Toronto Goodlife Half Marathon - Race Recap

So plans change right???

Okay, my original plan was to run the Around the Bay and then do a full marathon in May. Didn't happen. Why? Well after the crazy polar freaking vortex and the winter we had I was really, really tired. I decided instead of using the Bay as a training run I would race it - and it felt great. But the week after I was super tired. I also found out I had to work (really) the day of this race. The excuses were piling up. I made the call to run the half marathon instead of the full marathon and I have no regrets - it was the right call for sure.

I have not run a Toronto race so I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew it ran down Yonge Street, over to the DVP (River St), then heads west back to Ontario Place. That is seriously all I knew. I was pretty excited about running one of the big races in Toronto to see what it was truly like.

Race Day!

We got to Ontario Place early to take the shuttle up to Mel Lastman Square and the start. This was easy with lots of shuttles and there was a nice warm building to hang out in before the start. Why would you need a warm building in May you ask? Because our weather has sucked. It was freezing that morning. Freezing in freaking May. I wore gloves the entire race for crying out loud. Anyways....

I get to the start line, try to stay warm, the gun goes off and we are off. It was somewhat of a weird start - it was very crowded and I watched 2 people get tripped and fall. We were on a few side streets and then make the turn onto Yonge St. It was pretty cool running down Yonge. However, it is not really flat (I have heard that this race was totally flat). There are some pretty good climbs - way more than I expected. But I hit the 10km mark under 50 minutes so I was on pace and feeling good so I figured the hills had no impact on me.

****MY TORONTO RANT****

Okay, I keep on hearing how Toronto is a "world class" city. Well you know what? World class cities like New York, London, Paris, Chicago, Tokyo - and even Hamilton with the Around the Bay - come out and support days like the marathon. There are thousands upon thousands of people lining the street, cheering people on in these cities. In Toronto?? Nobody out cheering at all. It was pathetic. The number of people trying to turn, giving the finger to the runners, complaining to the cops because a road was close was really unbelievable and disappointing. Toronto has a long, long way to go to be considered "world class". Well, unless you consider the ability to smoke crack world class.....

Anyways, we head down to River Street along the side of the DVP - a great section to run. I was still on pace and felt great and then I felt it. Wind. Lots of it. We turned right (west) and I actually watched 3 runners hats fly off. Then it hit me. 35km/h winds directly into our face. It kind of sucked. Running west on King, Wellington, and Front with those building made it feel more like a wind tunnel. 19km in I came to the realization today was not going to be  PB and I was okay with that. Hats off to the full marathoners who had to continue all the way down Lakeshore into that wind. Well, well done - that was tough.

Finally we turn onto Lakeshore by Ontario Place and there were people out cheering!!!! I am sure these people were not from Toronto but it was great to see. I picked up the pace and came in at 1 hour, 47 minutes. Not my best time, but considering everything I was thrilled.

When I say considering everything I need to talk about emotions and what really happened in the last 2km. I am not sure what triggered it but about 19km I started thinking (a ton) about a year ago last year. A year ago last year I lost one of my best friends. He was there, stride by stride, with me as I ran my first half-marathon and wouldn't let me stop when I wanted to. We had plans to run the Bay race and run a full marathon together. During the week leading up to this race, Graham's dad (who I spent many a fun times with) passed away which got the emotions going even more. I will admit I got very emotional and at one point I had to walk. Once I started to run again I decided to take my time, think about all the good times, and realize just how freaking lucky I am to be able to run. I took my time and soaked in every step. Thanks again Webber......that one was for you.

Overall I would recommend this race - as long as your expectations are not lots of cheering fans (or water as the station at Bathurst and Front was out of water). It is a great route for a half marathon.

Next up??? I am hitting the trails. I am doing a 100 mile relay race (only doing around 20km of it). It should be awesome. Other than I get to run the glory leg...running around the hermitage in Ancaster and starting at the great time of 10:30pm or so. I have my headlight (thanks Gary for the suggestion) and I am hoping those people we went to go see in high school at the hermitage don't come out.....

Cheers!!!

Has it really been 3 times?? Around the Bay 2014 race recap

Has it really been 3? I find it hard to believe that yes this year was my third time running the 30km Around the Bay. I would love to say it gets easier, but it doesn't. The last 3km suck...still.

Okay, I figured I would recap the entire winter running season. I, like most Canadians, have been spoiled over the last few years. Sure it's been cool, and sure we have had some snow, but the past winters nothing compared to this winter. The cold, the snow, the wind, the ice...the f*&&ing everything. Seriously. It really did wear me out. Especially the Sunday long run. It didn't matter what happened weather wise throughout the week, or even on the Saturday. Sunday was guaranteed cold, windy, and snow. Heck, the last training run before the Bay we had 35km/h winds and a windchill of -24. It kind of sucked.

