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Sunday September 05 2010
 

Quad Factor 2009 - Race Report

Printer friendly version Posted on: Tuesday November 10 07:47:18 AM
It seems like a long time ago that I ran 4 marathons in a span of 5 weeks and 1 day. In fact, it is only a little over a week since the last one and I am almost upset that there are no more in the plans. Well, there is one more possibility and I will get to that later.

I sometimes feel belittled by the thousands of people out there running more marathons than I, making my brief stint of multi-marathons look like a light training schedule. Most of these maniacs will continue to run daily whereas I was taking 2 or 3 days off to rest up between races. Still though, I know it takes a lot to get to where I am and to accomplish what I did. Now more than ever, I look back upon my 30's, where exercise and me were not great pals and I really wish I had seen the light back then.

Anyway, here's how I see it, or saw it, or look back on this year's Quadruple Bypass.
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36 days of madness - in a nutshell

Day 1

Event: September 27 - Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon

Goal: 3:59:59 (4 hour pace bunny)

Result: 3:59:53  Goal Achievement Rating: 99%

Event rating: (out of 10) Start/Finish Area - 6, Route - 8, Organization - 8, Race Kits/Shirts - 7, Expo - 8, Overall - 7.5

Summary:

Scotia-bunny-extrordinaireI originally set this out to be my season goal race, then take the following 2 weeks off and run the Goodlife, Niagara and Hamilton marathons as a pace bunny or just for fun but after taking some time to recover following the 50K Ultra at the end of June, my training had lapsed and that was compounded by the distractions of new home renovations. It seemed like using Scotia and the following 2 weekends as training runs was a better call. Fortunately for me I got in as a pace bunny for Scotia because Asics was the sponsor and we got lots of swag, or sccchhwag. Can't beat free shoes, shorts, shirts, hats and socks as well as the opportunity to get more for closest bunny to their goal time. The time goal was met and I was closest without going over which should have won it for me but a bunny running the 1:45 half finished 1:45:02 - so I was ripped off there.

The race itself was great, decent weather albeit rather humid but bearable and the rain held off. I had a good crowd to run with and really enjoyed the new route into our home turf along Queen Street East. Great crowd support as usual for this race especially in the beaches. Yes I said beaches - deal. Many of my group made their sub-4 hour time goal and Glenda from Michigan got her BQ and sweaty hugs followed. She even made the City TV news broadcast (no mention of yours truly!)

For me, the race was dare I say it, easy. Yes, It was enjoyable from start to finish and sure beat the hell out of a solo long run. With it out of the way, I had 20 days to prepare for Goodlife which was now my new goal race.

Other Notes: Wanted to try out my new compression socks but Asics required us to wear their socks, which were actually quite nice. Took 3 gels, didn't feel the need for any more. Post race, ran straight to the car and rushed off to Cam's rare Sunday game making it a total of 44kms. Missed out on the post race food!

Day 2 - 21

Recovered well although a bit slower than a standard 20 miler. I got in a few hard workouts and tapered for Goodlife. In retrospect, I think I tapered too much this time especially in the last week.

Day 22

Event: October 18 - Goodlife Toronto Marathon

Goal: Beat personal best (3:19:10)

Result: 3:35:02  Goal Achievement Rating: 85%

Event rating: (out of 10) Start Area - 6, Finish Area - 9, Route - 8, Organization - 7, Race Kits/Shirts - 7, Expo - 6, Overall - 7

Summary:

Not so GoodlifeWith the change of route for Scotia and the great organization I now prefer it over Goodlife. I still love the first half of the route, down Yonge, Forest Hill,  Rosedale Valley Road and into downtown. The 2nd half is ok but it is a long way out and then back along the Lakeshore with very little crowd support at times when you need it. The finish is great, even though you have to work hard up University, once you get to Queen's Park it is lovely.

I ran the first half with the thought of beating 3;19 in mind, and was pretty much on track but never felt as good as I did in Mississauga so I had a feeling I was not going to make it. I tried to remain positive but it seemed quite hard and painful in the left hamstring and butt. I hit half way in 1:40 and thought for a while that a 1:39 or better 2nd half would be enough. Unfortunately, when I got to 30K I had lost a few minutes so knowing I had 2 more marathons to run in the next 2 weeks I slowed up and cruised the final 12k so I could enjoy the rest of the race and save some energy. It was actually too late for that as even with the slowed pace I was still tired and incredibly hungry. It was a struggle but I made it and enjoyed the post race cheering everyone in with our gang at the final corner.

Next year, I will make this event my goal race and run the others all for fun. I think even as a 4 hour bunny, 3 weeks is not enough recovery time to make Goodlife a goal race.

Other Notes: Diluted 5 gels into bottles and ran with my belt. I hate racing with a water belt. Never again. Arm warmers, not needed after 3k, had to stuff 'em in and run with them my shorts. Bummer.I tried out the compression socks. Although they worked well in a few training runs, I did not see real benefits here. Actually, my calves were more sore after this marathon than any other.

Day 22-28

Again, recovery went better than expected. A few days sore, a bike ride, ran on the Tuesday, cut Wednesday's run short due to a bit of right arch pain and was fine on Thursday's run. Planned to run again Saturday but way too busy. We had to drive to Niagara Falls to clear customs as the race starts in Buffalo and crosses into Canada. After visiting the lame expo we headed back to Toronto for Cam's hockey game and then all the way back to our luxurious suite at the Days Inn which I mentioned in my original Niagara Falls Marathon race report.

