tomorrow's marathon

Forgot to report 3 K run after work this past Wednesday. Last run before tomorrow's Whitby International Marathon at 7 AM. Had to check web site to see if it's still a go as I didn't get an e-mail with final details. Oh well. YTD = 599 K.

Race report tomorrow!

5 K Victoria Day

Beautiful weather this long weekend! Got in a 5 K run this morning on Victoria Day. Sunny and warm - no humidity - in downtown Toronto.

Hoping for COOL weather next Sunday at the Whitby marathon. Read that the forecast for the summer will include cool spells - unlike last year's "drought". This is good.

YTD = 596 K

This Week

3 runs this week:

(1) Monday, May 13th - 5 K
(2) Wednesday, May 15th - 2.5 K
(3) Today = 21.1 K - through Ashbridges Bay Park - enjoyed running on the Martin Goodman Trail.

Next Sunday is the Whitby International Marathon. Weather this weekend is excellent - hope next weekend is the same. Looking forward to marathon #17.

YTD = 591 K

Two runs this week. Legs were sore for 48 hours after last week's Mississauga Marathon. Letting the legs naturally repair. Also in taper mode as next marathon is in 2 weeks: Whitby International Marathon.

Tomorrow morning is the Sporting Life 10 K race down Yonge Street. Will not be running it as my focus is on long distance running.

Wednesday = 3 K
Today = 20 K

YTD = 562.4 K

Race Photos and Video Crossing Finish Line

Check out 17:50 - this is the time in the below You Tube video in which I approach the finish line!

Surprised I was able to save the low resolution photos that were taken by the professional photographers at the race this past Sunday:





And a couple of photos I took with Bud today after work:



Race Report - Mississauga Marathon

First marathon of the 2013 year. Excellent weather - sunny and cool with a breeze. Temperature at the start (7:30 AM) was 14C and went up to 22C in the afternoon.

Arrived to the start line with 5 minutes to spare. Once again, I went the wrong way. I exited the highway at Mississauga Road but headed south rather than north - I need to read the sign! As a result of this blunder, I eventually headed north on Hurontario Street. Unlike the last time I ran the Mississauga Marathon, there was no entrance to the Square One Mall. So I took a risk and parked at a shopping plaza just over 1 K from the Square One. Fortunately my car was not towed nor ticketed when I arrived to make the trek home.

Saw Mayor Hazel McCallion waving at the start-line. Police made a presence at both the start and finish line due to the Boston Marathon tragedy.

Both half and full marathon races started at the same time. There was enough room to run for all. Forgot how scenic the route is! Headed west on Burnhamthorpe and then south through the University of Toronto Mississauga campus on Mississauga Road. Lots of green! At the 14 K, the half and full marathoners diverged - with the full headed west on Indian Road. Very expensive houses here! South on Southdown Road wasn't interesting as it's their industrial area - Suncor oil factory here. Heading north was not fun. There were rolling hills from 31 K to 36 K along Lakeshore Road West - I always walked upwards. Majority is either flat or downhill. Running through the waterfront trail is neat - with a nice cool breeze from Lake Ontario. The finish line is great at Lakefront Promenade Park.

Fluid stations are located every 2 K, which is great. Lots of volunteers and police presence on the route. Spectators especially strong with the final few Ks.

Overall, an excellent full marathon. I prefer this route over the Toronto Marathon. I took the highway 403 back home as I didn't want to get stuck in downtown Toronto as the Toronto Marathon was also taking place on the same day - this happened last year as well.

Gun Time = 4:35:06
Chip Time = 4:31:15.6
Pace = 6:26
Category Place = 143/164
Gender = 383/486
8 K = 48:15
21.1 K = 2:07:02
25 K = 2:31:44
Overall = 611/851

YTD = 539.4 K

 Finisher's Medal above. Bud wearing finisher's medal below.

Expo

Went to the Mississauga Marathon Expo after work yesterday. As I was on the Queensway, turned right on Hurontario - rather than left. That resulted in 20 minutes trying to find the major intersection to the expo. Stopped at 2 gas stations but the attendents were unable to help. Checked the map twice and took the "safe" route of heading south to the Lakeshore. Police were stationed at the main entrance - due to the Boston Marathon tragedy. The expo was small. In and out within 15 minutes.

Went to the Toronto Marathon expo this morning at the Direct Energy Centre in the CNE. This expo was smaller than last year. Bought KT Tape for pain relief and support. Picked up some freebies then make the trek home.

The weather is going to be sunny and warm. By the time I finish around noon, it will not be easy. Thinking of cap and sunglasses.

YTD = 496.1 K (as I had 2 mid-week runs of 3 K each)

Race report tomorrow!