I am a little bit behind this week, its been a little crazy. An anniversary, work, multiple shoots and editing has pretty much been the order of the week. So my post about last weekend is well and truly overdue.
Saturday I did my first fun run since Run Melbourne 5km last winter. I was initially meant to do another 5km but the course was changed so I had the choice of 4km or 8km…of course I wanted to challenge myself and signed up for the 8km. I changed my mind pretty quickly after some really terrible training runs during the week and then seeing the calibre of runners entered in the 8km. Instead I pleaded to be switched to 4km which I am really happy I did in hindsight.
I was not particularly happy with my pace in the end – 27:35 I need to train more to get back to my race pace, unfortunately I am one of those people that running does not come easily to and I have to work really hard to get a good time. Next run is 5km on June 10 
Sunday we took advantage of TO Open Doors, and visited some building that are not normally open to public viewing. We tried to be sensible about what we would be able to achieve in a 5 hour period so only took in a few sites that were easily accessible by public transport (even with the Yonge-University-Spadina line out of action between Bloor and Union Station). Of course I again chose inappropriate footwear (comfortable boots but forgot to put on socks) so we had to cut the day a bit short since I couldn’t really walk and had a developed a blister within a blister on my heel.
I took my Canon 40D and kit lens (17-85mm f4.5-5.6) along which was a bit of a mistake – I missed shooting wide open and forgot that a lot of places would be low light which with the 40D stopping at ISO 1600 was a bit of a bummer. Next time its the 5D MkII and the 24-70mm L f2.8 lens!
In any case, here are some of the photos from the day
Bloor Hot Docs Cinema – Geoff and I are actually going to get membership here as we are both avid documentary watchers. While we were waiting for our tour of the projection room there were previews for documentaries about the Maldives and the man who was exiled before becoming President, the impact of wind farms on communities where turbine space has been rented by land owners, and the rise of Comic Con. Definitely will be having documentary “date nights”
Walking to get breakfast on College St
MaRs Discovery Building – saw some amazing developments in the Canadian Film Centre where brain waves are harnessed to control characters in games to complete set tasks.
I must admit again I was disappointed by the integration of old and new in this building. The facade is a beautiful historic building which has been gutted and replaced with glass.
Walking down University Avenue to the Canada Life Building
Canada Life Building – we could have taken the tour to the 17th floor which apparently offers extensive views of the downtown area, but couldn’t be bothered braving the long lines, that and Geoff and I are both scared of heights
Suprised a squirrel in a rubbish bin, then watched it roll around in the dirt. We are still amazed by every squirrel we see.
Front Street building after exiting Union station
The Design Exchange – originally the Toronto Stock Exchange Building. Loved this building so much that Geoff and I have made a pact that if we ever renew our wedding vows (and have buckets of money) that it would be on the old stock exchange floor.
We missed quite a few places that we will definitely be visiting next year, but it was well worth having a wander around these incredibly interesting buildings and listening to their history.
Only downside is that its much smaller than the Night Markets and virtually no space for seating – I think there were 2 or 3 picnic tables and about 6 bar tables at best. We saw some people bringing portable chairs which was definitely the go so that will be on the list for next year!
