so that's why I'm still whining.

"I haven't run since last September...!!"

If you don't run that won't make any sense to you.  If you run you feel my pain.  So what to do.

First, "Stop Whining!".  Easier said than done.  I've been running 30 years now.  Nearly everybody has said the same thing, "Maybe it's time to stop running". Might as well tell me to stop breathing.

But then it hit me:  Walking!  Duh!  I can't run but I can walk.  And yes I know the cliche, 'walk before you run'.  Flashback:  that's how I started running in the first place.  

So I promise, the whining is over!  Sally will be so happy to hear that.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December.  My planned races in 2013 include 

1. The Sporting Life 10K, May 12
2. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
3. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

I'm having 'One of those days'

Super early in the morning on my way to work!

The only positive thing that happened to me today was that the lady on the Subway that I offered my seat to said 'Thank You".  Most times all I get is a surly look.  

Yes, I'm having one of those days.  You know, the "low energy, unmotivated, I'd rather be in bed" kind of day.  I can't even get myself motivated to go for a run!

It may be the time of year:  January blahs.  It certainly is the weather:  +10 C one day, -16 C the next.  

Winter, MAKE UP YOUR MIND!  

Amidst this darkness is a bright light (no, not a train). It's a race of course, the Sporting Life 10K on May 12.  Court suggested it and as the word spreads, the other kids may join in.  It's a lovely point-to-point race that's run straight down Yonge Street in Toronto.  Downhill for most of the way with a flat finish.  I figure even if I'm not fully back to speed by then, gravity will help.

So with that to look forward to I'll borrow a phrase from Arnold, "Enough Whining"!  

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy


++++++++++


I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December.  My planned races in 2013 include 

1. The Sporting Life 10K, May 12
2. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
3. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

Oops...a little running setback

I blame this one on the foot cast!  Placing the blame on the the medical device that got me through the fractured foot bones seems unfair I know.  But it beats the real reason:  I went out too quickly to resume running resulting in a bad muscle pull in my right calf.  Truth be told:  I'm pretty sure I tore the muscle.  I know that's not the correct medical term and NO I'm not going to a doctor!  The immediate plan is to refrain from running for the next couple of weeks to allow it to heal properly before I get back to running...slowly!

As Sally so kindly reminded me recently, "You're not 35 anymore".  Based on that obvious fact, I'm going back to basics with my running.  A lot of the injuries I've experienced over the past few years come down to bad form.  OK, maybe there was a 'wee little bit of ' stupidity since I'm really not 35 years old anymore.  But I am 'learnable' and now seems like a good time to get back to the basics.  

I saw this chart recently on the Reggae Marathon Facebook Fan Page.  If you're a long-time runner like my friend Dan Cumming of Running in the Zone (check out this great article on Running Injury:  Doctor it hurts when I do this) you already know what good running form is.  If you're just starting out, this could be the most simple and best explanation of proper running form.  I fall in to the 'long-time running group who never payed attention but got totally excited by this chart.  

"Stand up straight".  I can still hear those words from my Grandmother when I would slouch my shoulders.   It's the key to good form in running. Duh!  My Grandmother wouldn't say 'Duh' but she'd smile of  hers while asking me what took me so long.  I wouldn't have a good answer.

So assuming all goes well, here's the next target:  the Sporting Life 10K on May 12 in Toronto.  Court, one of my sons, suggested it and it seems like a good idea. 10K races how I started running way back (when I really was age 35) and this is a point-to-point race down Yonge Street in Toronto.  Mostly downhill with a flat finish.  And it starts early...my favourite time of day.  We won't officially have cold Red Stripes immediately at the finish like Reggae Marathon but unofficially... 

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

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I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December.  
My planned races in 2013 include the Sporting Life 10K May 12,  the Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20 and the Reggae Marathon, December 7.  Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

Photos from my Reggae Marathon 'Walkabout'

Ossies Jerk Centre was open again on Washington Manley Boulevard in Negril last December!  And it was ... GREAT!

Sally and experienced Ossies on our first trip to Negril for Reggae Marathon back in 2009.  An open air 'shack' just off the road that served the best Jerk Pork and Jerk Chicken I've had in many years. Perfectly seasoned:  not too hot, nice jerk seasoning.   Add some Festival, Rice and Peas and a cold Red Stripe.  Can you say "Perfectly Delicious".

Two of the four in this shot actually have real smiles at being up at 4:30 am on a Saturday morning in our running gear ready to run Reggae Marathon.  Can you guess which two?

Debbie of Washington, DC, wife of good Reggae Marathon friend Bob Moore had this saying on her running shirt.  Beer, rum...run...rum, beer!  Add 'Beach' and Reggae Marathon could be the perfect vacation for a runner.

We met online, connected for the first time at Reggae Marathon 2011.  Last December at Reggae Marathon 2012 we had the chance to spend some 'quality time' together.  Both above after the race and again on the beach when we shared 'tall tales' and a few cold beers on the Negril beach.  Good times...great friendship!

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December.  My planned races are the Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20 and the Reggae Marathon, December 7.  Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.