Marathon Race Report (yes, marathon!)

EXPO

As of Friday, September 24 leaving work at 4 PM, I had no thought of changing my registration from the half marathon to the full marathon. The 680 News weather report forecasted cool and sunny weather -- ideal for a marathon. On the Don Valley Parkway, I thought about making the switch and said it was dependent on the extra fee I would need to pay. Turns out to be only $25.00 extra -- so I went for it!

Spent a couple of hours at the expo on Friday evening. Browsed each of the booths 3 times. Another (although minor reason) for switching to the full marathon was the half marathon was I didn't like the green tech shirt colour. The marathon tech shirt was similar to last year's with a black lining. I spun the Running Room wheel and got a 20% off coupon -- will visit a RR store this week and purchase a new pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 (since they don't have earlier model and the GTS 11 comes out in January 2011). Also bought 3 gels for the race. Loaded up on free samples from the Gatorade booth (pre-run and recovery drinks) and from the Clif Booth (Shot Bloks). Guess I was greedy as I didn't follow the 1-per person rule :-| Bought 4 cans of Planters cashews and almonds -- $2.50 each! Also bought a colleague at work a cool tech shirt. Didn't hear any of the guest speakers since it was over when I arrived. Similar exhibiters as last year -- wanted the poster booth but once again it didn't show up.



RACE DAY

Ideal race weather conditions! 7C in the morning. Arrived at the start line at 7:15 AM and made my way (by squeezing then walking the sidewalk) to the Blue Corral. Goal was under 4 hours. The full and half marathoners race together, making it very crowded until the two races diverge at the 18 K mark. I studied the course map beforehand and the only difference is the start line.

The fluid stations were every 3 K and were organized with gatorade first and then water. Plenty of stations! Since I like to have my walk breaks during the fluid stations, I had to becareful with other runners -- someone nearly spilled Gatorade on the back of my tech shirt and someone did spill water on my left shoe.

The entertainment on the course was wonderful. The best was the Chinese folks on Leslie south of the Lakeshore -- very loud. Lots of spectators near the CNE and on Queen Street East.

The first 32 K was great. In fact, my time at the 30 K mark was better than my PB at the Midsummer Night's Run -- 2:50:15. The final 10 K was extremely difficult, with the uphill inclines on Queen Street East -- loved the downhill decline, though. For the first 32 K, I was ahead of the 4:00 pacers (both continuous and 10:1), then both surpassed me and were never to be seen again. I tried keeping up with the 4:00 continous pacer but he was too fast. The final 5 K seemed to go on forever. I had to stop after each K as well as at the fluid stations for a quick walk break. I powerwalked up the ramp on the DVP to Eastern Avenue. Even the final 500 metres, I had to walk a few times -- again, upward incline.

Scary part of the route was seeing 2 runners trip. Fortunately both got back up immediately and continued running. Saw 1 female runner sitting on the sidewalk getting medical attention.

Great finish line area as there was lots of room to walk. The time chip is a souvenir so no removal, which is tough to put my foot on the stool. Bagel, apple, banana, a couple of Oasis samples and then made the way home.

Bizarre that each marathon is a mental challenge yet I still sign up for them. Love them. Here's what I have to remember it:

Gun Time = 4:14:36
Chip Time = 4:10:32
Place = 1439 out of 2713
Gender = 1016 out of 1680
Age Category = 177 out of 281
Time at 10 K = 56:27; Time at 21.1 K = 1:57:52; Time at 30 K = 2:50:15; Time at 35 K = 3:21:12: Time at 40 K = 3:55:10 K

Took Bud to the finish line to cheer on the racers. Unfortunately we arrived when the gun time was 6:30 and we only saw 3 runners.

Had a nap and then felt the sore legs -- right now they are very sore -- tough to walk up or down stairs and even get up from a chair. Going to soak the legs in cold water shortly.