Around the Bay 30 K Race Report

Today was my 8th time registered in Around the Bay 30 K race in Hamilton. Completed the race in 2008 as a walker and since 2009 as a runner. Always a favourite since it helps with full marathon training. Thrilled to report no issues with the muscle spam pain experienced due to the (very) deep tissue massage on the upper back. Also happy my new custom orthodics and running shoes helped get me to the finish line. By completing today's 30 K, I am back on track with full marathon training. The Toronto Marathon is just over a month away!

Expo
Made the trek to Hamilton on Saturday morning. Paid $15 for a year's subscription to the Canadian Running magazine (7 issues + 2 back issues). Also picked up a complimentary copy of the Race Guide 2015. Took photos of the finisher's medals for Toronto Marathon and Ottawa (will post in near future).

 

Race Morning
Arrived in Hamilton at 7:30 AM and parked for free at the City Hall. Sat in the stands of the First Ontario Centre (formerly Copps Collesium) and read the Race Guide 2015. Temperature -6C at the start. Dressed appropriately with toque. Fortunately, had mittens in my car trunk.

The 30 K route changed this year - without the steep uphill at 25 K. This race is always well organized - lots of volunteers and police officers. No issues!

Similar to last year, I brought along my cell phone to take photos. Unfortunately, I didn't know how to take off the password feature so I had to login everytime.

Sitting in the stands with less than an hour until start time. This is the finish line.

Start line.

We're off!

Batman!

5 K completed. Enjoy the quotes on the K boards.

10 K completed. Wow - some hills!

Another nice quote.

And another!

Nice view - approaching 15 K. About to cross bridge.

20 K.

Inspiring.

Scenic view.

Bananas!

No steep uphill this year. Will be back next year.

A bee at the Botanical Gardens.

Yeah! The man who blasts the Queens song. He is always stationed at the 25 K, the bottom of the hill. Glad he came out again. This selfie is priceless!

3 K until the finish line. Mainly downhill from now on.

Priceless photo with the Mr. and Mrs. Grim Reaper! Thank you for the runner who took this photo for me.

Finish line in sight.

Not the greatest results. But thrilled that I finished without the muscle spasms making a presence.

Used this race as a training run for the Toronto Marathon. Yeah - 30 K completed. Long run of 32 K next week?

As always, Bud got to pose with my medal.

Year #121 of this "Older than Boston" race.

YTD = 287.1 K
(16.9% of 1700 K goal completed)