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...

Can't believe this title..Chicago Marathon Recap!!!!

Well it has been over a week now and it is still sinking in. I actually ran a marathon - and it feels awesome.

This will be longer than any of my other posts, but so was my run.

My journey to this point has been a long one. It started about 3 years ago when I was the fat dad. Seriously. I split my suit pants one day at work - they were size 40 (I weighed 260 pounds).  Just before this a friend of mine went through a double lung transplant (please, anyone reading this sign up to be a donor NOW - it will save a life). This combination told me it was time for a change, a big change. It took me a few months to get started by going to the gym and it was a few months after that when I was challenged to run a 5km race to start my running life. The journey was on....and what a ride it has been. The key that I have learned is that life begins once you are outside of your comfort zone. I figured I would be out of my comfort zone by kilometre 31 or so...

Since that first 5km race in March of 2011, I have run about six 5km races three 10km races, two 10 mile races, three half marathons, and two Around the Bay races. It was time for the big one. I decided if I was going to run a marathon, I wanted my first one to be big. Not just 42.2km big, but in a big city, with lots of other runners and lots of supporters. Chicago fit that bill - with 42,000 other marathoner runners.

Training for this race, and really my training over the last 10 months has really been life changing. Oh it has been tough (really tough), but the support from the other runners and the coach has taught me so much and I knew it would get me through the race. I knew I was ready when on our last long training run (38km) we ran up a road here in Burlington called Bell School Line. It sucked and it was a steep hill. Really steep. You know it is steep when you are running past a cyclist who is walking their bike up the hill. But I finished it strong, the taper began, and I knew I was as ready as I will ever be.

Of course, the world's greatest cheering section was going with me. We drove to Chicago on the Friday, made a few stops along the way, and got to the Hotel. I woke up Saturday morning and went for my 3km run to get my legs ready. I ran by the starting line of the marathon and a weird thing happened - I got emotional. I am not sure what triggered it, but wow the emotions flowed. It was during the run that it really hit me - tomorrow is the marathon. The rest of that day I took it easy, ate a bowl of pasta for dinner, and surprisingly feel asleep pretty easy.

Morning of race..still smiling!!

Race day. I woke up around 4:00am and I headed downstairs, got my bagel, banana, and coffee, and started to get ready. I have had the same routine including the breakfast for the last 4 months and I was not changing anything now. With all those people running I knew I had to get to the corrals early so by 5:50am I was on my way (the race was starting at 7:30). Thankfully I met some of my fellow runners which calmed me down big time. It was so good to get my mind off what lies ahead. All the big introductions happen, I hear the word go, Springsteen's Born to Run starts playing, and we start moving. I was in corral C so I figured it would be around 10 minutes before I crossed the start line. I crossed the start line in about 5 minutes and the race was on.

Other than going under the Columbus bridge, I don't really remember the first 2km much. The only thing I certainly remember is the world's greatest cheering section at the 2km marker. I really didn't think I would see them at all. What an awesome inspiration.

My race plan was to run around a 5:30 - 5:40 per km for the race and hold on for dear life near the end. My first 5km was at 27:30 and my 10km was at 55 minutes. Right on pace. I had some awesome help with my nutrition during my training so I came up with a plan of what to eat and drink and I was going to stick with the plan. BTW Eload rocks - the gels, electrolytes, and salt tablets. There were aid stations every mile and I made sure I was taking stuff in early. I was not going to let cramping stop me today.

The race goes north, through Wrigleyville, then comes back to the downtown. I crossed the 13.1 mile marker (halfway point) at around 1 hour 55 minutes which was on pace and thought, wow, I still have a half marathon to go. The entertainment along the course was just amazing - Elvis, the japanese drummers, the gaybourhood dancing in drag and playing Cher, little Mexico, all this helps motivate and keeps you going. I felt strong through 30km, turned the corner and voila - the world's greatest cheering section. I needed those kisses and hugs big time. We head through Chinatown and it was at the 35km mark that I realized that this is tough. My legs hurt. Everything hurt. I still had 7km to go. Then I saw the best sign of the day. "If marathon's were easy they would be called your Mom". Awesome. Let's go.

We turned up Michigan Avenue and I knew I was on the final stretch. Everything in my body hurt big time. Every step sucked. My time per km had dipped down to the 6 minute range but I did not care as I knew I was going to finish.  With about a mile to go the crowd support was CRAZY - they esimtate 1.8 million people were out at the race. It was so loud I took my earphones out as I couldn't hear my music anyway. I finally see the big TV screen which I knew was the turn into Grant Park and the finish. I make the turn and slowly go up the hill (really?? a hill at the 26 mile mark??) and I feel a big shove in the back. It was my running coach of all people. At first I was scared he was going to make me push harder, then I realized how cool it was he was there for the finish. Thanks Dr. Steve for your awesome training and support.

I made the final turn, saw the finish line 200 flat metres away, and the emotions kicked in. I would like to say what I was thinking about but I don't remember. I really don't. I am pretty sure wet stuff was coming out of my eyes as all I could taste was salt. Crossing the finish line was, without a doubt, the coolest and greatest thing that I have ever done. And NOTHING is even close. I hurt beyond belief but it was so worth it.

I did hear through the speakers "Congrats to the marathon runners". How cool does that sound. I am a marathon runner??

I went into the race with two goals. Goal one was to make it to the bar with my running group that night for beers. I did that! Goal two was to run a sub 4 hour marathon. My final time was 3:59:52. Goals achieved.

Well done Chicago. There was over 41,000 people who crossed the start line and 1.8 million people cheering on the course, and the extra security made everyone feel safe. This race really was flawless.

The next few days sucked - especially stairs and sitting in the car for the drive home. My legs and back hurt like crazy. But it was all worth it to get that medal.

As for my thanks and notes.....

 A big shout out to Katie running her first marathon.

I want to thank the greatest family in the world. The support I get from my wife and kids allow me to reach and exceed my dreams and goals. Being gone many mornings, evenings, having to eat pasta every Saturday, having listen to me talk about my chafing, and everything else can't be easy. With all of that they still don't complain. Their energy in being there for pretty much every race of my life is one of the biggest reasons I still do it. THANK YOU!!!

Thank you Shannon for inspiring me to get started. Keep inspiring people.

Thanks Graham for that tail wind...and all of your support....you were in my thoughts a ton during this race and helped me get to the finish line in a big way.

Thank you to all my family and friends who have come to watch me race and cheer on other runners along the way.

Thank you to everyone who has sent words of congrats.

I haver heard from quite a few people that they could never run a marathon. The one thing I would stress is anyone can do it. Remember, a couple of years ago I was overweight and couldn't run around my block. Make your dreams a goal and work your butt of to go and get it. I did and it feels great.

So the big question....will I run another marathon?

Absolutely. The journey to get to race day is what makes the marathon so awesome. I can't wait for training (and journey) to begin again.

The home stretch to Chicago..

Okay, I know I have not been a good "blogger" and talking about the crazy road that is leading me to my first marathon in Chicago (IN 30 DAYS!!), but there has not been a ton going on. I thought I would highlight some of the stuff that has been happening

The first thing that has ruled my summer is the training. 4 - 5 days a week, interval runs, hill runs, tempo runs, easy runs, and of course the long runs. Oh the long runs. Last week was the longest run for me yet - I hit 33kms. I felt pretty good considering I worked the day before and was on my feet almost the entire day. The big challenge in the summer is certainly the heat. The key for me has been determining when is the best time to run - morning, evening - whenever. I have been running way more early mornings than in the winter and I do like it, but doing that in February might be a different story.

The other summer thing is managing your running while on vacation with the family. I never thought I would go camping and still manage to get a 27km run through the Pinery (wow that is hilly), or get my speed work in Montebello. Usually I would sleep in as I would be hungover. The times they are a changing.

I have also noticed a big difference in my tempo and interval runs. The speed is picking up for sure. We even tried the Yasso 800's where you run 800 metres 8 - 10 times. The time you average for that should be an indicator of what you should be running the marathon in. For example, if it took you 4 minutes for the 800's than you should be around a 4 hour marathon.  I came in around 3 minutes and 40 seconds. I have doubts that I am a 3h40 marathoner..but we will see.

So that is basically it. A great summer of running, vacations, and trying to the best of my ability to live a clean life (not getting drunk) until Chicago.

Yes, I can taste the deep dish pizza already.

Cheers,
Steve

My journey to Chicago....the training part

Wow - under 80 days until the Chicago Marathon. Crazy.

So I have no race updates as I haven't been racing. But training? Oh yea - and lots of it.

This is my first summer training with a group, and really my first summer seriously training for a race. It is really tough saying no to all the delicious beer on a Saturday night as I know I need to be up at 5 for our Sunday long run. Really, really tough.

The heat hasn't been too bad - except for 2 weeks ago. Morning runs help but it still sucks.  You need to be careful, hydrate, not die, but you can workout in it.

The other really tough thing is that we are still going on vacation, camping, cottaging, etc with the girls. I can't believe that so far I have not missed a run but have had to do some of the solo on Sunday nights. Tough to believe I used to do only the solo runs. Now - no way. 21km by yourself sucks.

So the program is fairly similar to my ATB program. Tuesdays are interval work. The only difference is that I am now running in the morning instead of the evening (getting up at 4:45am is not really that fun). But once you are done, you are done. Feels great.

Wednesday is your solo run - either easy or a tempo run. Thursday's so far have been hill repeats. We are running on trails now and wow what a difference. Longer, steeper, tougher. A great workout. Saturday runs mimic the Wednesday runs.

And for the long runs....Not much has changed. They are long and they are tough. 22 hills with 7 "big" climbs in a long run will test you. Just a bit....

The other key thing I am playing around is my fuel. If you have read my ATB race recaps I have had issues with cramping around the 27km mark. I don't want that to happen with 15km to go in Chicago. I have switched to the eload for my electrolytes and taking salt tablets. I actually can feel a difference in my legs when it comes to the 2km push. The key with any hydration is to play around with it on your long runs to find out what works best for you. So far so good (we are up to 27km now).

I still haven't planned any races until Chicago. I am sure I will be talked into one but we will see.

Can't wait. Less than 3 months...

Cheers,
Steve