ThatRunninGuy

Pumas on the Humber: First Ride in the Faas 500 Running Shoes

2012-01-23T05:38:00.001-05:00

The cliff-side trails hugging the coast south of Coogie Beach, Sydney, Australia are near the top of my list of favourite places to run. That's followed by running along the beach in Negril, Jamaica before the Reggae Marathon each December. Recently though I've 'discovered' the trails along the Humber River in central Etobicoke steps from our new home. I can get to them literally running out the back of the property. That was the site of my first ride in the Puma Faas 500 running shoes and it was fantastic!

With over 30 years of running behind me, I've run in every shoe manufactured and in most of the places I've visited. I've run in Nike way back when the air bags were first out; Reebok's without laces: an air pump to tighten them up; Adidas multiple times; Asics on and off; Mizuno and Brooks of course. I'm not a professional running shoe reviewer so all I can share is my experience in running in them. These are my second pair of Faas 500 running shoes and they delivered on everything I liked about the first pair and more. A fresh layer of snow had fallen the night before my first run in the Puma's. The snow covered paved trail was covered in lightly packed snow and made the footing a little tricky but it was a great run in the new shoes:

I ordered a 1/2 size larger this time to accommodate the running socks. Good call since it's been so cold recently and these have to get me through the winter in Southern Ontario.
The overall design promotes the natural-style forefoot running. I simply don't feel foot fatigue after any length of run.
The toe box of these Puma Faas 500's is a little wider than most shoes and accommodates my wide feet nicely.
For my first run, I found once again that I was extremely comfortable with a nice balance between flexibility and support.
Since it had snowed, I was concerned about traction in the slippy stuff along the uncleared trails. I was pleasantly surprised: the out sole provided a great degree of traction in the snow. I know these are not 'winter shoes' but the rubber compound seems to stay flexible in the cold. We'll see how they hold up in -15 degree Celsius temperatures.
A nice surprise: the shoe laces have some elastic in them. The tighten up very nicely and stay laced up.
I ran mid-morning but I'm sure visibility at night will be excellent since there are reflective bands along the sides of the shoes.

I brought my video camera with me for this first run in the Pumas and shot a few videos of the magnificent trail system that hugs the Humber River. Check out this one and listen to the ducks quacking:

Running along the Humber River may never top Coogie Beach in Australia or Negril beach before the Reggae Marathon in Jamaica but you just never know...

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++
Races for 2012:
Goodlife Fitness 1/2 Marathon, May 6
Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 14
Reggae Marathon, December 1

New running shoe colours for the new year

2012-01-12T12:56:00.002-05:00

And then there were 2. Sally texted me at work yesterday to let me know that the second pair of Puma Faas running shoes I ordered had arrived. I received the first pair, the Faas 300 running shoes last week and had them out for a couple of runs on the weekend. These are the Faas 500 running shoes that will be living alongside them. They replace the Red Faas 500's that were retired after a very, very long run (pardon the pun).

My first run in these will have to wait until the weekend. First, the weather conditions are miserable today and tomorrow with a nasty rain and snow combination and I don't want the first run to be in these sloppy conditions. I know, I know...

The second reason is better; resting to aid recovery of a muscle injury in my left leg. All should be fine by the weekend.

If my previous experience in Puma's provides any indication, I'm expecting a super ride with both of these new ones. I think the first long run on the weekend will be on the trails alongside the Humber River. Next will be new running wear to colour coordinate with the shoes. So vain!

Until next time...
That RunninGuy

++++++++++
Races for 2012:
Goodlife Fitness 1/2 Marathon, May 6
Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 14
Reggae Marathon, December 1

The Puma Faas 300 Running Shoes Arrived!

2012-01-09T06:46:00.001-05:00

Christmas 2011 was a mad blur. We rushed to have the new apartment in Toronto set up enough so that we could enjoy our first Christmas in the new place. We had a family get-together to enjoy on Boxing Day. We celebrated New Year's Eve with friends in St. Catharine at his son's wedding. Oh, and we unpacked boxes and boxes and boxes...we were the 'Recycling Royals' over the Christmas break.

But even with all that activity, the real excitement for me was placing my order online with Puma for new running shoes. Two pairs actually, the Faas 300 and 250 models. Both are lighter and even flashier than the Puma Faas 500 model I spent much of last year running in. Sally asked me if they were bright enough: "they are never bright enough" I joked. She's thrilled the first pair arrived since I've bugged her nearly day with the question, "has the package from Puma arrived yet?" And yes, the bright red pair of extremely well-worn Puma Faas 500 running shoes have finally and deservingly been retired.