Once quote I did hear this winter from Winston Churchill -  “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” I might have said that once or twice over the last couple of months.



Now, that being said it is awesome when you run with a group because you know others will be out running. And yes, as long as you are dressed properly you can run in any conditions, but you can't (or should I say don't) hyrdate properly, fuel properly, and you certainly slow down for sure. Hence why heading into the ATB race I really had no expectations for my time. I figured I would go out around a 5:30/km pace, hope for a 2:45 overall time and see what happens. A very big part of me was just happy to be on the start line.

So on the day before the race I do have a fun little tradition with my girls. For the bay race, and the marathon, they really don't like the look of my toe nails (or what's left of them) once I finish the run. So I get a full pedicure from them the day before. Looks good eh?? Yes, my toe nails are painted and I don't mind sharing...

 
RACE DAY!!

So I was supposed to run 5km prior to the race as part of my marathon training program but decided to scrap that. I wanted to focus on the race and try to do well this year. By well I really was thinking no cramping, no cramping, no cramping, which I have done (badly) over the last 2 years. I looked at the weather network, saw the forecast for high winds and cold temps, got ready and headed out the door. Our running group meets in a building close to the start which was awesome as there were no lineups for the bathrooms and was really a relaxed environment. We started to head out the corrals and I noticed something weird - it as warm. Yes, there was wind, but really it wasn't cold. Maybe I did wear too much...

We made it to the corral and waited for the start. It was great to hear the Premier of Ontario mess up the start (she cannot count backwards as there is a "3" in between 4 and 2) and we were finally off. I was in Corral C which is fantastic. What a difference starting there rather than from the back of the pack - we were not passing tons of people, were not getting passed, just a really, really smooth start.

They have a new route this year - one that heads down James St. and then headed along Burlington street to Woodward avenue. This basically makes up the first 9km of the course. I must be honest, I am not a big fan of this. First, there are no spectators out on Burlington St (obviously). The dirt and dust that was kicked up by the traffic going the other direction was bad, and wow that awesome Hamilton smell. The other part is that Burlington street adds some pretty good climbs with the overpasses. I am all for making it tougher...but the Bay is tough enough. Yes, the world's greatest cheering section were out in full force but had to wait until 10km before I could see them, last year I saw them twice by the 11km point. It really takes away the north end part of the city which was awesome for spectators.

So I made it to Beach Blvd. and finally saw the world's greatest cheering section. Awesome. I was able to get rid of my warm clothes as I was totally overdressed. Got some quick high fives and down the beach we go. It was windy along the beach, but not as bad as I expected so I decided to keep pushing. This stretch of the race takes you to the lift bridge, which is not the best to cross, and onto Northshore and the famous hills. Funny story, as soon as the hills started Run to the Hills by came on my ipod - perfect timing. 

We hit the hills which are really home for our running group. We do so much training there I am pretty sure I know the last names of the residents by memory (yes I look at their mailboxes). We start up the first of the big hills and our running coach was there. He was in great position - going up the big hill as there is NO way you are walking with him watching. However, I felt pretty good and never thought of walking - even up the next climb right after Lasalle Park. I continue on along Northshore to Plains road and the legs are feeling it. 25km done....but still on pace.

At this point of the race we head down Spring Garden Road and going down that big of a hill really does beat your legs up. Actually my whole body was hurting going down that hill.  I certainly gave Stan Wakeman the big high five, got down the hill, and then started up Valley Inn Road. I am pretty proud to say that I ran up pretty much the entire hill this year. Of course, having a member of our running team half way up the hill cheering you on helps and again, you are not walking if they are watching. I did walk a bit right at the top to fuel and get ready for the last 3km. I am not cramping this year (I might have mentioned that before).

The last 3km is tough. Yes, it is downhill but I was tired. But looking at my watch I knew I was going to be close to my goal time. Thankfully a few other members of my running group ran by and got me going. That and I knew the world's greatest cheering section was going to be by the arena. It was funny this year because when I approached them they told me to keep going which I think means I finally looked okay at the end of this race which I know I have not done before.

Down the ramp, into the arena for the big finish. I did it. I hit my goal time of 2:45 and did not cramp. Considering the winter and the conditions and everything else I really couldn't be happier. I finally feel like I won in the matchup of me against the race..

Once again, overall, the race did not disappoint. Being the oldest race in North America, the 30km distance, the hills, the support make this (in my mind) the best road race in Canada. It is an amazing experience.

Congrats...

Congrats Hollie on your first 5km race. Seriously this is so awesome. The around the bay 5km race was my very first race 3 years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday. Enjoy that medal....

Thank you...

Thank you to the world's greatest cheering section again...it's been a crazy winter and thanks for always supporting my runs (even if it is talking me out of running during the ice storm). It is so amazing that every race you guys are out there cheering me and all the other runners on. It is such a motivation.

