Outdoor runs

It was around 6ºC today and overcast, with the clouds ripe with the promise of rain. Fortunately I beat the precipitation, which began shortly after I returned home.

Conditions were a nice mix — the trail was in good shape, there was a light breeze, it was warm enough to doff the gloves yet cool enough to keep me from heating up too much with two layers (less sweating, yay). The field was occupied with a bunch of midget women playing soccer and since the trail is a reasonable distance away from the soccer field I felt fairly safe from wayward balls — until one rolled in front of me midway through my run. Fortunately a slowly rolling ball is not much of an obstacle.

There were several joggers out, as expected on a Sunday afternoon and one was about half a lap ahead of me when I began. He was wearing a pair of brown shorts over dark tights, which to me seems to say “I don’t like the way the tights make my private bits bulge out so I’ll wear these shorts to cover up” which is fair, I guess. I just wear tights that aren’t really that tight.

As my run progressed I eventually began closing the distance with shorts ‘n tights guy (SNTG) but just as I got within reach of passing him he pulled that infamous maneuver one sees on the road: you go to pass someone who has been driving at a steady rate and just as you make your move, they speed up. He did so and I kept pace behind him. Oddly, it was at the NE corner of the trail where there is a small uphill part that I did eventually pass him. Most people slow down here but I had a good head of steam coming out of the dip before it. Once past, I kept up a good pace and he seemed to end his run shortly after, making me the winner by my own arbitrary rules. Hooray!

This little bit of competitiveness helped me post my best 10k yet — some three minutes faster than my first 10k back on December 29th.

Also, there was a new sign up on the fence behind one of the two baseball diamonds:

At first I thought it was an exhortation to join the Communist Party, what with the “wear red” and “make noise” (against the bourgeoisie, no doubt) but it looks like the City of Vancouver’s attempt to instill some Olympic pride without actually mentioning the Olympics (I assume they can’t for this kind of advertisement). So the key to showing our “true colours” to the world is to paint our faces red and run around waving flags while shouting like madmen. Seems about right.

Results:

Total distance: 10.02 km (previous: 10.03 km)
Average time/km: 5:30/km (previous: 5:39/km) <– best to date
Best time/km: 5:03/km (previous: 5:04/km) <– also best to date

With the Winter Olympics mere weeks away they are trucking in “emergency snow” to make sure the slopes have enough for the events. Meanwhile down here it was another very mild day with the bonus of being sunny, too. Normally when the sun is out in January it is accompanied by briskly cold temperatures but today you could actually feel the warmth from it. Thanks, El Niño!

If i had known it was going to be so warm I’d have worn just a t-shirt and shorts and been fine — much like the 25 year old-ish runner who suddenly sprinted by me at around the 2-3k mark. I vainly tried to keep up with him but he was simply too fast and he maintained his pace for quite a distance, nearly opening up a half lap on me. But as is the case with all of these speedy types, he did a few laps and promptly left. It’s very tortoise and the hare to me (I am, as you might guess, not the hare).

Overall the run was very solid but nothing remarkable. I didn’t go in with the intention of setting a personal best in either speed or distance so the consistent performance is good for me. The trail had dried a bit more and the little mud left was starting to solidify. if the forecast is accurate that will be changing overnight, though.

The last few km my performance was fairly consistent and I mainly owe that to passing another jogger and then maintaining speed when I saw his shadow threatening to catch up. I was not going to allow that!

Results:

Total distance: 10.03 km (previous: 10.04 km)
Average time/km: 5:39/km (previous: 5:39/km)
Best time/km: 5:04/km (previous: 5:04/km)

Yes, two of the stats were identical. Talk about consistency.

Technically spring is still over two months away but today’s run under an overcast sky with the temperature at 10ºC felt pretty damn close. In fact, my hands were sweating so much that I took the gloves off (!) at the halfway point. I probably could have worn a t-shirt and shorts.

I had a very fast start and could tell by my stride — nice long steps but still comfortable. I can only imagine my times if I could maintain that pace. 😛 While i still slowed down as I progressed I did well overall, so I’m pleased with the result.

