One-way trip

Goal 1: Long run.
Goal 2: To surprise my parents for lunch.

Groaned as I checked the temp this morning at 8:15. It was 24C (75F) and rising, due to hit 36C (but it'll feel like 39C)... Already felt behind schedule for the last Long Run before the "official" start of training (two days to go!).

Did a morning read-in of Yumke , who posted a truly inspirational piece yesterday titled "Winners and losers". Go check it out, if you need a pick-me-up, a little support, a reminder that you are not alone in the quest. I couldn't have said it myself. It sure helped me tie up my shoes a bit faster this morning.

Cursed my new sandals that are breaking in, and breaking into my skin on the sides of both feet. Slapped some bandaids on and grabbed a couple of extra to pack with cellphone, bottle of water, lip balm, and C$20 for food, water, and a subway token home. Strapped iPod to arm. Off I went.

Wall of heat as soon as I stepped outside. This wasn't going to be pretty. Undaunted, I started with a walk and headed towards the Don River. Today I was going to follow the river, northbound on the trail, one of my favorite biking routes.

I seemed to remember a lot more trees, partly why I chose this route today -- to stay cool and out of the sun. Not so. Not as many trees as I thought. At least not overhanging the trail. No matter. Kept going. Around Kilometer 7, Eminem told me "You can do anything you set your mind to, man" ... from that 8 Mile soundtrack, and I found a little bit more strength to keep going.

At Kilometer 8.5, called my parents. Told them I was on my way to Serena Gundy Park, which is often where our family would start our all-day bike rides. Naturally, they thought I was on my bike. I said, no, I am on foot. They think I'm a little crazy.

A kilometer later, I had a mini-shower at this fountain, the first one I found on this trail. I made a mess, splashing water on my face, over my head, arms. My eyes stung a little because of the sweat. I felt so much better.

But I had trouble with the next couple of kilometers. My energy was depleting quickly -- I made a mental note to start figuring out which gels are going to work for me -- and the sun was beating down. I passed a group of runners who were clearly training for something and for a cause because I recognized their t-shirts from pamphlets I'd seen at other races. Shot them an encouraging smile.

Nearing the end of this run, I passed a party that was in the midst of being set up in the big park. A grand BBQ. I looked at the truck with the goods and recognized the signage as a company I may soon call to cater my wedding (June 2007).

Arrived at end point, 12.03K (according to Gmaps satellite mapping, not the Garmin that Yumke will probably offload onto me soon) Found another fountain. Made another mess, then flopped on the ground to stretch. That group of runners that I had passed some 20 minutes earlier, had looped back, and were taking water too. I was in the middle of some intense yoga stretches. When I got out of the pigeon pose, I asked them what they were training for. They belong to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training, and if I heard them correctly, they were signed up for the Toronto marathon, or going to the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco (which is the same day as Chicago's ... is it too early to start thinking about 2007? I haven't been to SF in nearly three dog years) and someone mentioned Dublin, Ireland. Told them I'm headed to Chicago. We wished each other well and they continued on their merry ways.

My parents finally rescue me at the park and take me for lunch; a meal of congee, smoky noodles (or more commonly known as beef ho fun), and rice noodle-wrapped fried dough.

Then they dropped me off at the subway.


Weekly tally: 29.83K (up 39 percent from prior week)
Training-to-date: 102.08K (yay, I broke the century mark!)