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 (!).
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."
