Running on the beach

I've had a blast running on the hard packed sand of Wasaga Beach.  It's where I re-learned to run this summer after nearly a year dealing with a plantar fasciitis injury in my right foot.

There is one catch though.  Running on Wasaga beach only works in the summer.  The ice and snow that jams Southern Georgian Bay over the winter cannot be navigated safely.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Morales X 3 at Reggae Marathon 2011

And then there were 3...

With the recent success in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, the MoralesMen have decided to travel to Jamaica for Reggae Marathon 2011 December 3.  Court and Andrew have booked their tickets and arrive Friday night just in time for the fabulous Reggae Marathon Pasta Party at the Couples Swept Away Sporting Complex.  Both are running the 1/2 Marathon and it will be a thrill for me shortly after 7 am on Saturday morning when they cross the finish line together.  Even though both are super competitive, the opportunity for a photo finish will be too hard for them to resist.

I've watched with pride all my son's grow into fine young men.  Holden the youngest is currently at Acadia University tearing it up on the football field in his final year of playing university football.  Michael is in the early stages of his career and has proudly set up his home in Kitchener where he is also knocking it out of the park at his company.  And ask him a question about baseball...he'll have the answer.

On December 3 this year make sure you log on to Facebook or the Reggae Marathon web site to follow our progress in Reggae Marathon 2011.

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

Just another Sunday morning run in Toronto

I ran for a lot of reasons this past Sunday at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon.  And despite the cold headwind for the first 6 miles and the screw up at the baggage check at the end, it was a fantastic day!

First I ran to see if I could actually complete a 1/2 marathon race.  Since the plantar fasciitis injury from August 2010, running has been tough.  I took nearly 4 months off this winter and only got back to serious and regular running late summer when I went 'natural':  barefoot running on the hard-pack sand of Wasaga Beach then natural-style running with the Puma Faas 500's.  Since then I can thoroughly and enthusiastically recommend natural-style running. I made it through the race on Sunday with a strong finish.  Sally really appreciated that.

Second, I got to run with my kids.  OK, that's a bit of a misnomer...they were well ahead of me but we were in the same race.  That kept me moving at a good pace and helped 'the old man' achieve a really great time especially after a coming off a serious injury.  And Andrew even made the news on this web site:


$1,190.  That is the amount of donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation that I've raised so far this year. It's the most important reason I ran this past weekend. Thank you!

Sally, the kids and I have experienced heart disease and stroke in our families:  her older brother passed away from a stroke, my Dad from a heart attack. We miss them. As long I can put one foot in front of the other I'll keep running to raise money to help with research, education and treatment.

And this year's campaign is not over.  We're heading to Negril, Jamaica for the Reggae Marathon on December 3. There's a good chance Andrew, Court and I will get to run again in Negril.  I'm so proud of their support.

Run for Heart is still accepting donations.  Just click on that link that takes you directly to the secure donation site.

Finally, a super BIG thanks to Sally for 'freezing her ___ off' on Sunday to take these great pictures of us at the finish of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon.  Thank you!!  What would we do without the 'Official Photographer?"  Here's one more picture with all of who ran:  'The Old Man', Andrew, Court and Amy.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Watch out for the Red Puma's at Scotiabank Toronto 1/2 Marathon!

Even with the thousands of runners expected at this Sunday's Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon  it will be easy to spot me with these bright red Puma Faas 500 shoes.  I got them earlier this year and with the adjustment to a mid-foot running style am running stronger and faster than ever.  That could all be in my mind however...Sunday's finish time will tell.  In the meantime, here's what to look out for:



And watch for them as well at the Reggae Marathon this December 3 in Negril, Jamaica.  The spirit of Usain Bolt...and the finish line coconut water, Red Stripe and ocean swim...bodes well for a personal best.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy