Race Report: Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon

Expo

Picked up bib and tech shirt on Friday after work at the expo in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Similar to last year's huge set-up. Carrying 2 bags with 6 pairs of shoes, it took me a few times around the expo to find the booth to donate my used shoes to be sent to their third world. After that, I picked up my bib and tech shirt quickly as there were no line-ups. I had a sample at the Oasis Juices booth; YoPRO (yogurt); CliffBar; Multigrain Cheerios; and the new G2 Gatorade. I was tempted to take advantage of the discounted $17.95 subscription to Canadian Running but opted not to since I have gotten complimentary issues at expos. The current September/October was included in the goody bag and is a good issue as I read a few of the articles at the Shopper's Drug Mart last week. I also signed the "Impossible is nothing" board with Addidas. Didn't see John "The Penguin" Bingham this year. I didn't buy anything at the expo this year. Afterwards, I headed to the University Fair, also in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (but it was in the South Building) -- picked up university admissions books so I have them available for my students when they ask me questions about post-secondary.

Race

Awoke several times during the night and checked the clock. Ate my usual Vector cereal and then walked and fed Bud. Wore my Mississauga Marathon tech shirt from last year and remembered to wear my knee brace (just in case...since I felt the runner's knee sensation the past couple of weeks). Was a bit challenging to find a signal for my Garmin -- maybe because of the overcast weather. Excellent weather for a race as it was overcast and cool. Arrived at Nathan Phillips Square at 7:10 am by running slowly for 10 minutes from home as a warm-up.

6373 half marathoners and 2531 marathoners lined up at the start line, based on the anticipated finishing times. Security were present to ensure that the colour matched the location in the start line. It took me close to 8 minutes to reach the start line. Was quite crowded at the beginning as we made our way south on Bay Street, then east on Wellington, becoming Front Street at Church; then south on Parliament to Lakeshore (part of which is under the Gardiner Expressway); then scenic view along the Waterront all the way west to Windemere (passing by the CNE and Ontario Place); then turn around by heading east back to City Hall on Lakeshore and then north on Bay Street. There tough part was the upward slope of the Gardiner Expressway -- but what goes up must come down so that was good. The real "killer" was on the way back when we had to go up that upward slope again (!).

My goal was 2:15 and I noticed the 2 pace bunnies with 2:15 (one was using 10:1 and the other continuous). Eventually, I surpassed both of them. My first interval was 6:15 (which was good for a race). Coincidently, when I reached the 3K water and Gatorade station, I was ready for a 1 minute walk. I always find drinking on the run tricky. With fluid stations every 2K, I was able to take a break at the fluid station if I was approaching a 1 minute walk break. I also threw away my water bottle after 1/3 of the race as I was convinced I would be hydrated well throughout the race if I took 2 cups of Gatorade at each station.

1st 10:1 = 6:15

2nd 10:1 = 6:21

3rd 10:1 = 4:55 <--- (?!?)

4th 10:1 = 6:05

5th 10:1 = 5:44

6th 10:1 = 5:44

7th 10:1 = 5:36

8th 10:1 = 5:45

9th 10:1 = 5:19

10th 10:1 = 5:24

11th 10:1 = 5:13

12th 10:1 = 4:58

Interestingly, my Garmin total was 22.22K, averaging 5:39 K/min. Perhaps it had to do with being under the Gardiner Expressway?

The Entertainment provided by the neighbourhoods was great. I truly understood the effect of the cheering with the final few Ks as that really helped me get to the finish line. I forgone the final minute break as I was close to the finish line, with 1.5 K to go. I really liked the "500 metres to go", ... , "100 metres to go" signs.

My chip time is 2:05:26.2, placing 3356 out of 6373 half marathoners. This beat my spring half marathon debut as a runner by 16 minutes :-)

For the first time, I found the finishing area well organized. After passing the finishing mat and receiving the finisher's medal, we had to walk a bit before being given water and Gatorade in bottles. Then it was more walking to have the time chip removed. Then a bit more walking to the post-food of bagels; bananas; apples. Once you left the post-food area, security would not let you back in. There was entertainment on the main stage as well as Oasis Juice and MultiGrain Cheerios booths.

Overall, a great race. I like the start/finish at City Hall. The finisher's medal is much better than last year's but still a bit surprising in quality when compared to the smaller races put on by the Canada Running Series such as the 10K Sporting Life and the 10 Nissan Ten-Miler. I hope to return next year.

Here are the photos of me taken at the race. Disappointed there weren't photos of me during the race :-(

Rest for a few days and early night sleep. Then it'll be back on Wednesday and Thursday to an early morning 10:1 (x4) run. Looking forward to the Toronto half marathon in 3 weeks. It won't be an "A" race so I won't be after a new PB. Here's a poster that I hope I can buy at the Toronto Marathon expo (if Sports Poster Warehouse has a booth):

"While most are dreaming of success, winners wake-up early and work hard to achieve it."

10x1 (x4); 10x1 (x4)

Been so busy with work that I haven't been able to record my runs on my blog. The good news is that I did get my 2 runs in during the week :-)

Wednesday = 5.83 K
Thursday = 5.63 K

The running trail is now dry and it's a great view!

YTD = 937.05 K

10:1 (x10) Tampering

Forgot to recharge the Garmin so couldn't get out at 7:15 am for an early run. Recharged the watch for 45 minutes then it was out the door. Cloudy and cool this morning (radio said a chance or rain, which never happened). Could feel the runner's knee so I am regretful for running with Bud last week. During the run, all was well. Got in 10:1 (x10) for a total distance of 14.75 K.

YTD = 925.59 K.

Early morning runs on Wednesday and Thursday. Then it's race day next Sunday for the Toronto Waterfront half marathon :-) Looking forward to bib pick up on Friday after work. Love the expo as it's huge!

10:1 (x4)

Nice and cool this morning. Got in 5.68 K before work. Not much to report as all went well. YTD = 910.84 K

10:1 (x4)

Wednesday morning...so woke up 1/2 hour earlier for a morning run. Should have slept earlier last night -- will do that tonight for tomorrow's run. Got in a slow 5.50 K today along my enjoyable route.

I have opted to walk Bud after work and to take him on a longer than usual walk. I could feel the runner's knee coming back if I wasn't careful. Two days rest was good...

YTD = 905.16 K

10:1 (x10) Tappering; Runs with Bud

Forunately, no rain this morning -- the radio has announced about 50 mm of rain from the USA hurricane (which hasn't arrived as I write at 2:20 pm). Humid this morning but with a bit of wind along certain parts of the Martin Goodman Trail (e.g., near Ontario Place). Glad I wasn't doing 14 intervals of 10:1 as the 10 intervals was tough. Forgot to bring along music. The sun made an appearance during the final 4 intervals. Lots of folks on the trail this morning. Total = 15.68 K. YTD = 899.16 K

During the past week, I have been taking Bud, my 1.5 years old Chow Chow, on slow runs with me after work. In the summer, he got 5 walks. Now that I'm back teaching, I'm only able to get him a morning, after work, and evening walk. Since he has built up so much energy, I've taken him each day on a 10 minute slow run, amount to 1.5 K each day. Sure is a great way to make him tired. And the breeder told me that Chow Chows don't like much exercise. Mine's different and I'm not complaining :-) I've added 10.5 K to my YTD, which is now YTD = 899.66 K.

Two weeks until the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Can't believe it's just around the corner. Am going to fill out the Toronto Half Marathon registration to send in tomorrow. I'll "donate" the registration fee for the Ajax run as I won't run it. Maybe I could use this as a "fun" run since I've already paid?

I've found a routine that seems to work for me...Wednesday and Thursday mornings get up 1/2 hour earlier for a 10:1 (x4) before work; 1.5 K slow runs with Bud each day; LSD on the weekend.

10:1 (x4)

I think it's going to work getting up 30 minutes earlier in the morning for a run. Continued with the wonderful park trail I found yesterday -- the large puddle remained so I wasn't able to explore and enjoy the trail completely. Got in 5.92 K for a YTD = 873.48 K.

Once again, took Bud on a run. I wore my Garmin which said we ran 1.50 K in 11 minutes. I should be adding this to my YTD totals. I'll do that with my LSD run.

10:1 (x4)

Week #2 in the new school year. I chose to wake up 30 minutes earlier than usual for my morning run. Ran in the school "neighbourhood" and located a park trail :-) Unfortunately, part of it had a huge puddle so I turned around. I think I'm going to enjoy this! Got in 5.88 K this morning. Look forward to another run tomorrow morning. YTD = 867.56 K

Continue to slowly run with Bud after work for about 5 minutes. Should I add this to my YTD totals? So far, I haven't.

I e-mailed the organizers of the Toronto Marathon and they are allowing me to register for the half marathon at a $15 discount -- i.e., $65 (the earlybird fee). This is due to the busing situation last year. I registered a while back for the Ajax half marathon and might forfeit the $45 I paid for registration (I think it was $45) and go with the Toronto Marathon. I enjoy this race, eventhough the wonderful medal looks like last year's. The full marathon certainly looks amazing (but I can't do that distance at this time).

10:1 (x15)

Beautiful morning for running -- cool, cloudy, with a breeze :-) [Such a contrast to the afternoon with the rain] Lots of runners and walkers along the Martin Goodman Trail this morning. Part of the trail was closed due to a canoe competition. Was out there for 2 hours 45 minutes and ran conservatively, a total of 22.05 K, averaging 7.29 min/K and 149 bpm. Really enjoyed the run -- just wish the entire year was like this morning. Forgot to wear the knee brace -- only figured that out with about 1/3 to go as I saw a runner with knee braces. Felt great to even run uphill beside the Gardner Expressway and before Ontario Place -- usually walk on the uphill. Also passed by the Toronto Islands entrance on Bay Street as it was crowded with a festival. YTD = 861.68 K.

As an aside, I never knew my Chow loves to run (okay, I knew that he ran in the backyard, but to run with me during our daily walks?). Yesterday morning, I ran slowly with him back home as the rain got stronger. He enjoyed it. Ran slowly with him again yesterday afternoon and just an hour ago. The run lasts about 5 minutes -- nothing long as I don't want to injure him. For the most part, he runs and doesn't get distracted by squirrels, etc.

Two weeks until the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront half marathon! I'm thinking of doing the Toronto Marathon (although I've already registered for the Ajax Half Marathon). I doubt I will actually sign up for the Toronto Marathon since it now costs $80 to register, not to mention the awful bussing from last year. I've e-mailed the race director about the busing situation.

10:1 (x4)

Got in an early 10:1 (x4) before work in the near my school. Was trying to finding a route -- went from the large street to the small streets and then "got lost". Ended up at the southest point of my route after the run was over and had to walk for about 15 minutes. A small portion was on an uphill incline, which made me tired. The early morning weather was wonderful -- such a contrast to the afternoon humidity of late. Got in 5.66 K for a YTD = 839.63 K. LSD on Sunday -- hope for cool weather.

Have really thought about running before or after work. Since I had a meeting after school day, I opted to wake up earlier and go on a run close to my school. Got to see the expensive (and huge) houses. Although I enjoyed the route, it was quite random. It might take a few runs before I settle into a run that has a scenic path -- like what happened in summer school. Today's run was conservative at 5.69 K. Hope for another run tomorrow morning.

YTD = 833.97 K