"I just love 'em!". Here we are 'opening my present' shortly after the box from Puma arrived:

I've already been out in them for a couple of runs. More about that later.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

The Puma Faas 500 running shoes that get better with age

2012-01-04T13:26:00.002-05:00

I know all the conventions for replacing running shoes:

Replace after 500 miles
Replace when the tread gets worn out
Replace when the mid-sole breaks down

Even after all of that, these Puma 500 Faas running shoes that I got in spring 2011 seem to get better with age. They took me through the Scotiabank Toronto 1/2 Marathon in October and I figured that was it. Then in December at the Reggae Marathon in Jamaica I hauled them out again fully expecting to leave them behind. Heck, I even wore them into the ocean after the Reggae Marathon! Still not done.

Since then I've finally put socks on in deference to the cold temperatures in Toronto and am still running in them. And the really cool thing is that I'm still running comfortably and injury-free!

While these Pumas keep on running, it helps that I'm running in the natural-style, landing lightly on my forefoot with shorter strides. It's not barefoot running and these are not super-minimalist shoes but I guess that has something to do with it.

And while I'd love to keep running in these bright red Pumas, their days are numbered. In fact I'm expecting delivery of 2 new Faas running shoes, the Faas 300 and 250 any day now. Here's a sneak peak at the 300's I'm looking forward to trying out really soon:

In the meantime, here's another look at the running shoes that keep getting better with age:

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

2012 New Year's Resolutions: all about the running!

2012-01-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's all about the running in 2012.

For the first time in all the years I've been running I feel like a 'runner'. I know how that sounds given how much running I've done. And like all good things, it took an injury in 2009 combined with a tough Reggae Marathon that December to force the change.

Looking forward to 2012 I mentioned to Sally on the weekend that I'm actually neutral toward the new year. Most years I've written down resolutions and things I want to do and that's been great. For this year though I didn't feel the need to start the year with a tight list. I can hear my Dad's words ringing in my ear, "Planning?...I just go with the flow". You know I'll never be able to truly embrace that fully but maybe, just maybe being more flexible will be a good thing. So for 2012, it's all about the running and some of the things I want to explore:

I want to keep running for as long as I can. That means marathons and certainly ultra marathons are not on the plan. I know Sally will appreciate that. Instead I plan more 1/2 marathons and 10K races in 2012. Easier to train for, just as challenging and they don't leave me drained. For 2012 I am thinking of the Goodlife Fitness 1/2 Marathon in the spring, the Scotiabank 1/2 Marathon in the fall and the 10K at the Reggae Marathon December 1 in Jamaica.
I like running to raise money for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario. With all our family members who have succumbed to strokes and heart disease, I'll keep fund raising as long as I can put one foot in front of the other. So far in 3 years of fund raising, I've topped $10,000. I plan to continue in 2012. Details of the Run for Heart Campaign will be out later in 2012.
Running has brought our family together and that's been a nice surprise. Court and I ran the 1/2 Marathon at Reggae Marathon in 2009, Andrew, Court and I (along with Amy) ran the Scotiabank 1/2 Marathon last fall and Andrew, Court, Sulleh ran in the Reggae Marathon last December. I hope to keep running with them in 2012 and beyond.
Now that Sally and I in our new apartment in Toronto, I've got to find a place to hang my wet running gear. It's a BIG apartment but her patience will only go so far. I'm open to suggestions.

So that's it for 2012. I figure that should be enough to keep me busy.

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

Merry Christmas from ThatRunninGuy

2011-12-25T07:45:00.001-05:00

I have a lot to be thankful for in 2011. While it was a year of ups and downs, on the whole it was a year of working successfully through transitions. The trip to Negril, Jamaica in early December to run in my 3rd Reggae Marathon event capped it off nicely:

I've got a great wife and I'm very, very thankful for that. She supports not only me but our four sons in virtually everything we do. I wouldn't be here without her.
And speaking of the sons: Andrew, Court, Holden and Michael who as they grow into fine young adults continue to delight and surprise. I had the chance to run with them in two events in 2011 (the Scotiabank Toronto 1/2 Marathon and the Reggae Marathon) and even though they ran ahead of me, I was totally thrilled.
We celebrated the life of Sally's Mom who passed away at age 91 in November. She was both motivation and inspiration for me. She will not be forgotten.
Sally and I made the successful transition from Wasaga Beach back to Toronto in mid-December. After nearly 6 years of 2 city living, we decided to simplify. The transition to life in the Kingsway went very smoothly...even Tia has handled it well.
Work was also something to celebrate in 2011. Being able to use my years of experience in marketing and advertising in social media is something I am truly thankful for.

