Edmonton Fall Classic 2013 - 30th Year Awesome?

Yesterday Semi-Fast Mike and I ran the Fall Classic.  I've written about this race before here and here, it is a great fall race with a scenic course and a good pancake breakfast after.  I think it was a little more expensive this year though...

My watch was dead when I went to run, so I didn't bother with heart rate but still carried my watch with me so my running form wouldn't change.  It was nice to just be able to run without worrying about timing at all, thought I felt I couldn't ask other people what time it was since I was holding I watch in my hand, and didn't want to seem strange.

I started the race pretty strong, near the back of the field but passed people consistently for the first several miles.  At the out and back SF Mike was only a little way behind, running pretty strong as well.  However, my left foot was starting to go numb and just before the half way point I had to sit down and take my shoe off.  My split time was still 45 minutes, which was pretty good.  The first 10 minutes or so of the second half involved me sitting down and taking my shoe off every little while, but after that I slowed down and sorted the problem out by about 2/3 of the way into the race.  I felt pretty strong the last bit, though in a little pain as always.  I crossed the finish line in just under 1:34, an improvement from last year but short of a PB.  Next year I guess?

After the Fall Classic

Special Medals for 30th Anniversary Run

Run of the Week - Classic River Valley Run From Downtown

In keeping with my ninety minute runs once a week training plan, yesterday I ran with Mike for 90. It was a classic river valley run from his downtown apartment, very scenic with the fall weather and what not. Features of the run:

• lots of solid trail running
• good fall views of the rivers and trees
• ran up the Kinsmen hill
• finished on the legislature steps

River Valley Running Route

View of the University

Running by the River

Thumbs Up in Hawrylak

Mike Finishes Strong at the Legislature

Registered for the Fall Classic

Just before the price jump Mike and I registered for the Fall Classic.  It is the 30th annual race, and it will be the third year in a row I've done it (see here and here)  so it should be a great experience.

I'm not sure what my goal time will be, I was going to try to get a PB but I don't think I'm really in good enough shape too.  I've been running 90 minutes every Sunday but then slacking during the week, only getting in 1 or 2 more runs a week.  It'll be interesting to see what effect that has on my overall time?  Fast Alex is still injured and so sitting this one out, so it isn't quite as competitive an event.

Semi Fast Mike is Also Racing