Busy diggers work
Lazy canines bark and walk,
Kazuma awake.
I went for a first run since last week's race. On top of wanting some exercise, I also wanted to check the condition of my body. Using the baby stroller did annoy my shoulder a little, but not to the point of hurting. My right knee ligaments and tendons (I think) were a little strained, but nothing so bad. In other words, no hard runs for me for a while, but gentle training like this morning seems fine. At a park I also tried some bico de papagaio and one-hand cartwheels using my healthy shoulder, and it was fine.
Kaz was pretty quiet the whole time, which surprised me a little. It was a little cold, and I made sure he was well covered, but I was a little concerned. When I had to stop at street lights, I checked his hands and they weren't cold, so I guess he was fine. Hopefully he'll continue to enjoy these outings.
2011/12/11
4:19:03
I'm really happy with this time. While CU did it in just over 3 hours and Jelly My Belly in 4:12, I cut off more than 20 minutes from my previous best time. My shoulder felt fine, but I had periodic spasms in my calves climbing up from about the 19th kilometer. Slimie Limie thought my body might have been compensating for my shoulder, while a friend of CU mentioned it might have been a sodium issue. I think I just took too easy in the last three weeks of training (it is recommended to slack off, maybe I over-slacked).
In any case, I'm very satisfied with my time, even if I secretly hoped to break the 4:15 barrier. I had some nice conversations along the course, saw a family (non runners) with a baby carrier bag I've been eyeing and they told me it was great, and I helped an older gentleman get up after a fall about a hundred meters from the finish. I couldn't ask for more.
In any case, I'm very satisfied with my time, even if I secretly hoped to break the 4:15 barrier. I had some nice conversations along the course, saw a family (non runners) with a baby carrier bag I've been eyeing and they told me it was great, and I helped an older gentleman get up after a fall about a hundred meters from the finish. I couldn't ask for more.
2011/12/08
Jogging Haiku 41: Last Training
Crisp, cool humid air
After the day's long showers,
My shoulder test passed.
I jogged my last run before the Sanjurokumine race. For those who didn't know, I dislocated my shoulder doing capoeira last Sunday. I needed to go for a last run to see how it would feel. The shoulder itself felt fine, but the brace, although tolerable on the 6-7k run I did, would turn very uncomfortable on a longer run, because of the edges. So I think I'll run without it.
Of course, due to this injury, my expectations are nil as far as time is concerned. Finishing might be all I can manage. And if I can reach my original goal of finishing in 4:30:00 or less, I'll be thrilled. As the Japanase like to say to encourage people: fight-o!
After the day's long showers,
My shoulder test passed.
I jogged my last run before the Sanjurokumine race. For those who didn't know, I dislocated my shoulder doing capoeira last Sunday. I needed to go for a last run to see how it would feel. The shoulder itself felt fine, but the brace, although tolerable on the 6-7k run I did, would turn very uncomfortable on a longer run, because of the edges. So I think I'll run without it.
Of course, due to this injury, my expectations are nil as far as time is concerned. Finishing might be all I can manage. And if I can reach my original goal of finishing in 4:30:00 or less, I'll be thrilled. As the Japanase like to say to encourage people: fight-o!
2011/12/06
Bad Luck
Last Sunday was my capoeira group's Batizado & Troca do Cordas, an event where I earned my yellow cord in a good demonstration of my skills, according to my teachers. Sadly, in the open game after, I dislocated my shoulder. Yes, it hurt, of course. But at least it wasn't my legs.
Now, I'm faced with a difficult decision, to join or not the Sanjurokumine race this coming Sunday. I bought a light support yesterday and it seems to be helping. Also, the pain has been subsidizing and although I felt a little hesitant riding my bicycle this morning, it was OK. Running 30km in the mountains is a little different, however. I guess what I'll do is go for a short run tomorrow evening and judge if it is possible or not. I really want to join, even if I can't finish. I didn't do all that training to just let a stupid dislocated shoulder stop me.
As the Japanese like to cheer: FIGHT-O!
Now, I'm faced with a difficult decision, to join or not the Sanjurokumine race this coming Sunday. I bought a light support yesterday and it seems to be helping. Also, the pain has been subsidizing and although I felt a little hesitant riding my bicycle this morning, it was OK. Running 30km in the mountains is a little different, however. I guess what I'll do is go for a short run tomorrow evening and judge if it is possible or not. I really want to join, even if I can't finish. I didn't do all that training to just let a stupid dislocated shoulder stop me.