Many, many thanks to the Connors crew....how many Tuesday morning runs when it was -30 degrees and crazy Sunday runs did we do?? There is no chance I would have done those on my own. Thanks for always pushing.

Thanks for inspiring me still Webber....and thanks for changing that wind to a tail wind the last couple of km.

Thanks to QB's for the Bacon Cheesburger, Fries, Gravy, Wings, and beer post-race. Yes, I really like this tradition.

And Next....

It will be a busy two months. I am doing either a full or half marathon May 4th in Toronto, and I will be part of an awesome 100 mile relay at the end of May.

And then....NEW YORK CITY MARATHON!!!!!! Still cannot believe I got into that race.


Cheers!!!
Steve

Training in a (insert bad word here) polar vortex....

This morning should have been one of the runs I look can't wait for. A brutal tough run, including up the stairs at Dundern and up Syndenham road in Dundas. It is one of the reasons I enjoy my running group so much as it pushes you to  your limit (and them some). I woke up this morning, looked outside and really didn't want to run....

I really don't complain about winter as I do realize we live in Canada. Up until this point some of the run highlights include:

- Interval training at -34

- Running up Snake road in ankle deep snow

- Running up Kerns road, King road, and Waterdown road in -30

- Running a 16km special in 10cms of snow/slush

Needless to say it has been tough. We have been so spoiled the last few years we forgot what winter in Canada was all about. But this winter is dragging on and on and on. I have not run in weather (outside on running on a treadmill in China) warmer than -10 with the wind chill since December. 

I do not feel like I am at in terms of conditioning and maybe it is time to re-assess my goals for Around the Bay and the May marathon. I do read all the articles about training in these conditions and how it is all about pace, effort, etc. I guess I am going to test these theories in the coming weeks. 

So I did run 24km this morning and it was the toughest training run I think I have ever done. But it is done. I would feel so much better if I didn't see the forecast temperature of -29 on Tuesday morning for intervals....

Looking back...and more importantly looking forward.

Okay, maybe a few days late, but Happy New Year!

I guess every year we look back and say wow, what a great (sometimes not so great) year. I must say I had a year of lots and lots of ups and some downs.

It is also crazy to think I have been with my running group for over a year now, and have just started my third session with them. It is amazing looking back the runs we have done, the challenges we have endured, and more importantly what I have been able to learn from the group. It is really an amazing bunch.

So looking back...I ran a total of 5 races in 2013. All different distances, and I am extremely proud that I personal best all of them! A brief summary:

Around the Bay (30km) - This is the reason I joined the group. This race beat me the year before and I wanted to beat it this year. It's a pretty tough race with some serious hills in the last 10km, but I was confident with our training program (what seemed like hills in every run) going into the race. Overall, I was able to PB by 22 minutes - something I am extremely happy with. But.....I still cramped the last few km's so I know I can do better. Can't wait for March 30, 2014.

Oakville Mercedes 10km - A cool morning, a great race, a great route, and a really cool medal! This was just after the Boston Marathon and with so many people in our group who ran Boston volunteering  there was lots of motivation. I was able to come in at 47 minutes and a PB by 3 minutes. The really cool thing about this race is that my wife is running in April (yep that is in writing).

Mississauga Half Marathon - I wasn't really planning on running this one, it was more of a last minute, I knew I was trained, so I decided to go for it. My plan was to go out at a 5 minute per km race and hang on for dear life. Guess what?? Did it. Ran a PB of 1 hour 45 minutes, knocking 8 minutes of my PB. Great race, great course, one I would certainly recommend to anyone looking for a half marathon.

Chicago Marathon - Yup, my first full marathon. It was AWESOME. I can't really say anything that I haven't already said. The experience was great, the training program was awesome, and it is really cool looking back that I wouldn't have done anything different. And breaking 4 hours?? Icing on the cake.

Boxing Day 10 Miler - I haven't written my race recap for this race, but another great race. I hadn't done much speed training leading up to this, and considering the food, wine, and scotch on the two days before, I was thrilled with the race. I came in a 1 hour 23 minutes, and a PB by over 8 minutes at this distance. I would totally do this race again.

As I will say over and over, what a year for running. Lots of challenges, and I was able to come out injury free and proud as heck.

In terms of the down parts, the age of 40 is way to early to lose one of your best friends...you got me through the marathon Webber...and will get me through every race from here on in.

As for the plans for 2014?? First up will be Around the Bay. I will be running another full marathon in May (probably goodlife Toronto). A fall marathon for sure - I have entered the lottery for New York and will enter the Marine Corps (Washington). I have started swimming with an eye on giving a triathalon a shot, maybe even this year.

Here's to an awesome 2014...