Another Breakthrough Week (1).

Smoother Running.

[Photo: It's all down hill from here, i.e., Harris Park]

Evenings are now getting darker earlier, thanks to - in part - the tilt of Earth and where I live on the planet. Fortunately, Harris Park and other parts of my usual walking/running route are well lit and I can make my way out and back without incident.

Incidentally, as the nights darken I feel I am running smoother and faster than in the recent past and I think I will be able to run a 5 Km. road race with confidence in early October. (More about that and why I need more T-shirts, at a later date).

 Run 9, on Aug. 22, was "steady as she goes". Smooth and svelte too!

As well as smoother and faster, the number and length of my walking breaks is declining as my stamina, strength and speed gradually increase. I still have not covered 5 Km. without stopping but I know the time is approaching when I will be able to do so comfortably. Sometime in September I will likely experience that breakthrough. : )

More photos from along the way:

 I pass Blackfriars Bridge on my way back home.

 I completed easy laps on a track in Lindsay last weekend.

 My ten-week average for mileage is holding steady

 I'll make a splash in September - with steady miles and more laps

My September goals will eclipse my summer results.

Is another breakthrough week on the horizon?

We shall see what we shall see.

Please link to This is a Breakthrough Week.

Photos GH

This is a Breakthrough Week.

Happy Sad Fish.

[Will I run? Will I walk? Swim maybe?]

I saw the chalk drawing of a happy sad fish about two blocks from home the other night. I was walking, not running, but I was thinking about running, maybe walking, maybe running a bit, maybe walking all the way to Gibbons Park and back.

In other words, I was undecided at the moment. I knew I would warm up first, walk 5 - 10 minutes, then - as I usually do this time of year - runs a block or two and see how I really feel about running during that evening. No pressure. 

The fish looks undecided too. I see a blue snout and pink smile, and I see a pointy nose and a frown. This is one conflicted codfish, in my humble opinion, and on that night I felt the same way for a few seconds.

Seven runs in August so far, more than the fish.

Then I reminded myself that there is no pressure on me to run. I can run if I want, walk if I want. The key goal is to get outside and have a fun and fitness walk of 3 - 5 miles in length, and I was outside and on my way to accomplishing that goal. Why, I've had five runs in a row this week with no complaints. (That's a breakthrough for me!) And I was in new shoes and nice looking shirt and shorts, my socks matched and I was setting a good pace. Life is good.

Funny looking fish, I thought when I saw it, so I stopped and took a picture.  

Once passed The Sweet Onion Grill in Wortley Village I did what I often do, i.e., I leaned forward and started to shuffle (the Harrison Shuffle is recognized world-wide as a lead-up to the Harrison Jog) and counted off 100 strides. Easy stuff. Then I walked a bit, then shuffled and jogged a bit more, then settled into the routine of jogging and walking and jogging within my limits. No pressure.

Lately I've noticed my jogging stride is getting smoother and faster and my breathing is more comfortable when I stop for a walking break. Why, at this rate of development I'll be ready for a 5 or 10 kilometre road race in October. Goal - to finish comfortably (take walking breaks along the route if I want), pick up a new T-shirt, say hello to a few running buddies from my past, go home and celebrate on my front porch with a cold beverage. Sounds like something I can handle.

Photos from along the way:

Heading toward Gibbons Park and Baldwin Flats.

Two paddlers calling it quits. Not me!

Blackfriars Bridge, on my way north.

Later, Blackfriars Bridge, on my way south.

Please link to More Miles in Winter.

Photos GH

More Miles in Winter.

Close the Workshop?

[Photo: Terry Fox Pathway, Nov. 16, 2016]

According to my records, I walk and run more miles during winter months. Reasons vary. The workshop is open from spring to fall, my motorcycle is in storage from November to April, and if I didn't walk about 1,000 miles from January to March every year I'd weigh 200 pounds.

Yes, I love hot turkey sandwiches that much!

So, in summer, what with numerous pleasant distractions (e.g., my Yamaha starts up first time, every time, when it's warm out), my weekly mileage related to The GREAT Canadian Comeback may fall.

 After  a lazy Sunday I had two good runs

 Muskoka holiday (Aug. 7 - 11) didn't include running on Highway 141

Weekly mileage is dropping. Wait 'til November!

That being said, I run more frequently during summer months and - gotta say - I'll likely have a pretty smooth, strong stride by October, a month in which I plan to run two races at top speed*.

Sure, I could close The Workshop and have more hours in the day for running, but I can't see that happening for another ten years.

* To observers I'll look like Average Joe at the finish line. But, after a 12-year hiatus from races, any steady pace for 10K will feel pretty darn good. 

Photos from along the way:

 Heading north through Harris Park to my Baldwin Flats 'turn around'

 What comes after a 10K road race? A halfer?

Please link to Where Did July Go?

Photos GH

Where Did July Go?

My last entry was made on Friday, June 30, about 32 days and 100 miles ago. The month of July passed quickly and very busily, as far as I can recall.

Though my records show the month ended with 4 runs in a row, I also finished the month with the lowest number of miles (96.25) since September, 2016, the month my wife and I travelled to Prince Edward Island.

I finished the month with a good week, 27.5 miles in all.

This year I attribute the low mileage to the busy-ness inside my woodworking shop. On a positive note, 13 runs during 23 'fun and fitness' days is the highest number in any month since I started The GREAT Canadian Comeback. So, progress was made. And we will see what August will bring, another busy travel and workshop month.

Photos from along the way:

 My 10-week average dipped below 23 miles, lowest on record.

Last night's run was smooth and steady.

There are two road race events in London during October, and I think I'll be ready for both a 5 km. and 10 km. event. Finally, I may collect new T-shirts the old-fashioned way.

Please link to Four 5-Milers in a Row.

Photos GH