As the Japanese like to cheer: FIGHT-O!
2011/11/18
Jogging 40: Last Long Training
Hazy orange glow
Chased away by drab grey clouds,
Race against the rain.
(20-25k with steep hills)
Friday morning I went for my last long training before the Kyoto Mountain race. Except for a few drops, the rain didn't start until evening, so I guess I won the race! Wanting to cover a good distance I decided to go from Suma to Shin Kobe on the all-Rokko mountain trail. It didn't get any easier, especially since I was pushing harder than last time, the distance being shorter. It was good training for climbs and descent, but since the Kyoto race is 'easier' to run on, perhaps I should have chosen something closer to the race. Oh well, I'm sure doing something tougher will be useful in the end.
Maybe because of my stronger pace, some of the hills seemed tougher, especially in the beginning. Mt. Kikusui and the climb to Futatabi weren't that hard, even if I had to stop once or twice to catch my breath. Actually, it was the first few hills that seemed tougher, even if I passed a number of hikers of all adult ages. From Futatabi to Shin Kobe, I met a number of students on school outings and groups of disabled people enjoying the beautiful scenery.
By the end of my course, I was starting to have a headache and it stayed with me pretty much all day, followed b a bit of fever. I think it was from dehydration since I drank a lot during throughout the day after and barely went to the washroom. I'll have to be careful the next times.
And when I got back, my registration had come it. I have bib number 2238. Having it completed it in around 4 hours and not having much muscle pain 24 hours later (but stairs are no fun and I live in a 3-story house...), I feel confident I can finish the Kyoto race in 4:30, my objective this year. It'd be nice if I could finish it even faster but I'm not going to make any projections here.
Chased away by drab grey clouds,
Race against the rain.
(20-25k with steep hills)
Friday morning I went for my last long training before the Kyoto Mountain race. Except for a few drops, the rain didn't start until evening, so I guess I won the race! Wanting to cover a good distance I decided to go from Suma to Shin Kobe on the all-Rokko mountain trail. It didn't get any easier, especially since I was pushing harder than last time, the distance being shorter. It was good training for climbs and descent, but since the Kyoto race is 'easier' to run on, perhaps I should have chosen something closer to the race. Oh well, I'm sure doing something tougher will be useful in the end.
Maybe because of my stronger pace, some of the hills seemed tougher, especially in the beginning. Mt. Kikusui and the climb to Futatabi weren't that hard, even if I had to stop once or twice to catch my breath. Actually, it was the first few hills that seemed tougher, even if I passed a number of hikers of all adult ages. From Futatabi to Shin Kobe, I met a number of students on school outings and groups of disabled people enjoying the beautiful scenery.
By the end of my course, I was starting to have a headache and it stayed with me pretty much all day, followed b a bit of fever. I think it was from dehydration since I drank a lot during throughout the day after and barely went to the washroom. I'll have to be careful the next times.
And when I got back, my registration had come it. I have bib number 2238. Having it completed it in around 4 hours and not having much muscle pain 24 hours later (but stairs are no fun and I live in a 3-story house...), I feel confident I can finish the Kyoto race in 4:30, my objective this year. It'd be nice if I could finish it even faster but I'm not going to make any projections here.
2011/11/03
Jogging Haiku 39: Charity
Jog for charity
With my favorite cause of all,
Let's go Kazuma!
(16km, with the baby car)
Today I ran with my son for the Japanese International Food for the Hungry charity group. I had for them a few years back, when they had a different name. Sponsors (and you are not too late...) had the option to give me a fix amount or to donate for every lap around the outer moat of Osaka Castle (3.5km). As everyone gave me a fixed amount and I didn't feel like doing laps around the same course, I decided to jog from my place to the castle and do a symbolic lap around the designated course. To the starting point, the path I took was about 12.5km.
