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Quick Thought: I will be fast, I will be strong. I will beat my marathon PB at least twice in 2010 ...read more

Chilly Willy Half Marathon 2009 - Race Report

You heard it her first - I have a strange skill.

 

What is this strange skill you ask? The ability to run a long race on the same course for the same amount of time as the previous year. It happened first this year at the Goodlife Marathon, where I ran 3:35:02 for the 2nd consecutive year. Not intentionally I swear, not even while looking at my watch and altering my pace in the slightest.

 

This weekend, it happened again. I did not look at my watch the entire race. I decided since I was tired from Saturday's 8k XC race, that fatigue would be a factor and that I would just run as hard as I thought I could handle and see where it gets me. Sure enough, I headed to the finish area, around the final turn and boom, the clock read 1:34:xx. I immediately thought it was similar to last year and had a little chuckle. Anita pointed out after the race that it was exactly the same as last year. 1:34:41 -Weird.

 

Anyway, as I mentioned, I ran this race without a real goal, just the hopes that I could run around 1:35:00 on tired legs. The weather was near perfect, a bit chilly (ironically) and no wind. By km 3 I threw off my hat and gloves with intentions to grab them later on, and was glad I ended up choosing to stay in shorts.

 

At 5k, I was in 26th spot (I counted the runners passing me by on the 5k turnaround point. I made a point to aim at top 20. After 3k, I had been in about 35th but quickly got by many runners who started out way too fast.

 

The course is very convoluted. We first run a loop by the waterfront, part of the Mississauga Marathon finish, then head out to a street that leads to more run/bike trails, where we head back to do the first loop again, continuing on to do a different loop bythe waterfron (close to the water by the Mississauga Marathon post race food area.

 

After that loop we repeated what we'd already run. I find it hard to repeat a section of a course as you are covering ground that eralier, did not feel that hard. Now I was tired and having to do it again. It was nice to pass by Anita a few times as we looped back. According to post race Garmin watch analysis, I did the first 10K in 44:26, the 2nd 10k in 45:30 and the final 1.1 km in 5:50. Pretty decent times for old tired legs. I didn't really expect to do this well. It definitely made up for the dissapointing finish the day before.

 

22nd overall, out of about 100, but 8th in my 40+ age category so we avoided heading back to the Mississauaga Canoe club for post race festivities as there would be no medal for me this year. The race had about 40 more runners this year, unfortunately a lot of them strong 40+ runners!

 

As for Anita, I will let her tell her own story. It is an interestinf one. Watch the Froum for her remarks.

 

No races this weekend...thankfully, I need a rest!

National XC Masters Chamionships - Race Report

Funny enough, my first crack at an official Ontario Masters race was for the National Championships. How did I  manage to qualify for the National Championships?

I didn't qualify, but this race, held in Guelph, was also open to all Ontario Masters registered runners. Since I recently registered as an official Ontario Track and Field Association athlete, I was anxious to get out there and run. I have also been excited to try my hand, er, legs at a Cross Country event, especially after seeing Sarah and Cam run their XC races.

Now, as I mentioned, I was in a tough field, among some very strong runners and my only goal was  not to finish last, or rather last in my age group.

This event, which I originally thought was a 5k race turned out to be 8k. No a huge deal but I had to reassess my strategy. Well, not really, I just planned to test out the waters and see what it was like to run on grassy trails, up and down hills completely expecting it to be a half hour of pain.




And that it was, 4 loops of a 2k route that started on the higher ground for the first km and headed downhill to the 2nd km where it rolled up and down before looping back a long uphill to the start/finish area. The hills were not good to me as I had yet to purchase spikes and had a hard time gripping the ground, and as well, my hamstring still does not like climbing hills, something that I normally have  no issues with. I also ran the first loop too fast which made the final 3/4 of the race rough.

Loop 2 was spent trying to recover from the fast loop 1 and I got passed by several people ... with ages posted on our backs, I was humbled by being passed by several '45' and '50' category runners not all whom were male. These were strong runners.

Loop 3 had me wondering what I was doing there and not sure if there was even anyone behind me anymore! I caught a glimpse through the trees and realized I was not last. I actually passed a couple of people at the end of loop 3 and set my sights on a couple more.

