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Week 14 Recap

More nicer weather days = more runs, more April showers = run just as much while planning around it within the week

I managed to keep the same amount of average running distance of 63km per week plus a little bit more. I either rested or simply hit the gym with some mild upper body workout as well as some dreadmill sessions in the days where weather simply sucked. The longer distance runs were evenly distributed throughout the week so that I can thoroughly enjoy the Race Roster Spring Run Off 8k run on the Saturday. Rather than racing compared to two years ago, I had the pleasure this time around to pace my friend and kickstart her year in running on a strong note. (Congrats again Janice! Hopefully this will keep the running momentum going!) Perhaps I should also make visits to High Park more often in the next couple of months to train the uphill in anticipation of my very first ultra 50K this upcoming July as well...

Race Roster Spring Run-Off 2017

WHAT: Race Roster Spring Run Off (previously known as Harry Rosen Spring Run Off)
WHEN: Saturday, April 8, 2017 with start time at 10:00 am
WHERE: High Park, Toronto, Ontario
WHO: Beginners to elites alike
WHY: Spring is officially here and what better way to start things off with a hilly morning run with great encouragement from the local crowd?

Elevation map for the 8km race

If you are looking for a relatively short race with lots of hills and beautiful scenery, then this is for you! I observed that there were some elite runners that was using this race as simulation for steep hill preps for Boston Marathon (based from Instagram). Meanwhile for the rest of us regular civilians, this race presents a formidable challenge to simply #killthehill at the final stretch of the race.

Essentially the route of the run-off is multiple loops around High Park. What separates this from other races is that this is one of many races organized by the great folks at Canada Running Series. This run off, as well as their other races, is well-organized, has lots of volunteers (for packet pick-up, bag check, and water stations), and has great after-finishing activities.

Will I do it again next year and the year after? Chances are... yes and with a desire to hit a personal best from 2015.

What's Next

I officially registered for the North Face Endurance Challenge 2017. The only difference from last to this is an extra 29km within the mountains from Half Marathon distance to a full blown ultra 50k. This would definitely be one of the highlights of this year next to the Niagara Falls International Marathon in October. You can expect a whole lot more weekly updates mentioning training in anticipation for this big trail race ahead in July.

​That's it for now! Cheers, - M.W.