The 2 + 5 = 5K run

Average pace: 5:06/km
Location: Burnaby Lake (CCW)
Distance: 5.05 km
Weather: Partly cloudy
Temp: 11ºC
Wind: light to moderate
Calories burned: 401
Total distance to date: 2571 km

I decided to try a 7K run on for size with my spiffy new shoes today. The plan was to run the Brunette River trail then continue to Burnaby Lake and run to Still Creek. From there I’d walk to the Sperling SkyTrain station and catch a ride back home.

And I did do just that, yet I only ended up with a 5K run.

On the weekend I bought a SPIbelt because I wanted to test out using my phone and its GPS for my runs. I opted to just carry the phone and use my iPod and use the run as a chance to see how securely the belt would hold the phone in place.

I changed my mind and used the phone. The good news is the belt worked great. The phone didn’t budge and I barely noticed it there. The not-so-good news is my times were suddenly and drastically slower. It paced my two km along the river trail at around 5:25/km. This leads to a few possibilities:

  • the phone is way out of whack
  • the iPod/Nike sensor is way out of whack
  • I suddenly became much slower despite not really feeling it

While I think it’s possible the iPod may be overly generous on times, it has been calibrated and it’s nothing if not consistent. I’m going to calibrate the phone/Nike app at a track to see just how accurately it is gauging distance. It seems like it may be off.

Horrified at the prospect of suddenly having pokey paces posted, I switched off the phone app and returned to the iPod once I got to the lake. This meant my run was split in two, with several minutes of walking (about 200-300m) between the first 2 km and the last 5 km.

The “real” run went well. A stitch threatened but never manifested so I was able to keep a good pace. The last two km my left shoe came untied, which is disappointing with the new shoes. but the lace did feel a little loose on the walk down, so it’s partly my fault. My overall pace for the 5K was 5:06/km, my second-best of the year.

I’ll do a calibration run on the weekend with the phone but my next one or two runs will be using the iPod as per usual.

The Easter bunny hopping along on new shoes run

Average pace: 5:01/km
Location: Burnaby Lake (CW)
Distance: 5.06 km
Weather: Overcast, occasional light shower
Temp: 11-13ºC
Wind: light
Calories burned: 401
Total distance to date: 2565 km

Yesterday I went to the Running Room and spent about an hour or so trying on lots of different shoes after determining that the minimalist shoes were being cruel and unusual to my feet and legs. The staff member I dealt with was very helpful and in the end I settled on a pair of Adidas Energy Boost 2.0 shoes. They feature energy boost, as you may have suspected.

boost™’s energy-returning properties keep every step charged with an endless supply of light, fast energy

I hate to say this, but the shoes do not actually supply endless energy. If they did I’d use them to power the toaster. However, they did apparently provide a nice boost to my energy during the run because I went from a slog-awful pace of 5:18/km two days ago to my best run of the year today, coming in at 5:01/km.

No stitches, no cyclists, no discomfort to speak of.

The only downside came on the walk back when my left foot once again was sore as heck. If I could replace it with a sleek robot foot I probably would.

I think I may try transitioning to longer runs now by stretching from 5K to 7K and then to 10K.

But for the moment I shall bask in the warm fuzzy feeling of coming so close to breaking the 5:00 minute mark, something I never did last year (not counting the goofy mis-calibrated runs before I started using the sensor again).

Minimalist shoes, maximalist time. Bonus: more annoying cyclists

Average pace: 5:18/km
Location: Burnaby Lake (CCW)
Ran Spruce and Conifer Loops and Piper Mill Trail
Distance: 5.05 km
Weather: Sunny
Temp: 13-14ºC
Wind: light
Calories burned: 400
Total distance to date: 2561 km

After avoiding a run yesterday due to the day-long downpour, I ventured out today under sunny skies and in mild conditions. I once again wore my New Balance MT100s, hoping to improve on my previous pace with the minimalist shoes.

As I walked along the Brunette River trail I noticed something odd on the trail up ahead. After a few moments I realized it was a tree. Trees are not normally found on the trail. Along the trail, yes. Right across them, not so much.

Apparently a combination of soggy soil and perhaps just enough wind was enough to cause a very tall tree on the other side of the river bank to topple over. It was tall enough to reach across the rover, the opposite bank, the trail (which is actually a gravel service road) and then some. It had cracked apart in several places after thudding onto the ground.

