Cay Compass Joggling Report

Here's a report frm the Caymanian Compass on my half-marathon joggle at the Cayman Islands Marathon. (Photo: Shurna Robbins, CayCompass)

Cayman Islands Marathon

Last week, I was probably the first-ever person to joggle on the Cayman Islands. I joggled the half-marathon on Sunday, finishing in third place overall with a time of 1:27. I was originally planning to do the full marathon, but changed my mind at the last minute. The big challenge for the half was that it started at 5 a.m., which meant I was juggling the whole thing in the dark -- and some section were very dark. I dropped about 15 times. It was about 26 C on the course, plus humidity, which was a shock to my system. It was snowing in Toronto when I left.

The Cayman Islands Marathon is an excellent running tourism destination. The organizers work really hard to put on a quality event, and generally treat the runners like gold. Plus, once you're finished your race, there are so many things do to on the island of Grand Cayman. My personal trip highlight swimming with rays at Stingray City, a sandbank off the north end of the island, where friendly stingrays nuzzle up to snorkellers. Cayman looks just like it does on the postcards -- stunning.

A Royal Joggle

My trip to Victoria, B.C. was a grand success. The Royal Victoria Marathon is a first-class event, with a gorgeous, scenic route. I joggled a relaxed 3:12. doing tricks almost the whole way. I wasted a lot of energy laughing. After stopping at the Hash House Harriers tent for some beer, my drop rate increased dramatically. The day before the race, the Victoria Times-Colonist ran a story on my joggling, and the next day I became known as "that guy on A3." Here is a photo on flickr (thanks Perry) I don't look very happy here, but I think the sun was in my eyes. Here's a good roundup of the race, but it says my joggling record is 2:15 -- now that would be an impressive record.

Canadian Running Magazine's expo booth was hopping. At times, we could barely keep up with the demand for new subscribers. It's great to see Canadians supporting a Canadian running magazine.

Up next, I have a tough assignment joggling the Cayman Islands Marathon on Dec. 7.