As I look ahead to 2012 I can only imagine what's in store. And since I am an incurable optimist, I am looking forward to great things.

Merry Christmas!

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

V for fund raising victory in Reggae Marathon 2011

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

The V indicates ultimate victory in the 2012 Run for Heart campaign for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Yes I ran the races (and got shot at by the kids at the Paint Attack Paintball event earlier this year) but it was well worth it! The original goal was $2,000 in 2011 and with your generous donations we hit $2,100! Thank you all so very much for your donations and support.

The really cool part about this though is that over the past 3 years, you have contributed $10,000 for the Canadian Diabetes Association and the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Now that is a real triumph!!

There have been a number of events:

Paint Attack: my sons and their friends get together late summer at Wasaga Beach Paintball to...shoot me! Really we take advantage of their huge and varied outdoor paintball facility to play a number of games.
Quilt for Heart: Sally the quilter made a special quilt last year that we auctioned off
Marathon, 1/2 Marathon and 10K runs: Reggae Marathon 3 times, Toronto 1/2 marathons multiple times working through a year long foot injury injury in 2011 with the help of barefoot training and the best pair of running shoes I have run in, the Puma Faas 500's in the picture above. The Puma's have been retired now but are soon to be replaced with a new pair.
Ride for Heart: In the rain last year I powered through the Becel Ride for Heart a 50 K ride along the Gardner Expressway and up the Don Valley Parkway. The ride up was tough but let me assure you the blast back was exhilarating and worth the ride.

Another big deal was that I got to run with two of my sons. It actually started in 2010 at the Reggae Marathon when Court and I ran the 1/2 Marathon together. Yes, he helped his 'old man along'. Then this past fall Court, Andrew, Amy and I ran in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon. And finally, Andrew, Court and Mike and I ran in both the Reggae Marathon 1/2 Marathon and 10K. Who knew they were such avid runners. Thanks guys.

With Christmas 2011 around the corner it's time to celebrate. Enjoy the season. Here's to 2012.

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++
Photograph courtesy of Karen Fuchs Photography

Reggae Boyz in Jamaica for Reggae Marathon 2011

2011-12-08T03:20:00.001-05:00

Thankfully it was dark when I ran the 10K at the Reggae Marathon last week in Negril, Jamaica. I know that sounds crazy but let me explain.

I sweat a lot when running. The temperature has nothing to do with it actually, I sweat in the cold winter temperatures in Canada just as much as in the summer. While it's a great way to loose weight quickly, it poses a special challenge in a race like Reggae Marathon where even at the 5:15 am start it is a comfortable mid-20's Celsius.

So there I was at about Mile 2 running along smoothly when I realized that the technical running shirt wasn't doing it's job. Court and Andrew in the photo above had the right idea. So not wanting to repeat the overheating issue from last year's Reggae Marathon, I went totally against the grain and took my shirt off!

For the next 3 1/2 miles I ran shirtless figuring that it was dark and that no one would notice. It worked. Thankfully there were no pictures...wait, I did hear one lady shout out, "nice pecs" or was that my imagination?

I remain humbled by the three Reggae Boyz above. Without me asking or prodding, they made the trek to Jamaica to participate in the Reggae Marathon. I will never be able to fully express how special you made it for my by coming down. Thank you so very much!

Reggae Marathon = Negril, Jamaica Beach Vacation + Run + Coconut Water + Cold Red Stripe Beer!

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Caught lying down after Reggae Marathon 2011

2011-12-03T17:07:00.001-05:00

After completing the 10K in the Reggae Marathon this morning and before having my first Red Stripe beer, Gina Harrison of Reggae Marathon caught this picture of me taking a picture of me taking picture of a runner relaxing beside the pile of discarded coconuts. That's the true story and I'm sticking to it.

