Cool Running :: Hamilton Around the Bay 30K Road Race

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Hamilton Around the Bay 30K Road Race

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Author	Topic: Hamilton Around the Bay 30K Road Race
Canfit Cool Runner	posted Mar-25-2007 06:56 PM Around the Bay 30K Road Race, Hamilton Ontario March 26, 2007 Some background …. The Around the Bay Road Race is the oldest road race in North America. This is the 113th running of the race. It’s a great race …a good 30k/18m prep race for spring marathons, Boston, etc. …or as a standalone event to experience. In fact, many runners use this as a final tune-up for Boston. This year, we all received lime green, long-sleeve tech t-shirts (not exactly a colour that I, a male, would have chosen!) The saying on the back reads “older than Boston”. If you’ve seen the movie Saint Ralph, not only do they highlight the Boston marathon, but the Around the Bay race is also in the movie. Quite a great history to this race. The race course … The course is basically circular in design. You run through downtown Hamilton and then head out and literally around the Bay (part of Lake Ontario). The first 20k is relatively flat but with quite a lot of variety. The last 10k makes the course … a lot of rolling hills (quite challenging after 20k), but with a very large hill at 26k. You are running up the Niagara escarpment at this point with downtown Hamilton nestled at the base of the escarpment. The last 3-4k flows downhill into Hamilton to end inside Copps Coliseum (hockey/sports arena). Weather and fashion report … It’s a very cool (0C/32F) overcast day with slight winds. It can get very cold and windy down by the lake, but didn’t turn out too bad. What happened to the 9-10C sunny temps they were predicting all week?? I’m wearing shorts with light windpants, two tees with sleeveless vest, “gloves”, and my ‘baseball’style cap. (You can tell that fashion reports aren’t my strength!) I do prefer to be warm so tend to error on the side of overdressing. The race … We carpool from Mississauga - about 30 mins down the road from Hamilton. We arrive at Copps Coliseum and drop off our bags. The place is packed already …you can imagine the washroom lineups. We head over to the Sheraton Hotel to meet up with 8-10 of my running buddies. We go through the usual pre-race chatter – how do you feel?, what time/pace are you shooting for?, how are the washroom lineups?, etc, etc. Today the focus is on what to wear – how many layers, too much, too little (you see people walking around in shorts and singlets and others in 3-4 layers! what to wear, what to wear??) We head over to the start line and before you know it we’re off. My Garmin is working (I’ve been known to forget to turn it on and then have to wait until the last second before getting a signal ….stress!). My goal is to run a 9:00 min/mi pace and see how it goes. The first 10k goes by okay and I’m right on track. Great atmosphere, great spectators, great camaraderie among the runners. I sip Gatorade as I go. I take a gel after about 50 mins (I manage one more during the race since they just don’t have the same appeal they used to). The second 10k goes the same way. Feeling okay, although some aches and pains make an appearance – ‘hammies’ start making some noise as do my feet?? I bought new shoes but have only worn them once so decided to stick with my old ones. I can really feel the bottom of my feet now …time to send them to shoe heaven. Turn on some Shania Twain – the beat is perfect. I am running alone now, my buddies are either up ahead or behind. I decided to make this a race as opposed to just a run. We turn a corner and I recognize the start of the last 10k. It’s a part of the course that we often use as a training run. It’s a great stretch of rolling and challenging hills. I’m still feeling pretty ‘sproinky’ (did I spell it right?) and tackled the hills with gusto (8:55), actually passing runners as well! We’re now heading down a very steep hill into a valley leading to my “monster hill” at 26k. At the bottom of the hill is one special spectator – a midget who has been a fixture at this race for years. He has a ghetto blaster hammering out ‘we are the champions’ …very appropriate as we approach the 26k mark and the big climb up the