I hopped over and hoped it was not a sign.

It wasn’t. But I had a lousy run, anyway.

I started out slower again but the first km was actually three seconds better than the previous run–a good sign! Then at exactly the 1 km mark (it was just announced on the iPod) I was struck by a nasty stitch in my left side. I slowed but it persisted and by the end of the second km I was six seconds off the previous pace. Later I developed a stitch in my right shoulder, of all places.

I ended up with a mediocre pace of 5:18/km. The last four runs look like this:

  • 5:07
  • 5:12
  • 5:14
  • 5:18

This is not a good trend. I dislike it.

The shoes didn’t feel too bad, actually, but clearly my legs and feet are still adjusting as I could feel my upper leg muscles getting worked out, no doubt due to the different stance I was using/forced into.

The walk home was less than pleasant as the pad of my left foot acted up and without sufficient support from the shoe it was fairly cranky most of the way back.

I’m going to put the MT110s back on the shelf for now and get a nice pair of regular trail runners to replace my wearing-out Nikes. Eventually, maybe after I’m comfortably doing 10K runs again, I may try going back to the minimalist shoes.

Re: the cyclists. I am seeing multiple cyclists pretty much every time I run at the lake now. This annoys me because more of them are riding fast, which is the perfect way for collisions to happen, as cyclists ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE ON THE TRAILS AROUND THE LAKE.

Clearly the many signs saying “No bicycles” are no longer working. My concern is that as word gets around that you can bike around the lake without consequence, more people will do so. I don’t think the Parks Board is doing any actual enforcement or they’re busting people (“Set your bike down and put your hands on that tree!”) when I’m not there.

Anyway, it’s annoying. There are very few places where bikes are not permitted and this is one of them. It’s one of the things I like about Burnaby Lake–I never have to keep an eye out for some idiot madly whizzing by on a bike. It seems that’s come to an end now. Alas.

A slightly slower slightly damp minimalist run

Average pace: 5:14/km
Location: Burnaby Lake (CW)
Distance: 5.05 km
Weather: Light showers
Temp: 14-12ºC
Wind: light
Calories burned: 401
Total distance to date: 2556 km

Today I switched to my New Balance MT100 minimalist shoes, as my Nikes are starting to show visible wear in the heels. I was a little concerned how it would go having not run in minimalist shoes for so long but overall it was fine. My left foot was a little sore even before heading out (the usual with the pad) but during the run it felt fine and while a bit sore after it actually got better the closer I got to home.

My pace was two seconds slower compared to Sunday, not a big surprise since switching shoes is usually a good way to slow yourself down. Interestingly the biggest drop came in the first km when I was clearly re-adjusting to having less cushioning.

The weather was cooler and light showers peppered the run from time to time. It didn’t actually start to come down steady until I was two blocks from home–enough distance to get reasonably soaked. I anticipated this and wore my weather-proofed run jacket and it sufficed in keeping the wet stuff on the outside.

I am pondering a 10K run for Thursday but am still undecided.

Freedom, terrible freedom: Day 3 report

I know I said I would sum up things at the end of my time off.

I lied.

This is what I did on Day 3:

  • unloaded the clean dishes from the dishwasher
  • loaded the dishwasher with dirty dishes
  • did laundry
  • swept the living room and kitchen
  • cleaned a toilet
  • dusted
  • walked to the mall (about 5 km), bought underwear and t-shirts
  • helped prepare dinner
  • played some Minecraft

See? I totally know how to relax and enjoy vacation.

Freedom, terrible freedom

Starting on Saturday (yesterday) I began a 10 day vacation, the first real time off I’ve booked from a job in years. My goal is to return more relaxed than when I left. I am not traveling, I’m just hanging out and trying to, as they say, chill.

I’m beginning to think I may have been better off going somewhere. It’s hard to truly relax and feel vacation-y when you’re at home and all the usual obligations keep staring you in the face. Sure I can ignore them but the guilt kicks in automatically. It’s just the way my brain works. My guilt gene is highly developed.

Regardless, I’m determined to do some fun and accidentally productive things like:

  • gaming
  • reading
  • writing
  • running

It’s true I’d do most of these things, anyway, but now I’ll be doing them with extra gusto and no transit passengers to bug me.

I’ll report back on where the relax-o-meter sits eight days from now. Exciting!