The trail was dry but still muddy in patches. Perfectly fine for the run. Nothing unusual to report today, apart from the return of one shopping cart. It was sitting next to the port-o-potty as if waiting for its owner to come out but I never saw anyone claim it.

Oh, and I did my first dipsy-doodle today. During the last 400m or so I reached into my pocket to grab the nano, as I usually hold it in my hand for the final stretch. I managed to pull the glove out of the pocket and dropped it, then had to decide how to retrieve it without impacting my time. I did a 360 and without trying to slow my pace, came back up to it and scooped it up without stopping. This may seem a minor thing but given my usual level of coordination it left me impressed.

Results:

Total distance: 10.04 km (previous: 10.53 km)
Average time/km: 5:39/km (previous: 5:45/km)
Best time/km: 5:04/km (previous: 5:23/km)

The best part about today’s run was no freakin’ rain. I thought the piles of snow were bad last winter but days of torrential rain don’t do a whole lot for me, either, as it turns out. The grass is very lush, though.

It was around 8ºC so fairly mild and a light breeze blowing from the east on occasion (which actually felt good on my face). I felt fine for this run except for some gas around 8-9k (Thai food last night is my best guess). The trail was still muddy in spots and the SE corner required a nimble hop over one bad section but it was otherwise in the best condition it’s been the last few weeks.

Since it was a Sunday and not raining, dog walkers were out in force. Some really cute dogs, too. Six guys were paired up and tossing baseballs at one of the diamonds (all balls remained clear of my noggin) and there were a few joggers as well, though the fastest was running clockwise so I couldn’t gauge if she was faster or not. I wasn’t in a competing mood, regardless (evidenced by my slower start and overall pace). I did clock my longest run to date, though — 10.53 km, which took slightly over an hour.

The strangest sight was a pair of younger guys (mid 20s or so) who were working out. They were racing up the steep hill at the west end of the park and doing other various exercises. At one point as I jogged by one of them was actually piggybacking the other up the hill. While an admirable feat of strength, there is something about adults piggybacking that seems a wee bit weird. I guess it depends on whether you’re using a cup or not.

Results:

Total distance: 10.53 km (previous: 10.03 km)
Average time/km: 5:45/km (previous: 5.36/km)
Best time/km: 5.23/km (previous: 5.08/km)

The good news: the weather was cloudy and 10ºC, with little wind.

The bad news: my calves started hurting only a few km in and that sometimes diesel smell was not only present, it was ever-present.

At the 5k mark I stopped the run because I didn’t want to risk hurting my calves again (I think they’re okay, just sore from pushing a little harder) and the air quality was obnoxiously bad, probably the worst it’s ever been.

Since the rains had let up, most of the flooding on the trail had receded but it was still mushy and tricky to navigate in a few spots. Nothing else unusual to report.

I’m contemplating another 5k run tomorrow to make up, depending on how I feel.

The results were 5.05 km total, average pace of 5.29/km, fastest lap was 5:15/km. Interestingly, my second km was 5:16/km, almost identical — that may have caused the soreness to spring up. my second km usually falls off anywhere from 4-8 seconds.

It was almost spring-like today with the temperature a positively warm 10ºC.

The gusting winds and torrential rain reminded one that it is still indeed winter.

Since it had been raining all day prior to my run the trail was good and flooded by the time I got there. It was so bad even the mini-trail running inside the main one was starting to get muddy and river-like in spots. Several times I nearly lost a shoe as my foot landed in especially thick and clingy muck. Here is a Neil Armstrong-esque print I left that rapidly filled with water:

The rain was relentless and did not ease up at all during the run. I was wet right down to my skivvies. Not really ideal conditions but I endeavored to improve my time and indeed did so, clocking my first sub-56 minute 10k. Not fast, really, but it’s more steady improvement.

I thought I would have the trail to myself given the weather but one girl appeared around the 6k mark and jogged ahead of me. She came to an abrupt halt at the first puddle and gave it a wide berth before proceeding. I jumped over it, passed her and she vanished shortly after. It is no surprise that people don’t like miserable conditions to run in. What is more surprising is how hesitant people are to get their shoes even a little muddy. It’s raining, you’re on a trail made of dirt and mulch, your shoes are going to get muddy. If you don’t like it, find a treadmill in a nice climate-controlled community center.