It really was a magnificent Reggae Marathon event today in Negril. As you know by now I had a delay in getting to Negril and only arrived Friday night at 7 pm at the Pasta Party in time to fill up on pasta for Saturday's race. Both Andrew and Court ran the 1/2 marathon and they had fantastic results! These boys can run! They placed 31 and 45th overall in the entire field of 1/2 marathon runners and it's only the second time they have run the distance. I am tremendously proud of them. And their good friend Mike who ran the 10K with me also did really well. Mike, great job.

The best part of the Reggae Marathon is not the coconuts, Red Stripe beer or even the swim in the ocean immediately after the race. The best part is what the four of us did back at the hotel: hanging out on lounges 10 feet from the gently beating surf on the white sand of Negril. Now that's Reggae Marathon.

The absolutely best part of the experience is the result of the Run for Heart campaign: with the generous donation yesterday, we topped out at $2,050...over the target. It is simply not possible for me to describe my feelings at the generosity and support that you all showed toward this campaign. I know I ran the distance in the Toronto 1/2 Marathon and the Reggae Marathon but it was because I was carried on your shoulders. Thank you.

Until next time...
ThatRunninguy

Daylight come and me wanna go run the Reggae Marathon

2011-12-02T07:20:00.001-05:00

Enough talk, it's time to go running!

After a small delay this week, I'm off to Negril, Jamaica for Reggae Marathon 2011 this morning. Didn't sleep a wink last night...I felt like a kid on Christmas Eve. Come to think of it, Reggae Marathon is a great way to kick off the Christmas season. And since I arrive in time to go directly to the Reggae Marathon Pasta Party tonight, I'll do my best to sleep on the plane because I know there will be precious little sleep tonight. It is a 5:15 am race start after all.

The wackiest thing about today is the staggered arrivals of Andrew, Court and I. Andrew and his friend arrive at 2:20 pm; Court arrives at 3:20 pm and I arrive at 4:20 pm. Whew! Next year we will have to plan this much better. The important thing though is that we all connect this evening at the Couples Swept Away Sports Complex for the Pasta Party. Carbo loading here we come!

The really good news is on the Heart & Stroke Foundation fund raising campaign. I'm up to $1,800 for the Run for Heart campaign. Thank you everybody for your generous donations and support. But don't be shy: there is still time to donate. Just click on this link, Run for Heart to make a donation now. I'd love to get back from Jamaica having met my goal of raising $2,000 for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario.

Anyway, gotta go now...boarding shortly for Jamaica and Reggae Marathon 2011!

Until next time...

ThatRunninguy

Sunny and warm for next Saturday's Reggae Marathon

2011-11-27T08:30:00.001-05:00

The forecast in Negril, Jamaica next Saturday for Reggae Marathon 2011 will be virtually ideal for both running and vacationing: 27 degrees Celsius. And do we ever have a special run ahead of us!

I arrive in Negril this Wednesday and have the advantage of a couple of pre-Reggae Marathon running days to help get used to the temperature. Andrew, Court and their friend Mike arrive Friday evening just in time for the Pasta Party at Couples Swept Away Sporting Complex. Then it's off to our hotel, Rondel Village, a small boutique-style place a mile or so away from the start.

Next Saturday morning around 4 am we'll walk and jog over to the start at Long Bay Beach Park for the on-time Reggae Marathon race start at 5:15 am. Court and Andrew are running the 1/2 Marathon and Mike and I are doing the 10K.

This is my third trip to Negril for the Reggae Marathon and after this I will have completed all three events: The full marathon, 1/2 marathon and 10K. I will have the full set of finisher medals. I guess next year I'll have to work my way back up through the distances. If I do that, my 2nd full Reggae Marathon would happen at age 55 in 2013. Hmmmmm, I wonder if there is any significance in that?

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Retiring my 1st Puma Faas 500 Running Shoes after Reggae Marathon

2011-11-24T07:44:00.001-05:00

They have been a lifesaver these first pair of Puma Faas 500 running shoes. Coming off a nagging long-term foot injury, these shoes helped me make the successful transition to forefront or 'natural-style' running. And after the Reggae Marathon next Saturday in Negril, Jamaica I'll retire them. But not to worry, guess what I asked for from Sally for Christmas. Now if only I can decide on the colour. Should I stay with red or go to the gorgeous black and green?

Here is my ode to my well worn Puma Faas 500 running shoes.

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

Today is not the day I no longer run!

2011-11-18T12:23:00.001-05:00

I know one day I will not be able to run. On that day Sally will make sure that I take up swimming, cycling or walking.

