First marathon of the year and #21 is now in the books (i.e., 19 full marathons; 2 ultra marathons (50 K)). A bit cold at the start (8C or 9C). This year, I parked my car at Cawthra Community Centre and then took the shuttle to the start and the shuttle back). Wore last year's Mississauga marathon tech shirt and running shorts. Brought along my iphone to take photos along the route. Thus, this race report is presented through photos!
Photo 1: Arrived at the expo to pick up bib and tech shirt after work Friday. A smaller expo.
Photo 2: Tech shirt - year #11 of this marathon.
Photo 3: Start line before 7:30 AM. Great to see the sun out - rained yesterday.
Photo 4: Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion at the start line!
Photo 5: On Burnhamthorpe Road - just got out of Square One Mall.
Photo 6: View from the bridge on Burnhamthorpe Road.
Photo 7: Entering University of Toronto Mississauga Campus
Photo 8: Scenic view - believe outside U. of T Mississauga campus?
Photo 9: Approaching 15 K - where the half and full marathon route diverges
Photo 10: Indian Road - peaceful road
Photo 11: South on Southdown Road - industrial area
Photo 12: From 23 K to 27 K, along Lakeshore Road West - this is the view at 26 K of Lake Ontario
Photo 13: At the 29 K mark on Orr Road
Photo 14: Spectator took this photo for me - unfortunately, top of head got cut off :-|
Photo 15: Another scenic view!
Photo 16: Reached the 30 K mark
Photo 17: Wanted to take this photo - rolling hills :-( Whenever there is an upward "climb", I walked it
Photo 18: Another amazing view!
Photo 19: Ouch - more rolling hills
Photo 20: And more rolling hills
Photo 21: About to enter the Waterfront Trail again
Photo 22: Peaceful trail. Weather cooperated
Photo 23: Upward incline at the 34 K mark. I walked it - no energy left - actually, ran on the downhills and powerwalked on the uphills - and there were many.
Photo 24: Now at the 35 K mark- back on Lakeshore Road West
Photo 25: Geez - a "huge" hill. More power walking
Photo 26: Great view of the marine just past 38 K
Photo 27: Entering St. Lawrence Park
Photo 28: At the 39 K - every step helps get to the finish line!
Photo 29: Yeah - reached the 40 K mark
Photo 30: Stopped for a photo with the Toronto Maple Leaf bear (polar??)
Photo 31: Back to the forest - such an amazing view!
Photo 32: Another photo
Photo 33: Another lucky shoe!
Photo 34: Another amazing view
Photo 35: The home stretch to the finish line
Photo 36: A couple of Subway mascots awaiting at the finish line
Photo 37: The reward! The winter months of training culminated for this medal
Photo 38: The boss wearing the medal. Bud is proud
Results:
* Overall = 567 out of 722
* Gun Time = 4:55:55.1
* Chip Time = 4:53:10.1
* Pace = 6:57/K
* Age = 129 out of 144
* Gender = 341 out of 406
* 8 K = 52:27
* 21.1 K = 2:19:41
* 25 K = 2:47:28
Great weather for a marathon. The wind did make it challenging. Lots of walking as I stopped for a break at each fluid station as well as to take photos along the route.
Such a well-organized race. Fluid stations every 2 K are very generous. Gels at 24 K, 34 K, 38 K. I took gels at 24 K, 28 K, 32 K, and 38 K (I believe). The chocolate flavour is the best. Tried the new tangerine flavour - too sweet - not good.
Next year, I may return to the Toronto Marathon - miss the huge medals.
After the race, I drove to the Toronto International Centre. I wanted to meet Brett "The Hitman" Hart - a World Wrestling Federation superstar I used to watch on television. Costly as $12 admission, $25 for autograph, $7 for 8x10 photo:
Also at the spring expo was Doug Gilmour and Joe Nieuwendyk:
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