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Saturday February 04 2012
 

Niagara Falls Marathon - Race Report

Printer friendly version Posted on: Wednesday October 28 10:07:01 AM
Niagara Falls Marathon - Race Report

Niagara Falls was a must on my to do list. How can you pass up an out of town marathon that is really not too far to go, cheap accommodations and as picturesque as Niagara Falls. That and I wanted to fulfill my desire to run back-to-back weekend marathons, which of course will end up being back-to-back-to-back after next weekend's outing in the Hammer.

 

After a couple of trips back and forth in order to meet our Saturday obligations of clearing customs, visiting the race expo, and getting Cam to hockey, then back to Niagara, we settled down in our $62 room, which was actually upgrade to the honeymoon suite when both of our room key-cards failed to work.

 

After an interesting evening (see Anita's report)  we got up and dined at Starbucks. Bagels, Banas and codde, the jolly BBC breakfast. Niagara Falls marathon starts in Buffalo NY, which is why we had to clear customs. We were bused there and I had the opportunity of being only one of 3 english speaking people on the bus which had already filled up with the Marathon Tour Group from Japan. A fun ride was this as I entertained many questions pertaining to my bunny ears and '4:00' sign. We arrived at the start, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery where we were allowed to stay warm and enjoy the gallery while listening to live classical music, a nice change from the norm of rock and roll running songs.

 

The Buffalo portion was surprisingly beautiful. Yes, those two words were in the same sentence, beautiful and Buffalo, who knew? We made our way to the border, about 7k, avoiding all nearby fires and then we climbed the Peace Bridge, the toughest part of the race - steep and windy going up, and very windy going down almost offsetting the downhill. The remainder of the course was gorgeous, along the Niagara River, fall colours in full force. The spectators were minimal but every mile on the mile was a large water aid station manned by local school kids and some spectators all whom cheered loud and and exuberantly. Once a mile is often enough for me although some of the runners with me were hoping for more crowd support.

 

As the 4 hour pace bunny, I was able to really enjoy the route and the crowd with me, my largest following yet, whom were in good spirits and very chatty. Of the 30 or so at half way, 12 finished with, or slightly ahead of me. most of the others not too far behind. It's a testimony to even pacing vs banking time as we passed, easily 25-30 runners in the last few miles, all of whom groaned as they watch the 4 hour group slip by.

 

The finish was lovely, one of the nicest finishes you will come across, complete with rainbows in the mist and a great view of the Falls. I toyed with my efforts to run exactly 3:59:59 by slowing a bit in the final few hunderd metres and then got caught in traffic and blew it by 4 seconds finishing in 4:00:03. There goes my perfect record of sub 4 hour marathons!

 

Post race was followed by many thanks from the group and then off to Hard Rock Cafe for post race nutrition. Anita drove home, allowing me to enjoy delicious Creemore on tap. A nice sunny drive back to Toronto capped off our lovely "date race weekend".

 

And now, a few days later, feeling good and recovering well, ready to give Hamilton a good shot. No set goal yet but I think a sub 3:30 is a possibility especially seeing as it is Canada's fastest marathon.

 

Sore Quads next Monday anyone? 


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 Posted by Dave on: Wednesday October 28 10:07:01 AM

Comments:

comment bubble Guess who?
 

I really wanted to text you Sunday and rub it in that you blew your perfect sub 4 marathon status, but I refrained. But since you brought it up I guess I can do it now. Here goes:

 

Oh how the mighty have fallen!!

Next thing you know you'll be running a marathon WITH me instead of waiting at the finish line cooling down!
What are you - a little girl? No wait....Sarah could probably kick your ass her first marathon

Will you get kicked out of the Marathon Maniacs for a sub-par performance?

 

That's it for now. When I think of more I'll post em!

 


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Posted on: Wednesday October 28 11:03 AM
email icon   comment bubble Dave
 


If the sub 4 hour streak ended because I was physically incapable of running 'fast enough' your taunts would have more validity and might even sting a little.

 

I know my truth.


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Posted on: Wednesday October 28 11:42 AM
email icon   comment bubble Dave
 
The 4 hour gang...



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Posted on: Wednesday October 28 12:24 PM
www link icon  comment bubble Runshorts
 
Damn those extra seconds, they seem to be haunting everyone :). Bravo again to Dave the Bunny!

So just one more to go - I'm looking forward to the final report.
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Posted on: Thursday October 29 10:48 AM
email icon   www link icon  comment bubble Marky Mark
 
great post--when I want to make the move to sub four I'll make sure I find a race that you're pacing!

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Posted on: Sunday November 01 11:17 AM
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