Despite running the final loop almost as fast as loop 1 I was unable to catch more than one person, and I finished 10 seconds behind a guy in my age group that turned it on as I approached him.




I finished the 8km course in 34:52, a fair bit slower than I would have run a flat road race in but pretty satisfying based on a few concerns that I had, such as many late nights in a row this week, off to work early every day and terrible pre-race Friday night (beer, wine and dinner consisting of only cheese and crackers!)

I was 26/27 in my age group and 129 of 167 overall. I know I can do better than this but it will take a bit more discipline to get there. Next year, maybe less focus on marathons and more focus on shorter distances. We'll have to see how it goes.

For now, it was a joy to be a part of this racing community.

The remainder of the day was spent recovering and getting ready for the weekend's 2nd event, The Chilly Willy Half Marathon....race report coming soon!

Hannukah Hustle 2009 - Race Report

I went into this race, somewhat tired, unsure of my 5k fitness level. I know I am in decent marathon shape but the 5K can be a bitch, a tough race where you really need to hurt from start to finish in order to beat your best times. I have been so close several times to going under 20 (recent times of: 20:21, 20:14, 20:09, 20:09, 20:41) and I always finish thinking could I have not just pushed a bit harder in the final kilometre?

I thought I'd just go out on the appropriate pace and see what happens. I never did start my watch so I just followed my Pace readout and tried to constantly keep it under the 4 minutes per km I needed to reach my goal. I also had the joy of using Sarah as a guide as I knew she;d be in front and just tried to keep her within site. Last year, same race, we turned around at 5k and I let her go thinking I would not be able to maintain the pace and I finished 20:21. This year, same spot I decided to be strong and stick with it. I momentarily entertained the idea of saying Iwas done, no shame, run it in easy. After all, Iam not far removed from 4 marathons in a 36 day time frame, who would fault me?

Me, that's who. I'd be my own worst critic. Plough through Dave, plough through.

As we headed back on this out and back route, i saw Cam, and cheered him on, which also gave me a boost. he was not that far behind!. I saw Anita, further back than I thought she'd be. Turned out Josh's back had spasm-ed and she stopped to help him out and find a vehicle to take him back to the start. Such a shame.

I started using the old, reel 'em in technique and managed to pass a few people in the 2nd half. Occasional glances at my watch readouts were saying I was close, always reading either 3:55 - 4:05 occasionally a bit slower so I was concerned that I had not banked enough time on the initial downhill start. I got to 4km sign, 1 to go, did I have enough energy left in me for one more sub 4 minute kilometre? I had to try, I wasn't sure of my time so I just decided to give it a shot and finish as strong as possible. Then the hill, that damn hill. I just put myhead down (not the right form I know) and barreled through. I slowed slightly, as you do uphill at the end of a 5k race. I wanted to remain close enough to Sarah to hear them call out her name if she were to finish top female again. I heard nothing, but as I got within sight of the finish I heard them call the guy in front of me and thought they may have said "... in a time of 20 something" What? I missed again? I almost slowed in frustration but instead ran through the finish and glanced over at the clock....19:55...I did it. And today, I am more sore than after the marathons. A bit of a shock to the fast twitch muscle fibres!

I felt as relieved after this one as I have after any marathon. I found Sarah and we congratulated each other. She was 3rd female in a personal best time of 19:27...awesome. We turned around in time to see Cam, only 97 seconds behind me, 21:32...sick. Too bad Josh got hurt and couldn't finish. it would have been nice to see him cross that line too. Thanks to Anita for taking care of him and sacrificing what would most likely have been her best 5K time.

Next week, we do it all again, in what will be the last 'race' of the year. We will run the Santa Jingle and Resolution Runs for fun, but next weekend is a weekend of tough racing again. Sunday is the Chilly Willy half marathon in Mississauga. Another small but well run event. Saturday we head to Guelph for my first race as an official Masters Runner for Ontario Track and Field Association. It is also a 5k, but it isa Cross Country Race, no high hopes of another sub 20! I am looking forward to it though. Sunday's HM should prove to be a tough one the day after a 5k....no partying next weekend for me!