The warmer and slower run

Average pace: 5:12/km
Location: Burnaby Lake (CCW)
Distance: 5.06 km
Weather: Sunny
Temp: 14-17ºC
Wind: light
Calories burned: 402
Total distance to date: 2551 km

Today the temperature climbed to a nigh-freakishly high 19ºC. Since I headed out late morning for the run it ranged from 14-17ºC. This is far from being too hot for running, it just feels weird for mid-April.

I also decided to finally wear a proper t-shirt. Wearing the long-sleeved one would have been a nice trip to sweat city, so I don’t regret that.

Yesterday I did one of those power walk thingers where I do my run route but walk it instead. After completing the route I then walked to Lougheed Town Centre, some 17 km or total in all. It took about 2 hours and 40 minutes and I definitely felt it by the end. I figured this might impact my run today.

Another warning sign was being slightly up in weight this morning–usually a sign I’m packing water and water tends to make me heavier and slower.

And I was. The good news is the pace of 5:12/km still ties my second-best of the year. The bad news…well, there isn’t any, really, other than the disappointment of not meeting my last zippier pace.

The first km started out about the same but I’d already dropped two seconds by the end of the second km. The last km also saw me starting from a slower point to the typical faster finish. I nearly felt a stitch at one point and may have held back a little to ward it off.

The heels of my Nike runners are starting to noticeably wear so I’m contemplating new trail runners or busting out my New Balance MT110s again. I’ve been leery about using minimalist shoes since the Achilles tendon injury but I figure once for testing may not hurt (much).

Annoyance of the run: half a dozen on bikes, including one couple with a baby seat (equipped with functioning baby) who were riding fairly fast. Idiots.

Unexpected delight of the run: The Running Room was having some kind of event (I had no idea and saw no signage before starting out). As it turns out, the end of their circuit happened to be the Still Creek bridge–the exact spot I am currently ending my runs. There was a big electronic board showing times (I didn’t pay much attention to it) and a bunch of people gathered around, including one who looked like he might be the timekeeper. He and the others cheered enthusiastically as I crossed the apparent finish line. That’s the first time I’ve had anyone cheering me at the end of the run. It was weird but nice.

The annoyed and faster run

Average pace: 5:07/km
Location: Brunette River trail
Distance: 5.03 km
Weather: Sunny
Temp: 12ºC
Wind: light
Calories burned: 399
Total distance to date: 2546 km

Tonight I came home tired, hungry and irritated. I wanted to work out my stress and at the same time get the run out of the way so I could take care of the hunger.

The result was my fastest run of the year, coming in at 5:07/km, a full ten seconds off the previous run and three seconds better than my best previous run.

I didn’t suffer any stitches, which was nice, and though I felt the burn in my legs I was able to settle into a comfortable pace and then push a little harder fairly early on.

With three runs this week the plan is to take two days off for the “weekend” and tackle my next run on Sunday. If my times keep hovering consistently closer to the 5:00 mark I may try a longer run in another week or so.

The halfway run

Average pace: 5:17/km
Location: Burnaby Lake (CCW)
Ran Spruce and conifer Loops and Piper Mill Trail
Distance: 5.03 km
Weather: Sunny
Temp: 13-12ºC
Wind: light
Calories burned: 398
Total distance to date: 2541 km

With a little more time than usual to run tonight I opted to walk to Burnaby Lake, run to Still Creek (5K) then walk to the Burnaby Lake SkyTrain station and ride home in (sweaty and stinky) style.

I figured my pace would probably fall somewhere between the slog of Sunday’s run and the zippy pace of last Wednesday’s and I was right, coming in at 5:17/km. I was a bit concerned at the start when my legs were feeling a little creaky just from the walk. There were times during the run that the muscles started to burn nicely. Bu nicely I do not mean it was a nice sensation.

It got better as I kept going, though.

There seems to be a pattern in these early runs. I either end up battling endurance and/or getting a stitch or I find my pace and as a result find my muscles and tendons really feeling the extra bit of exertion. I have yet to discern what triggers each particular pattern (I’ll take the latter over the former, though–getting a stitch while running sucks).

In all I am pleased with the run. Faster would be better but I’m improving slowly and it’s only early April. I’m sure I’ll be reasonably zippy by the time I’m complaining about it being too hot (it was over 13ºC to start the run, downright balmy for the early April).