Results:

Total distance: 10.03 km (previous: 10.17 km) — quite enough, given the weather and conditions 😛
Average time/km: 5:36/km (previous: 5.41/km)
Best time/km: 5.08/km (previous: 5.11/km)

5ºC and intermittent light rain for today’s run through the first 8km, a steady light rain for the final 2km and a rather hard rain after I got home. Dodged that liquid bullet!

There was little wind which normally is good, however there was the smell of diesel hanging in the air and the lack of any breeze meant it was pretty much there for the whole run. Later it was joined at one corner of the path with the smell of hot glue and general construction-related odors. Blech.

I started out at a deliberately faster pace but was careful to not stretch much to increase my stride and I feel fine now, so mission accomplished there. My pace was fairly consistent and apart from the various smells and a bit of gas (probably from lunch) I felt pretty good. Finished with my best 10k performance to date.

I only saw one other jogger and she must have been passing through because I only saw her for a lap. One other guy was doing some balance exercises on the park equipment and on a nearby fence. I was tempted to take a picture. I’ve seen him before so I’ll likely see him again.

There were a few dogs being walked but one appeared to be there entirely on its own. It was a large black terrier of some sort and it had a white face which gave it a creepy sort of ghost look. It seemed happy enough just randomly trotting around the field. Perhaps I just never caught sight of the owner.

Results:

Total distance: 10.17 km (previous: 10.02 km)
Average time/km: 5:41/km (previous: 5.46/km)
Best time/km: 5.11/km (previous: 5.28/km)

7ºC today under cloudy skies for the run. I was pressed for time so I quit as soon as I reached 10k. My pace was almost identical to the previous run. Wore two layers and was pretty warm by the end.

At the 4k mark my left shoelace came untied. I tied it back up too tight and for the next 2k my foot hurt like heck until the action of running finally loosened the lace a bit.

The run was otherwise unremarkable.

Results:

Total distance: 10.02 km (previous: 10.14 km)
Average time/km: 5:46/km (previous: 5.45/km)
Best time/km: 5.28/km (previous: 5.15/km) (not sure why the first km was slower. Maybe I was distracted.)

Today it was once again mild — about 8ºC and overcast with little wind. I wore two layers but I’m certain one long-sleeved shirt would suffice in these conditions.

The trail was puddle-free but a bit mushy in spots. I only had to jink around one specific area, though. Since it wasn’t raining there were several other joggers present but they seemed to be the low-impact type, more walking than jogging. At about 6km in one jogger suddenly dashed by me — a rather attractive young guy wearing a black t-shirt and shorts. His stride was pretty impressive and there was no way I was going to keep up but I’ve seen these guys often enough to know that they eventually (and sooner rather than later) blow a gasket. The best part, though, is that he was jogging with a dog on a leash and immediately demonstrated how problematic that can be.

He passed me right near the play area and there’s a fence there to prevent the noggins of wee ones getting bashed by errant baseballs. The dog comes to a full stop to pee on it. undaunted, the guy yanks on the leash and they continue on. They then pass by a woman getting walked by a large black dog. I am unsure what the breed was — some kind of baby-eater, I think — but the woman was clearly not the one in control. Once again joggerboy’s dog charges off. Less than a lap later he had disappeared. Maybe he spontaneously combusted. He was running awfully fast.

The run went well, the pace felt good and I finished at the starting point for my longest run yet.

There were no odd objects laying about the park, the first time in awhile that’s happened.

Results:

Total distance: 10.14 km (previous: 10.08 km)
Average time/km: 5:45/km (previous: 5.44/km)
Best time/km: 5.15/km (previous: 5.22/km)

With a rainfall warning advisory in effect from Environment Canada, I was not surprised to find myself greeted with torrential rain for today’s run. It was the kind of weather a duck might like. A mad duck.

But it was mild, at least — about 8ºC. I wore two layers and almost felt a single layer may have sufficed. Still need the gloves, though, even if they eventually got thoroughly soaked in the process.