As I crossed the Juso bridge, Kazumax got pretty excited and he remained so until I got to a bakery nearby. After buying some bread there I stopped by my friend Fif's place, he who had given Kaz a present a few weeks after his birth. After a few minutes, off we were towards the Oh river. We went along it until near Osaka castle, passing a number of walkers who had joined some sort of event. After crossing a pedestrian bridge, we were in the castle's park, and a few minutes before getting to the starting point, Kaz got a little fussy. Thanks to a Passe-Partout song he remained calm until we got there. Of course, once there, got excited with everyone talking to him. After talking with a few people, off we were for our lap. Quickly he got fussy again, but luckily the balloon the group had given us kept him entertained. Here are the pictures from the day.
With my favorite cause of all,
Let's go Kazuma!
(16km, with the baby car)
Today I ran with my son for the Japanese International Food for the Hungry charity group. I had for them a few years back, when they had a different name. Sponsors (and you are not too late...) had the option to give me a fix amount or to donate for every lap around the outer moat of Osaka Castle (3.5km). As everyone gave me a fixed amount and I didn't feel like doing laps around the same course, I decided to jog from my place to the castle and do a symbolic lap around the designated course. To the starting point, the path I took was about 12.5km.
As I crossed the Juso bridge, Kazumax got pretty excited and he remained so until I got to a bakery nearby. After buying some bread there I stopped by my friend Fif's place, he who had given Kaz a present a few weeks after his birth. After a few minutes, off we were towards the Oh river. We went along it until near Osaka castle, passing a number of walkers who had joined some sort of event. After crossing a pedestrian bridge, we were in the castle's park, and a few minutes before getting to the starting point, Kaz got a little fussy. Thanks to a Passe-Partout song he remained calm until we got there. Of course, once there, got excited with everyone talking to him. After talking with a few people, off we were for our lap. Quickly he got fussy again, but luckily the balloon the group had given us kept him entertained. Here are the pictures from the day.
2011/10/22
Jogging Haiku 38: Base de Plein Air
Around the barrier
Half trail into the forest,
What fence, officer?
(12-14km, last 3k sprinting)
It was nice to run on roads and paths I walked and rode growing up. Some paths were not were I remembered them, while others were very muddy, and all were beautiful in their fall coats. Great run all around.
Half trail into the forest,
What fence, officer?
(12-14km, last 3k sprinting)
It was nice to run on roads and paths I walked and rode growing up. Some paths were not were I remembered them, while others were very muddy, and all were beautiful in their fall coats. Great run all around.
2011/10/20
Jogging Haiku 37: Mt. Pinacle
Flocks of birds waking
Deer fleeing my intrusion,
Fall call of nature.
(Abt 11km, climbing up Mt. Pinacle)
Away from town at a chalet next to Lyster Lake, I woke up one morning, jogged around the lake to the start of the trail up to the top of Mt. Pinacle. It was pretty muddy, but not impassable. The climb was not so long, and from the top, the view was outstanding. I wish I had my camera with me. It took me a while to find my way down the other side, and when I did, I picked up the pace til the end. All in all, a great outing, with much wildlife encounters.
Deer fleeing my intrusion,
Fall call of nature.
(Abt 11km, climbing up Mt. Pinacle)
Away from town at a chalet next to Lyster Lake, I woke up one morning, jogged around the lake to the start of the trail up to the top of Mt. Pinacle. It was pretty muddy, but not impassable. The climb was not so long, and from the top, the view was outstanding. I wish I had my camera with me. It took me a while to find my way down the other side, and when I did, I picked up the pace til the end. All in all, a great outing, with much wildlife encounters.
2011/10/17
Jogging Haiku 36: Back in Montreal
Jogging new old streets
Red, oranges and yellows
In an autumn dance
(short 30min jog)
I did something I looked forward to, jogging back home. I basically never ran here in Montreal, since I picked up the activity in Japan. Staying at my moms, I'm running new streets as I don't really know the area, but they feel old because of the architecture and especially because of the feeling of nostalgia I get, especially smelling the odor of old leaves in fall. Looking forward to the next runs, which will be at a chalet in the Eastern Townships. Trailrunning here I come!
Red, oranges and yellows
In an autumn dance
(short 30min jog)
I did something I looked forward to, jogging back home. I basically never ran here in Montreal, since I picked up the activity in Japan. Staying at my moms, I'm running new streets as I don't really know the area, but they feel old because of the architecture and especially because of the feeling of nostalgia I get, especially smelling the odor of old leaves in fall. Looking forward to the next runs, which will be at a chalet in the Eastern Townships. Trailrunning here I come!
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