I'm not afraid of that day...it just happens that today is not that day!

I got this quote from Gibson's Daily Running Quotes and just loved it. You can find them on Twitter and Facebook. I follow them on Twitter and am a fan on Facebook and on the mornings when I am not motivated to run, they get me up and out. Check them out at the links above.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Running to keep hearts beating

2011-11-17T04:35:00.001-05:00

I run to stay healthy both mentally and physically. At least that's what I say in public. The truth is that I run because it is the only way I can get people to stop smoking and take care of their heart. It really sucks to loose someone to heart disease or stroke. Last week I lost someone I love, my Mother-in-Law, Elizabeth Puodziukas. She was 91 years old and experienced more in those years than any of us will ever experience in ours. From the horrors and trials escaping from Lithuania on foot at the height of World War II as a 20 year old to building a new life in Canada in the wilds of Northern Ontario, she did it without hesitation. As Sally said so touchingly last Sunday, "Over her 91 years and 16 days her heart beat nearly 3 Billion times and each one with love". We miss you!

Elizabeth, this run's for you: Reggae Marathon 2011!

Please don't just read this blog post and move on. Take a moment to make a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Click this link, Run for Heart. Help me keep hearts beating.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Interval Training Explained

2011-11-10T20:07:00.001-05:00

One of the toughest things I have learned to embrace in my training is running intervals. Olympian Carrie Tollefson who I met at Reggae Marathon in 2010 does a nice job in this video of explaining how to do it and the benefits. If you're a long-time runner like me who slips in a rut every once in a while, interval training will lift you out.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

The first Reggae Marathon beach run!

2011-11-02T12:57:00.001-04:00

December 1, 2011.

7 am.

This is the view I'll be facing for my first run on the beach in Negril just ahead of the Reggae Marathon Dec 3.

We're staying at Rondel Village this year. We've never stayed there before but are looking forward to it. It's a small boutique hotel directly on the Negril beach about 1 1/2 miles from the start of Reggae Marathon. That will make for a nice warm up walk early Saturday morning before the 5:15 am start.

The big decision for this first run is barefoot or shoes? On one hand I have been running in minimalist shoes from Puma (Puma Faas 500's) and have made the transition successfully to forefoot running so a barefoot run on the sand would be fun. On the other hand, I don't want to risk an injury 2 days before the Reggae Marathon. I'll let you know after.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

"Morales rumbled 39 yards for a touchdown"

2011-10-31T14:12:00.004-04:00

Holden, the youngest in the family isn't one of the long distance runners in the family. But he is not to be beat over 40 yards with his explosive power, acceleration and speed. This past Saturday I caught the Acadia Axemen game streamed live from Antigonish, Nova Scotia. I was the 'super proud' Dad cheering at the computer while watching the game. Here are some pictures of Holden in action:

Breaking a tackle...check out his left foot shoe!

Touchdown!

Oh, and there was some defense as well.

Holden, only 9,990 meters to go to make it through a 10K with me.

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

11th Reggae Marathon set for Dec 3

2011-10-30T14:23:00.001-04:00

Still one of the world's best. And for good reason:

1. Reggae Marathon is super well organized and starts right on time at 5:15 am

2. Aid stations at every mile.

3. Reggae Music at every aid station.

4. Water and hydration available at every aid station in unique plastic pouches

5. Fresh cut coconuts, cold Red Stripe beer and a swim in the warm Caribbean at the end.

Do I need to say more? Actually, don't just take my word for it. Check out this link for the word from the Jamaica Observer about Reggae Marathon:11th Reggae Marathon set for Dec 3

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

(Note: Photo is of the Registration Area at the Couples Swept Away Sporting Complex...also site of the Reggae Pasta Party Friday night before the race. Courtesy of Errol Anderson Photography)

100% chance of perspiration

2011-10-29T16:53:00.001-04:00

This is our motto for Reggae Marathon 2011 Dec 3 in Negril, Jamaica. First the 5:15 am start, then the coconut water and Red Stripe at the finish. Thanks to my very good friend Tim Tobias for designing poster. It nails it!

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

The fourth runner in the family

2011-10-28T11:52:00.003-04:00

She may not be a distance runner but in a sprint she is hard to beat. Yes, this is Tia our Yorkie in full stride. Approaching 9 years old now but she still loves to run.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Running on the beach

2011-10-26T18:41:00.000-04:00

I've had a blast running on the hard packed sand of Wasaga Beach. It's where I re-learned to run this summer after nearly a year dealing with a plantar fasciitis injury in my right foot.