I was startled to find another jogger running clockwise around the path when I began but she disappeared after about 10 minutes. Two others showed up but they both also left after only a brief stay. I can’t say I blame them as the first 6 km of the run was a very hard rain with gusting wind. Strangely, at the 6k mark the sky brightened and the sun came out for a few moments while the rain still pounded down. On each lap the trail morphed as puddles grew and spread. It became a virtual obstacle course by the 3/4 mark with me nimbly hopping around, over and sometimes just straight through the water. The rains eventually eased up and for a few km actually stopped. By the end they resumed but with most of their vigor gone.

Unlike the previous run, I felt good on this one and the last stretch did not seem interminable. I finished by running a wee bit father and a little bit faster, so I’m happy with the results.

My shoes and socks are thoroughly soaked and muddy. The people who make laundry detergent will be pleased.

And what’s a run in the park without some new weird object to behold? Today it was this in the middle of the field:

That would be a floor buffer. Looked to be on good shape, if a little damp. Again, people are weird.

Results:

Total distance: 10.08 km (previous: 10.03 km)
Average time/km: 5:44/km (previous: 5.50/km)
Best time/km: 5.22/km (previous: 5.10/km) — I blame the unpredictable condition of the trail for the slower time here. Took a few laps to fully suss out the best way to navigate the watery ways.

Today I decided to finally go ahead and try a 10k run, even though I have a head cold (apparently a bonus gift from traveling back from the island).

It was a relatively balmy 5ºC and mostly clear, with some high cloud and no breeze. Because of the warmer temperature the trail was firm but pliable, like a pair of breasts (or so I have been told).

I started out strong and although my overall time was slower than the previous run, my pace was fairly steady. However, the last 2 km it felt like the countdown announcements simply weren’t going to play on the iPod, as if time was stretching out and defying the laws of the universe. Kilometer 9 felt like about 3 km before I finally got the 1 km notification and then it felt longer still before the final series of countdowns began at 400m. I did not run any extra but I was nowhere near the starting line, so I didn’t cheese on the finish.

Afterward, I must confess to being slightly sore but not too bad there. I am tired as all get-out, though. The run took about 58 minutes.

There were a number of dog walkers and two other joggers at the park but the joggers were working at a fairly light pace. I saw three guys with a football and golf clubs (?), perhaps intent on creating the new hybrid sport, footgolf. They seemed to putt or chip or whatever in the field for a bit. A little later three more guys came by with baseball gloves and ball, because that pre-season can’t start too soon! I hadn’t expected to watch for baseballs in December. They kept them off the path.

Moving forward I will slowly begin working on my 10k time. I’m glad I did this before the end of the year. It’s a nice way to cap things off.

Results:

Total distance: 10.03 km (previous: 8.56 km)
Average time/km: 5:50/km (previous: 5.37/km)
Best time/km: 5.10/km (previous: 5.08/km)

Yeah, it isn’t easy to keep coming up with new titles for my jogging updates. 😛

Today’s run was under sunny skies with the temperature around 3ºC. After thawing and freezing for the past week the trail was hard and frosty in spots where it doesn’t get much sun with the rest being a little more pliable. The park crews had been by since my run last Monday as all of the leaves had been removed from the path. It had that new park feel.

I was curious to see how the six days off due to travel to the island would affect my performance but it turned out to be the best run of my last six, coming in at an average pace of 5.37/km. I also covered more ground than before, 8.56 km, edging closer to my New Year’s goal of 10k. Most importantly, I feel good after the run. I still haven’t heard Tiger come on, but Joan Benoit Samuelson congratulated me on my farthest run yet.

There were a few other joggers out and the usual assortment of dogs and their owners about. As expected the buggies had been cleared away but next to one tree was a not-insignificant pile of clothes. Perhaps someone was concerned the coyotes would get cold in this weather.

Results:

Total distance: 8.56 km (previous: 8.20 km)
Average time/km: 5:37/km (previous: 5.38/km)
Best time/km: 5.08/km (previous: 5.21/km)