Training Log Archive: AC

Warm up jog to the start of the Paris Ekiden race next to the Tour Eiffel.

Running the 5th leg for one of three OECD teams in this year's Ekiden race. Had such fun last year and was really looking forward to this year's edition. The atmosphere was excellent - some 1800 teams of 6 people made for a solid crowd. And teh course started right in front of the Tour Eiffel and did a lap of teh bridges up and down the Seine. The 5km runners did one lap while the 10km runners did two laps, with eth last 7.2km leg runners did the 5km with a little extra.

Should have felt fine and raring to go, but was a bit disappointed with the race. Had a hard time getting any speed up and the pace was stuck at around 4.35-4.40/km. I was faster at the parkrun a few weeks ago and I had been hoping for the atmosphere and faster course would mean I could get closer to 22mins. Oh well. It was good fun and I didn't fall apart, so no real drama. The first OECD team came in at 2.50. I can't imagine running a full marathon at that pace, or faster! Our team clocked in at 3.18. Fastest team was 2.14.33 with the second place just 16 seconds behind.

Back at work in Paris. Lunchtime run with Nic, a visiting Canadian on sabbatical at the OECD for a year, working in the Environment Directorate. I knew he was a little quicker than me but I figured a faster run wouldn't hurt and that he would slow down a little for me. Both were correct. Good run but struggled over last couple of km as the pace and jetlag caught up with me.

Second run in Toronto. Dark and cold, but no wind this morning. Took a route through some of the streets and then back via the Waterfront Trail. GPS playing up a bit so the distance is not correct. Good run nonetheless.

In Toronto for work and the 5 hour time zone difference to Paris worked very much in my favour as far as getting out for an early morning run goes. Was wide awake at 5am (which was 10am Paris time) and so didn't feel too sluggish getting out for a run. It was very dark and very cold and very windy as I headed along the famed Waterfront Trail. Stopped to take a few pictures on the way. Quite a few other runners around, including a couple of very skinny speedy blokes who casually cruised past at a rate of knots, chatting away. I kept on slogging along. Great run, but I can't imagine how these folks keep it up during the winter though - it must be bitterly cold out running.

I did manage to wander around the downtown area for a few minutes over lunch and was wondering where all the shops were. Then I realised that there is a massive underground network of malls, connected by tunnels. I suspect that one can go a long way across this part of the city and never have to go to the surface! Perfect for the winters I guess...