Year 2016 in Review

Year 2016 in Review

2016 was a great year for me. Highlights:

• Reached my running goal of 1000 miles.
• Ran 8 full marathons and 1 ultra marathon - the most for me in a year.
• Year #9 of running. Total distance over the 9 years = 13 998 K.
• Stayed injury-free from running - had a "slip" and did not run for 2 weeks.
• Ran the Philadelphia Marathon - enjoyed the history of the city and got photos taken with the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall - room where declaration of independence and constitution were signed, and room where first American flag was created.
• Life-time total = 44 full and ultra marathons. I value and treasure each finisher's medal.

1. Toronto Marathon - great course and favourite finisher's "dinner plate" medal - 2 lbs :-) Third time running this marathon and registered for next year. Great to run south on Yonge Street.

2. Whitby Marathon - cheapest registration fee of $35 for early bird. 3rd time running this marathon - every year is the same medal, though.

3. Ottawa Marathon - one of my favourite marathons - amazing spectators and course; however, this year was tough with the hot and humid weather 35 K to finish line. Enjoyed tour of Parliament Buildings. Third time running this marathon and back next year for Canada's 150th birthday.

4. Niagara Ultra 50 K Marathon - amazing course - turnaround at Niagara Falls. Run this ultra the last 5 years and registered again for next year. Always get "lost" getting to start line but always make it on time (knock on wood). 

5. Montreal Marathon - wonderful city - 2nd time running this marathon - didn't get finisher's medal until two months later so been given free registration for next year. Got a finisher's jacket!

6. Toronto Waterfront Marathon - favourite marathon - so well organized. 8th time running this full marathon. Happy to have photo taken with race director at finish line.

7. Niagara Falls Marathon - 2nd time running this marathon - starts in Buffalo and ends at Niagara Falls. I like the medal! However, few spectators, raining. Scenic route. Great to begin race in Buffalo! Perhaps in 2018, I will run the Buffalo marathon (rather than Ottawa Marathon).

8. Hamilton Marathon - have done this full marathon 6 times - this year there was a $25 fee for race day pick-up - there will be no fee for next year. Enjoy the nice weather in early November. I tend to find the downhill on the highway difficult - but really like the last 10 K at the waterfront.

9. Philadelphia Marathon - Independence Hall! Very windy and cold. Glad I ran this race. Fascinated with the history. 

Proud little brother, Bud:

1. Toronto Marathon

2. Whitby Marathon

3. Ottawa Marathon

4. Niagara Ultra 50 K

5. Montreal Marathon

6. Toronto Waterfront Marathon

7. Niagara Falls Marathon

8. Hamilton Marathon

9. Philadelphia Marathon