Since the tradition seems to be if you do anything slightly strenuous, Blog it, time to document my third marathon in 12 months! Yes madness I hear you cry and could have easier obsessions, but hey, what would be the fun in that?
Barcelona in March saw a very pleasing 3 Hours 23 minutes, my next target was sub 3 Hours 15 so giving me a shot of a best of age entry for London. So searching the marathon listings for the autumn and looking at the associated logistics (distance of finish from accommodation!), Amsterdam seemed a good candidate. But a chance look at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon saw a special offer with flights and accommodation which was really too good to pass by. After a couple of days pondering, what the hell was the conclusion so booked it. It certainly caused many a raised eye brow when asked the destination of my next marathon!
Training wasn't good, actually it was disastrous. Had come back from Barcelona in March with a groin strain and despite not stopping me walking the Yorkshire 3 peaks or the Coast to Coast, as soon as I tried to run, it would play up. It took 6 months to cure with a deep sports massage and cycling as exercise opposed to running. Was my body trying to tell me something? Training got underway but after 5 weeks picked up another injury without doubt trying to extend the distance far to quickly. A competition half marathon saw a good time but boarded the plane with just 8 weeks disruptive training (opposed to the normal 16 weeks) and having only done over 10 miles on three occasions with a max of 14 miles (marathon is 26.1miles). The omens weren't good, 3:15, no chance but I wanted to get round so at least get a North American finishers medal.
As with all my runs, have a number of days beforehand to explore and be a tourist. Niagara Falls was breath taking and the Maid of the Mist a world class experience. So with this and ascending the CN tower in Toronto, two life ambitions were completed. Toronto is a city of skyscrapers with tickets to an Ice Hockey game being a real highlight. Despite being a pre-season friendly, two players were sent off after 10 minutes for fighting! Visits to Fort York (British) was the only real history as such although the Dinosaur collection at the ROM and a look around the Victorian mansion Casa Loma were all worthwhile. While watching the Blue Jays Baseball team had to be done although have to say was pretty boring. Daren't ask why they get so excited by a game of glorified rounders!
So the pasta dinner for the race arrived. A table with fellow mad marathon runners was a good time to share experiences. One was doing his 10th one this year, but only as to keep in trim for Iron man contests, you think I'm mad. While a British girl was doing the half marathon and was only her second, her first one had been a month before in a Vine Yard, which sounded intriguing! But the real highlight was a after dinner talk by an authority on the Marathon story as this was the 2500th anniversary of the original run when Pheidippides ran 42 kilometres from the battlefield at Marathon to Athens, to carry the news of a famous Greek victory. With the morale boosting news that scientifically, the day of our race could be the actual anniversary date opposed to the traditional 11th September date. I had also failed to realise that Berlin was being run on the same day; this was the first one I had done exactly 12 months before to the day.
Although apprehensive, I was inspired by the previous evening so was up at 5.45am, as the Marathon started at 7am, an unearthly hour for me as I do all my training runs in the afternoon/evenings! Eleven thousand people would line up today, but most would do the half marathon. Just 2716 would be doing the full 42Kms Marathon. I had declared a target time of 3.15 when I entered so lined up near the front where the Mayor of Marathon having come over from Greece, would start the race. Bang, we were off, 3o seconds later I was over the start line, show time!
Another decision for doing this marathon was the fact this was considered a fast course as very flat. But the plan now was simple, to go at a comfortable pace which didn't feel stretched. Important not to over do it as most of the runners would be finishing after 21kms so mustn’t get dragged along. The course heads out of the city along the shores of Lake Ontario then double backs on itself. I didn't feel full of energy but was running in front of the 3 Hour 10 Minute Pacemaker and feeling ok! I could only conclude that the spirit of Pheidippides was running with me? Seeing the elite Kenyan runners coming back the other way brought a cheer from us that can only dream of such pace.
The sky was blue but being early cool enough and as the course came back into the city, the 8000 half marathoners peeled off, wimps! After 12 miles ran right past the doors of my 4* Hotel with a lovely comfy soft Queen size bed and bath, but the resolve was still strong so past it I went. I passed half way (13 miles) in 1 hour 33 minutes, a personal best and I wasn’t going for it aggressively. Dare I hope for a fast time, surely not? The course then heads out of the city to the old harbour area before coming back in, and at that point didn't feel too bad. But at the 16 mile mark, bang, it happened, a lesson in how you cannot skimp on training. It wasn't the wall as in falling asleep as in Barcelona or desperately wanting it to end in Berlin. More of I'm stuck in relative plod mode and there is nothing I could do about of it. I had plans for the week ahead and didn't want to render myself a physical wreck! Looking at the times, dropped from 7.15 minute miles to 9 minute miles.
The good thing about Toronto is everyone speaks English and as you have your name on the Bib, plenty of people shout out your name in encouragement. So along with doing high five's with the kids near the water stations and bands blazing out music every few miles, morale was ok. Seeing the Toronto sky line dominated with the CN tower getting ever nearer was really impressive. Sure enough the pace makers passed me one by one and a stream of experienced runners who had a better training experience than me! A slight difference to the other two marathons was I bought a packet of Energy gel sweets at the Expo and sucked on one every mile. Don't get me wrong, it was hard, the legs were really heavy and I really wanted the end to come, but at least I didn't feel like dying on the spot, think they must of made a difference? I tried to raise my pace in the last couple of miles but just couldn't.
Soon enough I was back in the city centre in the last mile towards the old city hall. I remember someone shouting "almost there, don't look at the ground, focus on something ahead".Time to dig deep, I couldn't go on much longer. The 5Km runners were now on a barriered off lane on my left and at last the finish line came into view. Could see the clock turning 3 Hours 37, so went over the line and punched the air (photo to come!) Better then Berlin with so little training, I'm not an old cronk after all?! had come 561 out of 2716 and if I had called it a day at the half marathon mark, would have come 281st out of 7893. Job done. Best of all the Gold finishers’ medal is the best one yet, pure bling, but then again what else would you expect from North America?
As ever, was back out exploring later on the day with stairs being a real challenge. However 48 hours later was walking normally again with the discovery that if you have a bath with water almost too hot to bathe in, it works wonders. Good job really as was intending to do some walks a few days later!
So there you go, I declare the 2010 season over, the legs can have a rest. Although yet again I didn't get into London (the end goal) so guess I will have to do a spring one? If I want to keep the dream alive...
Barcelona in March saw a very pleasing 3 Hours 23 minutes, my next target was sub 3 Hours 15 so giving me a shot of a best of age entry for London. So searching the marathon listings for the autumn and looking at the associated logistics (distance of finish from accommodation!), Amsterdam seemed a good candidate. But a chance look at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon saw a special offer with flights and accommodation which was really too good to pass by. After a couple of days pondering, what the hell was the conclusion so booked it. It certainly caused many a raised eye brow when asked the destination of my next marathon!
Training wasn't good, actually it was disastrous. Had come back from Barcelona in March with a groin strain and despite not stopping me walking the Yorkshire 3 peaks or the Coast to Coast, as soon as I tried to run, it would play up. It took 6 months to cure with a deep sports massage and cycling as exercise opposed to running. Was my body trying to tell me something? Training got underway but after 5 weeks picked up another injury without doubt trying to extend the distance far to quickly. A competition half marathon saw a good time but boarded the plane with just 8 weeks disruptive training (opposed to the normal 16 weeks) and having only done over 10 miles on three occasions with a max of 14 miles (marathon is 26.1miles). The omens weren't good, 3:15, no chance but I wanted to get round so at least get a North American finishers medal.
As with all my runs, have a number of days beforehand to explore and be a tourist. Niagara Falls was breath taking and the Maid of the Mist a world class experience. So with this and ascending the CN tower in Toronto, two life ambitions were completed. Toronto is a city of skyscrapers with tickets to an Ice Hockey game being a real highlight. Despite being a pre-season friendly, two players were sent off after 10 minutes for fighting! Visits to Fort York (British) was the only real history as such although the Dinosaur collection at the ROM and a look around the Victorian mansion Casa Loma were all worthwhile. While watching the Blue Jays Baseball team had to be done although have to say was pretty boring. Daren't ask why they get so excited by a game of glorified rounders!
