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Friday July 30 2010
 

RWS Marathon - Race Report

Printer friendly version Posted on: Sunday June 07 02:49:56 PM
So, I ran a marathon today. I finished 1st...and last. Well, I was the only entrant actually. Here's the story....

The low key race was held by the Running With Scissors Race Club. It started, conveniently,  in front of my house. From my house it headed east to Rosetta McLean Park and then turned back to the first 'rest stop / aid station' at the Beaches' Running Room. I was joined by a few (about 40) good friends as the marathon headed west and then south to the Martin Goodman Trail, or at least part of it as we turned around at the split in the road. This was a 'rest stop' and I spent a few minutes discussing race plans and form technique with the Duffman. Then, the last of my pacers came through (my lovely wife) and I ran back to aid station number 2 with her (yes, Beaches' Running Room again). My pacers were done for the day and I was back on my own again, in the lead still (or last place still, depending on how you look at things) After another short rest stop, the route headed west again along Queen to the Lower Don Trail. Strange that there were stairs involved in this segment of the course. The race director is quite creative.

The route headed north along the Lower Don Trail until we, er, I got to the washrooms just past the DVP 'molars'. Good timing for washrooms as I was in need...but alas, still closed for the winter. You might agree with me when I say, hasn't winter long passed???

The route headed back and into Taylor Creek Park, east through the park to Victoria Park and up the mountain of stairs....3 flights worth is very tough at this point in a long run! At the top, I headed north on VP and detoured to Dawes rd trying to estimate getting in 42+ but not too much more. So south on Dawes. down into Taylor Creek Park again, this time heading west. One of the trails out of the park lead to Woodbine and O'Connor, up the stairs again! This was about where the finish line was. There was no flashy finish area, no medal, no spectators, no post race stale bagels and half bananas or apples that have been touched by who knows who. No mylar blanket, no chip removal, no wandering back to the finish line to cheers others in. Just a city street with passing cars and people walking by, going about their business oblivious, to the fact I just ran a marathon. I imagined them saying "Hey, good race!" - but no one did and so I slowly shuffled to my destination satisfied with my efforts.

Fortunately, my final destination was less than 1 km away where little Cam was at a friend's for a birthday party. Lucky for me, this is where I got some post race refreshments and a hearty welcoming from my awesome wife who awaited me with dry clothes.

Today's totals:
Total Distance 43.18k - 4:28:04
Marathon point 42.2k - 4:23:37
Place 1/1
Fuel: 2 gels, 1 pk of Gu Roctane chews (great stuff!)

All in all, a pretty good run, in preparation for my 50K ultra-marathon debut in 2 weeks. Time on my feet was my goal today with no concern for time. I was pretty tired from a 15k tempo run yesterday and a pretty hard week in general, logging a total of 102.5 kms. Most mileage in one week since before Mississauga's taper period.

Gotta love these 'small marathons'!
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 Posted by Dave on: Sunday June 07 02:49:56 PM

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www link icon  comment bubble Dave
 
This is interesting. While waiting for Anita to get us Starbucks, I put my feet up on the dash to relax...and lo and behold the calves were twitching like mad!


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Posted on: Monday June 08 11:38 AM
comment bubble Duffman
 
Well done, good race. The opening you tube picture was a little wierd. 
Wondered what it was until I read the post.
If you have never seen muscle twitch, it is funny  in a demented way.
At least you did not have accompanying pain.
Rest well , my friend.
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Posted on: Monday June 08 05:04 PM