Running in Year 2023 (Goal 2023 km)

Monday, August 18, 2014

Reflecting on Past Marathons

As I reached 1000 K this past Saturday, I thought about the past marathons I've run and walked:

Done
  • Toronto Waterfront Marathon [6] - 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
    •  huge number of spectators and entertainment 
    • excellent expo with guest speakers
    • hope to run this one every year as close to home and well organized 


  •  Mississauga Marathon [5] - 2007, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014
    • first marathon completed - as a walker (even though the K signs were being or already taken down)
    • scenic downhill route
    • always well-organized race
    • unfortunately the same day as the Toronto Marathon so must choose 



  • Niagara Ultra 50 K [3] - 2012, 2013, 2014 
    • scenic route along Niagara River, turnaround at Niagara Falls
    • runners are friendly
    • this race also has a 100 K - too bad there isn't a 50 miler as I would do it
    • happens in late June so can be hot and humid - must bring my own water bottle as food stations are every 5 K
    • race day pick-up :-)
    • my favourite race!!!


  • Toronto Marathon [3] - 2010, 2011, 2012
    • signed up for 2015 (after 2 year absence with running Mississauga Marathon)
    • starts at Mel Lastman Square and south on Yonge! 
    • scenic route of Toronto - but don't like the Hoggs Hollow hill nor a few rolling hills in the 2nd half
    • huge finisher's medal - why can't all races take note? 
    • unfortunate same day as Mississauga Marathon as must choose
    • am loyal to this race - first finisher's medal from this race (half-marathon) - walked the 21.1 K in a winter coat (when this race was in mid-October) 

 
  • Hamilton [3] - 2007, 2012, 2013
    • last marathon of the year
    • will not be running this in 2014 as chosen Niagara Falls (new)
    • weather quite good for early November
    • race day pickup :-)
    • although downhill on highway for 5 K, not that easy to run steep downhill that long


  • Whitby [2] - 2012, 2013
    • small marathon
    • $30 registration fee before August 31
    • was disappointed with 2013 - same finisher's medal and tech shirt from previous year; route was changed due to construction - mainly through pathed park 


  • Ottawa [1] - 2014
    • Wow!!! Amazing. Although running first half wasn't exciting, once we went into Hull, Quebec and then returned to downtown Ottawa - scenic
    • huge number of spectators in 2nd half
    • well organized
    • thrilled to have run in its 40 year - tech shirt will be worn in future races; complimentary Ottawa Marathon 40th anniversary book
    • leaning towards 2015 - leave Toronto early morning Saturday, return home late Sunday (so don't miss work)

Registered 

  • Montreal - September 2014
    • have been to Montreal with school debate trip as well as for conferences
    • Will be great to run a marathon outside of Ontario
    • looking forward to this Rock n Roll marathon



  • Niagara Falls - October 2014
    •  also looking forward to this marathon - starts in Buffalo, NY ends at the Niagara Falls
    • will enjoy a conservative pace as will have run the Toronto Waterfront marathon the week before 

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