So the pasta dinner for the race arrived. A table with fellow mad marathon runners was a good time to share experiences. One was doing his 10th one this year, but only as to keep in trim for Iron man contests, you think I'm mad. While a British girl was doing the half marathon and was only her second, her first one had been a month before in a Vine Yard, which sounded intriguing! But the real highlight was a after dinner talk by an authority on the Marathon story as this was the 2500th anniversary of the original run when Pheidippides ran 42 kilometres from the battlefield at Marathon to Athens, to carry the news of a famous Greek victory. With the morale boosting news that scientifically, the day of our race could be the actual anniversary date opposed to the traditional 11th September date. I had also failed to realise that Berlin was being run on the same day; this was the first one I had done exactly 12 months before to the day.
Although apprehensive, I was inspired by the previous evening so was up at 5.45am, as the Marathon started at 7am, an unearthly hour for me as I do all my training runs in the afternoon/evenings! Eleven thousand people would line up today, but most would do the half marathon. Just 2716 would be doing the full 42Kms Marathon. I had declared a target time of 3.15 when I entered so lined up near the front where the Mayor of Marathon having come over from Greece, would start the race. Bang, we were off, 3o seconds later I was over the start line, show time!
Another decision for doing this marathon was the fact this was considered a fast course as very flat. But the plan now was simple, to go at a comfortable pace which didn't feel stretched. Important not to over do it as most of the runners would be finishing after 21kms so mustn’t get dragged along. The course heads out of the city along the shores of Lake Ontario then double backs on itself. I didn't feel full of energy but was running in front of the 3 Hour 10 Minute Pacemaker and feeling ok! I could only conclude that the spirit of Pheidippides was running with me? Seeing the elite Kenyan runners coming back the other way brought a cheer from us that can only dream of such pace.
The sky was blue but being early cool enough and as the course came back into the city, the 8000 half marathoners peeled off, wimps! After 12 miles ran right past the doors of my 4* Hotel with a lovely comfy soft Queen size bed and bath, but the resolve was still strong so past it I went. I passed half way (13 miles) in 1 hour 33 minutes, a personal best and I wasn’t going for it aggressively. Dare I hope for a fast time, surely not? The course then heads out of the city to the old harbour area before coming back in, and at that point didn't feel too bad. But at the 16 mile mark, bang, it happened, a lesson in how you cannot skimp on training. It wasn't the wall as in falling asleep as in Barcelona or desperately wanting it to end in Berlin. More of I'm stuck in relative plod mode and there is nothing I could do about of it. I had plans for the week ahead and didn't want to render myself a physical wreck! Looking at the times, dropped from 7.15 minute miles to 9 minute miles.
The good thing about Toronto is everyone speaks English and as you have your name on the Bib, plenty of people shout out your name in encouragement. So along with doing high five's with the kids near the water stations and bands blazing out music every few miles, morale was ok. Seeing the Toronto sky line dominated with the CN tower getting ever nearer was really impressive. Sure enough the pace makers passed me one by one and a stream of experienced runners who had a better training experience than me! A slight difference to the other two marathons was I bought a packet of Energy gel sweets at the Expo and sucked on one every mile. Don't get me wrong, it was hard, the legs were really heavy and I really wanted the end to come, but at least I didn't feel like dying on the spot, think they must of made a difference? I tried to raise my pace in the last couple of miles but just couldn't.
Soon enough I was back in the city centre in the last mile towards the old city hall. I remember someone shouting "almost there, don't look at the ground, focus on something ahead".Time to dig deep, I couldn't go on much longer. The 5Km runners were now on a barriered off lane on my left and at last the finish line came into view. Could see the clock turning 3 Hours 37, so went over the line and punched the air (photo to come!) Better then Berlin with so little training, I'm not an old cronk after all?! had come 561 out of 2716 and if I had called it a day at the half marathon mark, would have come 281st out of 7893. Job done. Best of all the Gold finishers’ medal is the best one yet, pure bling, but then again what else would you expect from North America?
As ever, was back out exploring later on the day with stairs being a real challenge. However 48 hours later was walking normally again with the discovery that if you have a bath with water almost too hot to bathe in, it works wonders. Good job really as was intending to do some walks a few days later!
So there you go, I declare the 2010 season over, the legs can have a rest. Although yet again I didn't get into London (the end goal) so guess I will have to do a spring one? If I want to keep the dream alive...
