I must admit I actually went through my blog this week, right to the beginning. Wow I was big. To think I couldn't run for 1 straight minute a year and a half ago. The thought that I prepared for a 10 miler in under 4 weeks blows my mind. What an AWESOME trip this has been....Okay - a little background on this race. I was not planning on running this race as of early July. After a beautiful evening that combined great food, great conversation and WAY too much tequila and red wine I said I would do it. Signed up the next day and had to figure out how to go from long runs of 7km to 16km in four weeks. I knew I had my base and I knew I could do it, but I was a little nervous to say the least.
The race starts and ends in the Distillery District in Toronto. Being an August race I was really concerned about the heat, but luckily it was a nice cool morning. We head down to the starting area and do what most people do - head to the port-a-potties. It was amazing to me that there was only 5 toilets for all the runners. Crazy. So after waiting in line for quite some time, finally went, quick warm-up, we headed to our corrals. This was my first race using the coral system and I know believe that ALL races should use it. It makes the first couple of KM's of any race so much smoother.
The race heads down under the Gardiner and is, at this point, not too scenic. We head down Cherry Street to the Leslie Spit in Toronto. I have lived in Toronto, visited Toronto, and have never even heard of this area. It is really nice - great paths right along Lake Ontario. Even some single track trails and bridges to cross (weird on a 10 mile race to have a single file bridge, but it didn't hinder me at all). The entire loop around the Spit was around 7 or 8 km which wasn't bad but with little shade it was hot as the sun was beating down. I must say well done to the race directors for having water and gatorade every 2kms - it made everyone's run so much easier.
So we exit the Spit and head back towards the Distillery. My goal for this race is to pace 5:30 per km, and take a 30 second water break at every station (2km). At the 10 km mark I decide to take gel as my legs were a bit tired and wow that work. Instant energy. It really did help me keep my pace for the remaining 6kms.
Of course, the best energy push anyone can get is to see your family along the route. The world's best cheerleaders (Eri, Emma, Kloe) were out cheering everyone on at the 13km mark. Loved it. Needed it. I was on my way to the finish.
I ended up crossing the line in 1 hour, 32 minutes. My 5 mile splits were almost identical as for the first time in all my races I kept within my gameplan and didn't go out too fast. It worked!!! Since it was a little bit since my last race it felt awesome to cross the finish line (other than the under arm chafing as I totally forgot the body glide on my arms - that shower hurt).As for the race overall, I certainly liked it. Really scenic running around the spit, the corrals at the start, all the aid stations, it was very well organized.
However, there were absolutely no spectators on the course - you were really alone. More so than any other race I have every seen. Also, some of the roads under the Gardiner were also full of potholes and were in horrendous shape.
In the end, I could totally see myself doing this race again. A great summer race when there is not really any races happening. I also really love the 10 mile distance. It is also a great gage for the half marathon plan in the fall.
I have signed up for 2 races in the fall. The Scotiabank Half Marathon in Toronto will be my half. However, the really exciting race will be the Oasis Zoo run with Emma - where she is running the 5km with me. I cannot wait for this!!!