Quad Factor 2009 - Race Report

36 days of madness - in a nutshell

Day 1

Event: September 27 - Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon

Goal: 3:59:59 (4 hour pace bunny)

Result: 3:59:53  Goal Achievement Rating: 99%

Event rating: (out of 10) Start/Finish Area - 6, Route - 8, Organization - 8, Race Kits/Shirts - 7, Expo - 8, Overall - 7.5

Summary:

I originally set this out to be my season goal race, then take the following 2 weeks off and run the Goodlife, Niagara and Hamilton marathons as a pace bunny or just for fun but after taking some time to recover following the 50K Ultra at the end of June, my training had lapsed and that was compounded by the distractions of new home renovations. It seemed like using Scotia and the following 2 weekends as training runs was a better call. Fortunately for me I got in as a pace bunny for Scotia because Asics was the sponsor and we got lots of swag, or sccchhwag. Can't beat free shoes, shorts, shirts, hats and socks as well as the opportunity to get more for closest bunny to their goal time. The time goal was met and I was closest without going over which should have won it for me but a bunny running the 1:45 half finished 1:45:02 - so I was ripped off there.

The race itself was great, decent weather albeit rather humid but bearable and the rain held off. I had a good crowd to run with and really enjoyed the new route into our home turf along Queen Street East. Great crowd support as usual for this race especially in the beaches. Yes I said beaches - deal. Many of my group made their sub-4 hour time goal and Glenda from Michigan got her BQ and sweaty hugs followed. She even made the City TV news broadcast (no mention of yours truly!)

For me, the race was dare I say it, easy. Yes, It was enjoyable from start to finish and sure beat the hell out of a solo long run. With it out of the way, I had 20 days to prepare for Goodlife which was now my new goal race.

Other Notes: Wanted to try out my new compression socks but Asics required us to wear their socks, which were actually quite nice. Took 3 gels, didn't feel the need for any more. Post race, ran straight to the car and rushed off to Cam's rare Sunday game making it a total of 44kms. Missed out on the post race food!

Day 2 - 21

Recovered well although a bit slower than a standard 20 miler. I got in a few hard workouts and tapered for Goodlife. In retrospect, I think I tapered too much this time especially in the last week.

Day 22

Event: October 18 - Goodlife Toronto Marathon

Goal: Beat personal best (3:19:10)

Result: 3:35:02  Goal Achievement Rating: 85%

Event rating: (out of 10) Start Area - 6, Finish Area - 9, Route - 8, Organization - 7, Race Kits/Shirts - 7, Expo - 6, Overall - 7

Summary:

With the change of route for Scotia and the great organization I now prefer it over Goodlife. I still love the first half of the route, down Yonge, Forest Hill,  Rosedale Valley Road and into downtown. The 2nd half is ok but it is a long way out and then back along the Lakeshore with very little crowd support at times when you need it. The finish is great, even though you have to work hard up University, once you get to Queen's Park it is lovely.

I ran the first half with the thought of beating 3;19 in mind, and was pretty much on track but never felt as good as I did in Mississauga so I had a feeling I was not going to make it. I tried to remain positive but it seemed quite hard and painful in the left hamstring and butt. I hit half way in 1:40 and thought for a while that a 1:39 or better 2nd half would be enough. Unfortunately, when I got to 30K I had lost a few minutes so knowing I had 2 more marathons to run in the next 2 weeks I slowed up and cruised the final 12k so I could enjoy the rest of the race and save some energy. It was actually too late for that as even with the slowed pace I was still tired and incredibly hungry. It was a struggle but I made it and enjoyed the post race cheering everyone in with our gang at the final corner.

Next year, I will make this event my goal race and run the others all for fun. I think even as a 4 hour bunny, 3 weeks is not enough recovery time to make Goodlife a goal race.

Other Notes: Diluted 5 gels into bottles and ran with my belt. I hate racing with a water belt. Never again. Arm warmers, not needed after 3k, had to stuff 'em in and run with them my shorts. Bummer.I tried out the compression socks. Although they worked well in a few training runs, I did not see real benefits here. Actually, my calves were more sore after this marathon than any other.

Day 22-28

Again, recovery went better than expected. A few days sore, a bike ride, ran on the Tuesday, cut Wednesday's run short due to a bit of right arch pain and was fine on Thursday's run. Planned to run again Saturday but way too busy. We had to drive to Niagara Falls to clear customs as the race starts in Buffalo and crosses into Canada. After visiting the lame expo we headed back to Toronto for Cam's hockey game and then all the way back to our luxurious suite at the Days Inn which I mentioned in my original Niagara Falls Marathon race report.

Day 29

Event: October 25 - Niagara Falls Intl. Marathon

Goal: 3:59:59 ( 4 hour pace bunny )

Result: 4:03:02  Goal Achievement Rating: 95%

Event rating: (out of 10) Start Area - 9, Finish Area - 9, Route - 8, Organization - 8, Race Kits/Shirts - 7, Expo - 5, Overall - 8

Summary:

Wow, an overall rating of 8, better than both Toronto Marathons. Well, the weather helped here. I am sure if it were cold, snowy, very windy, then my view would be different. But the course was lovely. Starting from our warm pre-race warm spot at the Albright Know Art Gallery, listening to live classical music, we headed through the prettiest neighborhoods Buffalo has to offer. Then, over the Peace Bridge into Ft Erie and along the Niagara Parkway, full view of the river, autumn leaves et al until we arrived in Niagara Falls, finishing with great views and the roaring waters and alas a rainbow at the finish line which was on the scenic platform at Table Rock. Very nice. The finish area may have got a 10 but I factored post race food into the equation and it was only average. We got duffel bags instead of shirts and although the marathoners got excellent quality bags, I am still not sure I like the different swag.

Other notes: Wore my toes socks. Very nice, best socks ever. They feel weird with no shoes on, but awesome while running and best my toes have been post marathon. No belt. Water stations every mile worked out well. 3 gels again. Best race number so far...# 262 or as I like to see it 26.2

Day 30-35

Last week of fun. Felt way better than I thought I would. Dean Karnazes said he felt the best for his 50th marathon in 50 days running his fastest time of the 50 at New York. I think I see where he's coming from. I slept better this week, ate better and was really looking forward to Hamilton. It's downhill course was what I needed for the final stage and made the lead up less daunting.

Day 36

Event: October 25 - Hamilton Road2Hope Marathon

Goal: 3:29:59 ( or better )

Result: 3:28:43 Goal Achievement Rating: 100%

Event rating: (out of 10) Start Area - 7.5, Finish Area - 8.5, Route - 8.5, Organization - 7.5, Race Kits/Shirts - 6, Expo - 4, Overall - 7

Summary:

Well we made it to the final stage intact thus far. Anita was set to run her 3rd marathon in 15 days and marathon number 4 in 36 days awaited me. 5 weeks, 4 marathons. Who'd have ever thought I would do this. Nevertheless, this one was fun. I like the Hamilton route and although 2 years in a row this has been one of my favourite races, the overall rating is 7, but that's because of the poor expo, and lousy shirts, otherwise it would score higher.

We got to the finish area just on time to catch a bus to the start line, which despite the change in start area was fortunately still associated with the warmth of a school gym again. I made a last minute porta potty visit and started dead last. That was kind of fun, catching up and passing people, making me feel faster than I really am. I coasted through what felt like pretty easy sub 5 minute kms and ended up 1:45 at the half and we headed downhill. I made up enough time on the long downhill section that I was able to back off and coast in keeping my pace sun 3:30 the whole time. With a bit of effort on the final few kms, I was able to run it under 3:29 which for some reason, I made my goal during the passing of half way point. The 6km finish along the waterfront trail was not really windy this year which is good as that may have killed my sub 3:30 quest.Seeing Anita and Sari at the 40k point was nice. Always nice to see a familiar face or 2.

It was by no means the most difficult marathon and turns out to be my 2nd best time. It was enjoyable but it sure felt good to finish. I actually laid down to rest and breathed a sigh of relief, realizing how much I had accomplished  over the last 5 weeks. Within moments I felt right again and hoped up and over to the food tent. Hot Soup. Wicked.

Other notes: Toe socks again, may be permanent. 4 gels, not diluted. Water and or eLoad at most stops. ran the entire race but for one short walk break at 35km. I will run a marathon entirely start to finish one of these days! For only the 2nd time, I treated myself to music for this race. Not necessary for me, but with less crowd support than most races it was nice to have in spots.

Final thoughts: That's pretty much it. I remember lot's of little things here and there that are relevant to future training plans, what I may tell somebody if were chatting about running. And if I have any trouble going to sleep at night, I replay some of the races trying to replay each step which is both fun and yet it helps me nod off, which I am sure most non runners would say, "duh, of course that would make you fall asleep!"

Do not say time to rest. I feel fine and look forward to my next run, my next race, Boston and periods of multiple marathons down the road. next year I hope to do a double weekend, Saturday and Sunday marathons...who's with me?

 

Hamilton Marathon 2009 - mini Race Report

3:28:43 is how I finished my 4th marathon of the season, 3rd in 3 weeks. 'B' goal was not to break into pieces during the race. 'A' goal was to run 3:29 - which would make it my 2nd best marathon time.

That I did, cool weather, windy, but not as bad as last year. It is a fast course which I pretty much coasted through it enjoying each step. Well, almost every step, after 23 miles, the leg fatigue set in and I had to fight to maintain pace to run under 3:30. It was different this time, all the wind in the world, just no leg turnover. If I relaxed, I would slow right down, I really had to focus. It did feel good to finish this one.

I didn't see many costumes (is it sacrilegious to dress up the day after Halloween?) but the pace bunnies were actually pace 'devils' - cool.

Some of our other running group were there with some great results. PB for Sari in the half, an almost PB from Fred. Anita also ran the half (her third in 3 weeks) Army Mark, Efraim, Ray and Melanie from the clinic ran the marathon. Hopefully they will contribute their thoughts to the Forum.

Niagara Falls Marathon - Race Report

Niagara Falls was a must on my to do list. How can you pass up an out of town marathon that is really not too far to go, cheap accommodations and as picturesque as Niagara Falls. That and I wanted to fulfill my desire to run back-to-back weekend marathons, which of course will end up being back-to-back-to-back after next weekend's outing in the Hammer.

 

After a couple of trips back and forth in order to meet our Saturday obligations of clearing customs, visiting the race expo, and getting Cam to hockey, then back to Niagara, we settled down in our $62 room, which was actually upgrade to the honeymoon suite when both of our room key-cards failed to work.

 

After an interesting evening (see Anita's report)  we got up and dined at Starbucks. Bagels, Banas and codde, the jolly BBC breakfast. Niagara Falls marathon starts in Buffalo NY, which is why we had to clear customs. We were bused there and I had the opportunity of being only one of 3 english speaking people on the bus which had already filled up with the Marathon Tour Group from Japan. A fun ride was this as I entertained many questions pertaining to my bunny ears and '4:00' sign. We arrived at the start, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery where we were allowed to stay warm and enjoy the gallery while listening to live classical music, a nice change from the norm of rock and roll running songs.

 

The Buffalo portion was surprisingly beautiful. Yes, those two words were in the same sentence, beautiful and Buffalo, who knew? We made our way to the border, about 7k, avoiding all nearby fires and then we climbed the Peace Bridge, the toughest part of the race - steep and windy going up, and very windy going down almost offsetting the downhill. The remainder of the course was gorgeous, along the Niagara River, fall colours in full force. The spectators were minimal but every mile on the mile was a large water aid station manned by local school kids and some spectators all whom cheered loud and and exuberantly. Once a mile is often enough for me although some of the runners with me were hoping for more crowd support.

 

As the 4 hour pace bunny, I was able to really enjoy the route and the crowd with me, my largest following yet, whom were in good spirits and very chatty. Of the 30 or so at half way, 12 finished with, or slightly ahead of me. most of the others not too far behind. It's a testimony to even pacing vs banking time as we passed, easily 25-30 runners in the last few miles, all of whom groaned as they watch the 4 hour group slip by.

 

The finish was lovely, one of the nicest finishes you will come across, complete with rainbows in the mist and a great view of the Falls. I toyed with my efforts to run exactly 3:59:59 by slowing a bit in the final few hunderd metres and then got caught in traffic and blew it by 4 seconds finishing in 4:00:03. There goes my perfect record of sub 4 hour marathons!

 

Post race was followed by many thanks from the group and then off to Hard Rock Cafe for post race nutrition. Anita drove home, allowing me to enjoy delicious Creemore on tap. A nice sunny drive back to Toronto capped off our lovely "date race weekend".

 

And now, a few days later, feeling good and recovering well, ready to give Hamilton a good shot. No set goal yet but I think a sub 3:30 is a possibility especially seeing as it is Canada's fastest marathon.

 

Sore Quads next Monday anyone? 

Goodlife Toronto Marathon - Race Report

Well, I thought about writing my race report now. But to be honest, I think I will wait this one out and follow up later with a full report on the Quad Factor - 4 Marathons in 6 weeks. With 3 in 3 weeks already in progress, I figure I can make it one nice tidy race report encompassing all 4 events.

For now, if you like, you can read my brief synopsis originally posted in our clinic forumn - click here to read it

3 days until Niagara Falls, my first back to back marathon weekends. Aside from tired legs at this point (still!) I am pretty excited to run Niagara. Go figure.

Onward, to the Quadruple Bypass stage 3 - Niagara Falls!

Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon 2009 - Race Report

Hmmm, not the best photo ever....

Anyway, Marathon #11 complete. I was the 4:00 Pace Bunny for this race. This in itself was great because the Pacer Program for Scotia is sponsored by Asics. This meant free shoes, shorts shirt, socks and hat on top of the usual free registration that Bunnies get. The 'large' shorts and shirt however were geared towards larege Kenyans maybe, so unfortunately they will go to my daughter instead. The shoes, Asics of our choice, were to be worn for the race (or an older pair as long as they were Asics) I wore my new ones, Nimbus 11's right out of the box, which I would normally not recommend but I tried them on Friday night, wore them around the expo Saturday and deemed them worthy. That they were, and deservedly to be called a great shoe right out of the box.

I treated the race as a final long training run seeing as Toronto Goodlife Marathon in 3 weeks is my goal race. I did not taper and I did my regular runs and speed work this week skipping only my usual Saturday 10k run. A one day taper you could call it! The good part of this is that with the stress level low, I slept well on Friday and Saturday and woke up Sunday morning feeling great. I followed my usual pre race plan, eating 2 hours before the race, grabbed a coffee, picked up Nir and got to the race plenty early. The atmoshpere was good, making it an enjoyable long training run. It felt pretty easy right off the bat and right through the entire race.

I thought the course changes were fantastic and allowed us to cross paths many times to cheer and encourage our fellow clinic mates. I so so many familiar faces which was nice.

Running through our home 'hood was a treat. Passing by the 32KM 'WALL' with Anita, Julie and Duff there to greet us was also very nice.

I had a good group of people as the 4:00 pacer but no one from our group. I did have a Boston Qualifier, 50+ Glenda from Detroit, ran here first sub 4 hour marathon and crossing the line with her was awesome. She even made the 11:00 News on CITY (no mention of her faithful bunny!)

I had to run, literally right after the race to get to my son Cam's hockey game. Because we were blocked in, I had to run another km and a half to get to my car! Because of this I missed out on the fun post race festivities of watching others come in and chatting up those who finished ahead of me.

Wicked day...looking forward to Toronto Goodlife!

Oakville Half Marathon 2009 - Race Report

So, a half marathon 4 days after a 21 miler with speed work mixed in and hoping to beat my best time of 1:33:59? Not a chance!

1:37:10 - I knew after the 2nd mile it was not going to be a special day, but I gutted it out and held a steady pace of consistent 7:15 - 7:25 / miles. 2 minutes faster and feeling better than last year at this same race so I am pretty happy about things as they are.

Anita ran the 10K (64 minutes) and was sort of in the same boat, fighting off the fatigue of hours of driving, laying floors etc, but we did enjoy our races.

This event, although too pricey, is well run and runs through the beautiful area of Oakville finishing along the waterfront at Coronation Park. Great post race festivities with loads of food and musical entertainment.

Once again, our friend Predrag Mladenovic won the half marathon in a time of 1:08

 

As always, great to see fellow Running Ahead Allumni...especially locals

The highlight of the day really was the drive home. We stayed on Lakeshore drive the entire way, stopping a 'Starbucks for a treat and enjoying the drive passing some of the nicest houses in Southern Ontario. It was a beautiful sunny day that we took advantage of and as always, we're glad to run these races despite the results.

A Midsummer Nights Run 2009 - Race Report

This event is unique. From the theme, of A Midsummer Night's Dream and it's evening setting. The waterfront location with nice views of the city and the very community feel of it, mostly because it is set near our community. I like the route visually although it can be tough to navigate in some parts. Although flatter, I think I'd actually prefer to 'race' the Around the Bay course.

Pre-race at MSNR is always good as there are so many familiar faces, clinic members and other friends I know from the running world. Again this year, the fun and frolic kept me from warming up properly!. Originally I was at one point meant to be a Pace fairy for the race so I was supplied with a tutu and wings. Well, I opted out of pacing (and glad I did due to my pending stomach issues) but I did wear the outfit for a short while. Although the wings broke right away, I did wear the tut for the first 4k. When we looped back by the start, I handed the tutu off to Anita who wore it for the entire race. Good sport!

I heard many stories of stomach issues. I wonder if it was the race time (we run at this time or thereabouts quite often) Maybe it was a bug. I was plagued by major stomach issues and had to 'stop' twice, first after waiting at the guard station potty  on the way out to the spit and again after we got off the spit. - and there were several 'tense' moments between stops.

The route changes were good, I much prefer the loop along Unwin as opposed to the route around the Balmy Beach club. I an sure everyone would agree. The spit is always a great part of the route, not just for the views but also the fact you get to pass by everyone after you make the lighthouse turn. It was great to see so many familiar faces, clinic members, former clinic members, various running friends et al. Waves and hellos from everyone prompted the 2 guys behind me to ask each other "Is this guy famous???" I got a good chuckle and wanted to turn back and ask "Don't you guys know who I am?" but at this point, I was already looking forward to and concentrating on my next potty stop! Even when I met up with Anita on the way out for her 15k race, I was distracted as I looked past her at the 'red occupied sign' on the guard station solo porta potty! I didn't even realize she had the tutu on!

I stopped at the Leslie St potties and fortunately did not have to wait like I did at the first one. It always seems like forever when you have to stop but after looking at my Garmin splits, it seems like I only added about 2-3 minutes onto my overall time aside from the slowdowns during several 'tense' moments. Anyway, after my second stop, I felt better and was able to get my pace back up and tried to pass as many of the people who got past me during the stop. This is not always a god move as is burns a lot of energy. In a marathon, I would probably not have tried this. Into the beaches area, I felt the comfort of the familiar terrain, the Boardwalk and 'Pretzel' AKA The Peanut and crossed the 21.1k mark in 1:39, not bad considering the delays until this point. I did my best to finish the last 9k as strong as possible, fought off a few more tense stomach issues and fought through the fatigue. I was tired partly from a debaucherous wine tasting evening that ensued after Thursday's canceled run. Not recommended for 2 nights prior to a race! I stopped for a walk at the 2nd to last water stop, and was passed by a guy I passed early in the race. I got going again and made it a point to pass him back. You see, he had knee high cotton socks on and this years Midsummer Night's Run race shirt. I couldn't be beat by him! I caught him and he kicked and kept with me. My competitive juices flowed and I kicked hard to which he could not match. I do love racing. I was planning on visiting Duff's final water stop but dd not want to be passed back by him or anyone so I kept going through. (Sorry Duff, you did great - everyone said they were so glad to see you - and we are all sorry you had to pass on the event)

I finished strong and feeling good, running the final 2 kms in 4:39 and 4:22. I finished 70th out of 771 with a time of 2:23:02, better than last year but a few minutes shy of beating my 2:19 Around the Bay time. Oh well, there's always next year! I am pleased considering my reduced mileage this 'busy' summer and all of my ailments. I think I did a good job of overcoming these setbacks and ran a strong mental race. It's not often I say that. I feel good heading into the final stages for my fall marathons.

I spent the post race at home (instead of the beer tent ) keeled over in pain and wasn't able to eat for recovery. I did feel a bit better Sunday but am still not 100% today. I thank Anita for taking good care of me Saturday night! I would have like to have stuck around and enjoyed the Beer garden with the gang and my other Running Friends that were there but this year, it was not to be.

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