The scientific proof that running clockwise is slower run

Average pace: 5:20/km
Location: Burnaby Lake (CW)
Distance: 5.03 km
Weather: Sunny
Temp: 12ºC
Wind: light
Calories burned: 398
Total distance to date: 2536 km

Circumstances prevented me from running on Friday as I would have according to my Run Schedule-0-Matic® and then again on Saturday, meaning I had three full days off before running again today.

Logically you might think three days of rest would result in a better run but with my body still getting used to jogging again, three days is instead just enough time to start losing what little edge I’ve developed in the past few weeks. I also always seem to do worse with a route change-up.

When I started off running clockwise around Burnaby Lake I couldn’t immediately tell if I was slower. My left foot was feeling a bit stiff but worked itself out. I kept on and then developed the dreaded stitch. Much like the previous one it never really went away and when I had about 500m to go it was bothering me enough that I was briefly tempted to stop running altogether. I pressed on and even got a little bit of that homestretch spurt going but in the end my pace fell back to a pokey 5:20/km.

I couldn’t blame conditions, either, as it was mainly sunny, mild and with a light and pleasant breeze blowing.

I did achieve a milestone for this year, though–my first week with three runs, just like in the olden days. Woo. And I’m still feeling the after-effects of the runs less and less with each outing. Woo x2.

Improving engadget for free

engadget is described as a “news, reviews and opinion outlet with obsessive coverage of cutting edge gadgets, consumer electronics and the science and technology they’re built upon.”

The news, reviews and opinions are all presented in a chronological list without much to differentiate one from another apart from the title of the article. I read the site on a near-daily basis and appreciate that it takes a lighter and less technical approach to electronics and gadgetry than, say, anandtech.com and its half dozen pages of benchmarks illustrating how the latest Android phone is slightly better or worse than other phones at rendering blobs and bits.

Reviews and opinion pieces on engadget are always going to have a little more personality injected into them, but I’ve noticed lately the writing of these pieces seems to be skewing more informal, with some resembling forum posts rather than something you’d expect of a professionally written article.

Take this opinion piece How would you change the Nintendo Wii U? I’ve included the entire thing below, not because I’m a plagiarizing so and so, but because it’s quite short, as its main intent is to foster forum discussion (which does not justify the tone used, in my opinion):

The Wii was, undoubtedly, the success story of the previous console generation, encouraging millions of novice gamers to wave their arms around like a crazy person. The Wii U’s big gimmick, touchscreen gaming, made plenty of sense, considering the quantity of mobile and DS users out there, but it never seemed to take off in the same way. Launching well ahead of the Xbone and PS4, the general opinion of our reviewer was that it simply wasn’t ready for the big time, and sales seem to have backed that up. A year has passed now, so it’s high time that we asked you what Nintendo should have done differently? Sign up at the forums and talk us some change.

I realized as I was reading this I was mentally editing it. Here’s the version I cobbled together (with mark-up, such as WordPress allows):

The Wii was, undoubtedly, the success story of the previous console generation, encouraging millions of novice gamers to wave their arms around like a crazy person people. The Wii U’s big gimmick, touchscreen gaming, made plenty of sense, considering the quantity number of mobile and DS users out there, but it never seemed to take took off in the same way. Launching well ahead of the Xbone Xbox One and PS4, the general opinion of our reviewer was that it simply wasn’t ready for the big time [without substantiation or at least a link, this assertion is meaningless and should be rewritten or removed], and sales seem to have backed that up. More than a A year has passed since its launch now, so now it’s high is a good time that we asked to ask you what Nintendo should have done differently.? Sign up at the forums and talk to us about some changes.

Cleaned up and with a previous engadget article linked that shows the poor sales of the Wii U:

The Wii was the success story of the previous console generation, encouraging millions of novice gamers to wave their arms around like crazy people. The Wii U’s big gimmick, touchscreen gaming, made sense considering the number of mobile and DS users out there, but it never took off in the same way. Launching well ahead of the Xbox One and PS4, Nintendo was forced in January to slash sales expectations of the Wii U for 2014 from 9 million to 2.8 million. More than a year has passed since its launch so now is a good time to ask you what Nintendo should have done differently. Sign up at the forums and talk to us about changes.

Is this better? Sign up on this blog and let me know.

Please don’t do this if you’re a spambot.