There is one catch though. Running on Wasaga beach only works in the summer. The ice and snow that jams Southern Georgian Bay over the winter cannot be navigated safely.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Morales X 3 at Reggae Marathon 2011

2011-10-23T05:17:00.000-04:00

And then there were 3...

With the recent success in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, the MoralesMen have decided to travel to Jamaica for Reggae Marathon 2011 December 3. Court and Andrew have booked their tickets and arrive Friday night just in time for the fabulous Reggae Marathon Pasta Party at the Couples Swept Away Sporting Complex. Both are running the 1/2 Marathon and it will be a thrill for me shortly after 7 am on Saturday morning when they cross the finish line together. Even though both are super competitive, the opportunity for a photo finish will be too hard for them to resist.

I've watched with pride all my son's grow into fine young men. Holden the youngest is currently at Acadia University tearing it up on the football field in his final year of playing university football. Michael is in the early stages of his career and has proudly set up his home in Kitchener where he is also knocking it out of the park at his company. And ask him a question about baseball...he'll have the answer.

On December 3 this year make sure you log on to Facebook or the Reggae Marathon web site to follow our progress in Reggae Marathon 2011.

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

Just another Sunday morning run in Toronto

2011-10-17T18:09:00.002-04:00

I ran for a lot of reasons this past Sunday at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. And despite the cold headwind for the first 6 miles and the screw up at the baggage check at the end, it was a fantastic day!

First I ran to see if I could actually complete a 1/2 marathon race. Since the plantar fasciitis injury from August 2010, running has been tough. I took nearly 4 months off this winter and only got back to serious and regular running late summer when I went 'natural': barefoot running on the hard-pack sand of Wasaga Beach then natural-style running with the Puma Faas 500's. Since then I can thoroughly and enthusiastically recommend natural-style running. I made it through the race on Sunday with a strong finish. Sally really appreciated that.

Second, I got to run with my kids. OK, that's a bit of a misnomer...they were well ahead of me but we were in the same race. That kept me moving at a good pace and helped 'the old man' achieve a really great time especially after a coming off a serious injury. And Andrew even made the news on this web site:

$1,190. That is the amount of donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation that I've raised so far this year. It's the most important reason I ran this past weekend. Thank you!

Sally, the kids and I have experienced heart disease and stroke in our families: her older brother passed away from a stroke, my Dad from a heart attack. We miss them. As long I can put one foot in front of the other I'll keep running to raise money to help with research, education and treatment.

And this year's campaign is not over. We're heading to Negril, Jamaica for the Reggae Marathon on December 3. There's a good chance Andrew, Court and I will get to run again in Negril. I'm so proud of their support.

Run for Heart is still accepting donations. Just click on that link that takes you directly to the secure donation site.

Finally, a super BIG thanks to Sally for 'freezing her ___ off' on Sunday to take these great pictures of us at the finish of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Thank you!! What would we do without the 'Official Photographer?" Here's one more picture with all of who ran: 'The Old Man', Andrew, Court and Amy.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Watch out for the Red Puma's at Scotiabank Toronto 1/2 Marathon!

2011-10-12T16:42:00.002-04:00

Even with the thousands of runners expected at this Sunday's Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon it will be easy to spot me with these bright red Puma Faas 500 shoes. I got them earlier this year and with the adjustment to a mid-foot running style am running stronger and faster than ever. That could all be in my mind however...Sunday's finish time will tell. In the meantime, here's what to look out for:

And watch for them as well at the Reggae Marathon this December 3 in Negril, Jamaica. The spirit of Usain Bolt...and the finish line coconut water, Red Stripe and ocean swim...bodes well for a personal best.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Reggae Marathon: Tears mixed with Sweat

2011-10-06T15:16:00.000-04:00

Can you say, "Glad that's over?"

After 26.2 miles along the Norman Washington Manley from Negril to Green Island and back, crossing the finish line of the Reggae Marathon at Long Bay Beach Park was bittersweet. On one hand I had finally completed my unfinished marathon and on the other hand "I HAD COMPLETED THE REGGAE MARATHON!!!". Tears mixed with sweat! Then the coconut water, Red Stripe and dive into the warm Caribbean! 57 days to go to Reggae Marathon 2011.

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy