Joggling the Longboat 10K, again

This year, the Longboat Toronto Island races were held later in September so as not to coincide with the Virgin Festival. It was a perfect day for running -- fairly cool and overcast, with a nice breeze. I joggled the 10K in an attempt to break my own record of 36:27. I was on pace, but had to stop and tie my shoelace around the halfway mark, finishing in 36:50.

This Sunday, I'm racing the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (no joggling this time) dressed as Tom Longboat. I haven't done any long runs, so the results could be disastrous.

Note to self: bring beanbags nex time

If you're trying to set a world record for joggling, don't forget your balls.

I discovered this the hard way on the ferry ride on the way to the Longboat Toronto Island Race. Dianne and I had successfully packed up the whole family for the day out, including raincoats, sweaters, snacks and drinks. But I forgot three important items: my Sport Juggling Co. Sportball beanbags.

"D'oh!" I said.

"Maybe you could use apples," Dianne suggested.

Sadly, the apples weren't going to cut it for a new 10K joggling world record, so I ended up running it as a normal runner. It was a tough adjustment and I ended up finishing fourth in 35:00, three minutes slower than my PB, but a good effort.

Ed Whitlock was there, but didn't race because of a knee problem. In fact, he's not running the Toronto Waterfront Marathon either. Ed did tell me that his knee issue comes and goes and he is back running again, just not ready to race. I'm sure he'll be back soon enough to set some more 75+ age-group records. I needed a gimmick to set world records, Ed is just pure guts, speed and endurance.

Up next for me: On Tuesday morning, I'll be joggling my final super-mega long run before the marathon.