Day 29


Event: October 25 - Niagara Falls Intl. Marathon

Goal: 3:59:59 ( 4 hour pace bunny )

Result: 4:03:02  Goal Achievement Rating: 95%

Event rating: (out of 10) Start Area - 9, Finish Area - 9, Route - 8, Organization - 8, Race Kits/Shirts - 7, Expo - 5, Overall - 8

Summary:

The 4 hour bunny at the FallsWow, an overall rating of 8, better than both Toronto Marathons. Well, the weather helped here. I am sure if it were cold, snowy, very windy, then my view would be different. But the course was lovely. Starting from our warm pre-race warm spot at the Albright Know Art Gallery, listening to live classical music, we headed through the prettiest neighborhoods Buffalo has to offer. Then, over the Peace Bridge into Ft Erie and along the Niagara Parkway, full view of the river, autumn leaves et al until we arrived in Niagara Falls, finishing with great views and the roaring waters and alas a rainbow at the finish line which was on the scenic platform at Table Rock. Very nice. The finish area may have got a 10 but I factored post race food into the equation and it was only average. We got duffel bags instead of shirts and although the marathoners got excellent quality bags, I am still not sure I like the different swag.

Other notes: Wore my toes socks. Very nice, best socks ever. They feel weird with no shoes on, but awesome while running and best my toes have been post marathon. No belt. Water stations every mile worked out well. 3 gels again. Best race number so far...# 262 or as I like to see it 26.2

Day 30-35

Last week of fun. Felt way better than I thought I would. Dean Karnazes said he felt the best for his 50th marathon in 50 days running his fastest time of the 50 at New York. I think I see where he's coming from. I slept better this week, ate better and was really looking forward to Hamilton. It's downhill course was what I needed for the final stage and made the lead up less daunting.

Day 36


Event: October 25 - Hamilton Road2Hope Marathon

Goal: 3:29:59 ( or better )

Result: 3:28:43 Goal Achievement Rating: 100%

Event rating: (out of 10) Start Area - 7.5, Finish Area - 8.5, Route - 8.5, Organization - 7.5, Race Kits/Shirts - 6, Expo - 4, Overall - 7

Summary:

Hamilton RocksWell we made it to the final stage intact thus far. Anita was set to run her 3rd marathon in 15 days and marathon number 4 in 36 days awaited me. 5 weeks, 4 marathons. Who'd have ever thought I would do this. Nevertheless, this one was fun. I like the Hamilton route and although 2 years in a row this has been one of my favourite races, the overall rating is 7, but that's because of the poor expo, and lousy shirts, otherwise it would score higher.

We got to the finish area just on time to catch a bus to the start line, which despite the change in start area was fortunately still associated with the warmth of a school gym again. I made a last minute porta potty visit and started dead last. That was kind of fun, catching up and passing people, making me feel faster than I really am. I coasted through what felt like pretty easy sub 5 minute kms and ended up 1:45 at the half and we headed downhill. I made up enough time on the long downhill section that I was able to back off and coast in keeping my pace sun 3:30 the whole time. With a bit of effort on the final few kms, I was able to run it under 3:29 which for some reason, I made my goal during the passing of half way point. The 6km finish along the waterfront trail was not really windy this year which is good as that may have killed my sub 3:30 quest.Seeing Anita and Sari at the 40k point was nice. Always nice to see a familiar face or 2.

It was by no means the most difficult marathon and turns out to be my 2nd best time. It was enjoyable but it sure felt good to finish. I actually laid down to rest and breathed a sigh of relief, realizing how much I had accomplished  over the last 5 weeks. Within moments I felt right again and hoped up and over to the food tent. Hot Soup. Wicked.

Other notes: Toe socks again, may be permanent. 4 gels, not diluted. Water and or eLoad at most stops. ran the entire race but for one short walk break at 35km. I will run a marathon entirely start to finish one of these days! For only the 2nd time, I treated myself to music for this race. Not necessary for me, but with less crowd support than most races it was nice to have in spots.

Final thoughts: That's pretty much it. I remember lot's of little things here and there that are relevant to future training plans, what I may tell somebody if were chatting about running. And if I have any trouble going to sleep at night, I replay some of the races trying to replay each step which is both fun and yet it helps me nod off, which I am sure most non runners would say, "duh, of course that would make you fall asleep!"

Do not say time to rest. I feel fine and look forward to my next run, my next race, Boston and periods of multiple marathons down the road. next year I hope to do a double weekend, Saturday and Sunday marathons...who's with me?

 


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 Posted by Dave on: Tuesday November 10 07:47:18 AM

Comments:

email icon   www link icon  comment bubble Dave
 
The hardware.

Look at the Goodlife medal. What a beast! You can barely make out Simon Whitfield's autograp on the Road2Hope bib (#252) He was signing them before the race.



For the Goodlife marathon, Cam's hockey team made a Go Coach sign. Several of the boys came downtown and met me half way.
 

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Posted on: Thursday November 12 09:36 AM
email icon   comment bubble Matt Sylvain
 
Great write up, and I like the pics of the gear. Hey, I've got two of those medals!

In the pictures of you, you actually look like you're expending some effort in the Goodlife one. Otherwise you look like you're coasting.

:-)

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Posted on: Friday November 13 10:47 AM
www link icon  comment bubble Runshorts
 

Very cool, thanks for sharing and inspiring. 

 

If there was a local option for the double header (Saturday and Sunday) I would join the quest.


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Posted on: Monday November 16 06:56 PM