escarpment. I’m in a line of runners that veer off the course slightly to high-five our friend. Then on to “the hill”. Last year I ran this race and I couldn’t run the hill (had gone out too fast). I would guess about 50% of runners walk part or all of the hill …it is a challenge …a sort of a badge of courage if you make it. Well, I climbed the hill without stopping! …maybe the extra miles are paying off? At the top of the hill is the ‘grim reaper’ (a guy dressed up as such) …a reminder to those who have died on the hill. Now it’s 3-4 miles to home …and all downhill. This is the nice part …spectators increasing, pace is still 8:55 (is my Garmin working or stuck?). The shute is fun, then we make a right turn, run down a steep ramp and into Copps Coliseum. Wow … I’m blown away by how many people are there …quite impressive (lump in throat)…big videotron board … and then I’m across the finish line! Final results … Chip time – 2:47:59 Pace – 8:56 AVR HR - 149 I’m really happy with the race. Felt good …the time was a PR by 13:25 mins versus my race last year. It also gives me some confidence in running a spring marathon (haven’t signed up yet). I still think I need a lot more miles before I could extend this pace another 12k. Thanks to everyone for all your discussions, encouragement and support over the last few months since I’ve joined the Boomer post. I’ve “learned a ton” about running which is a tribute to you all. I even know what a ‘bandit’ is now! If you’ve read this far, you deserve another glass of wine. So do I. PJ IP: Logged
ole Dirty Cool Runner	posted Mar-25-2007 07:25 PM PJ Congrats on PR! Awesome RR way to stare the "grim reaper "right the face and attack the hill sounds like you are ready for the marathon. IP: Logged
egrd Cool Runner	posted Mar-25-2007 08:01 PM PJ, nicely done sir. A PR and you got up that hugh honkin' hill without giving in to the reaper "Come closer, come closer". Good on ya. You really captured the spirit of this great spring race standard. I felt like I was right there hearing Queen, High Fiving our friend before the bridge takes us up The Climb. You have one more solid prep run in for a spring marathon now. Hey Mississauga's the right timing and location for you!! Cheers Egret IP: Logged
cajohnson5 Cool Runner	posted Mar-25-2007 09:06 PM PJ, Glad to see that a glass a wine helped you with your rewrite. It must have been a good vintage cause this was an excellent report. Appreciated a little history of the event. Bravo for attacking that hill without stopping! Your training really has paid off. Congrats on such a nice day and a 13:25 PR. cj IP: Logged
ksrunr Cool Runner	posted Mar-25-2007 09:14 PM PJ - congrats on a good run/race and report. I enjoyed reading about it. ksrunr IP: Logged
henrun Cool Runner	posted Mar-26-2007 04:11 AM Good report and great race. You really captured the essence of the race. I'm a native Torontonian but I wasn't a runner when I lived in Canada. Met a number of Grimsby runners this year on a running cruise and would love to run it some day. IP: Logged
smpankowski Cool Runner	posted Mar-26-2007 04:35 AM Canfit, Love the race report!!!!!It sounds like something I'd really enjoy!! OMG! Does that mean I'm ill???The temps do not sound bad and the race supporters are always welcome!!!! ------------------ Never regret anything that made you smile, SteveP My User Profile IP: Logged
vista129 Cool Runner	posted Mar-26-2007 05:08 AM Congratulations.........that was a great run and a great measuring stick from a year ago , of your progress. I am like Henrun in that I used to live in the area (Burlington for me) before I was a runner. I never was even aware of the fact this run existed. Guess that just goes to show what is important to one person is of no interest to another. That run up the escarpment at that stage in the race would definitely be a challenge. Back when I lived there, I remember a Plymouth Volare that I owned that had trouble making it up the mountain. Thanks so much for this report. It was well written and a lot of fun all the way around for me. We will be looking forward to future RR's from you. ------------------ vista129 IP: Logged
spankee Cool Runner	posted Mar-26-2007 03:26 PM Great report and race. You really kawalled (sp?) it. Nice to PR and to run the hill while others walked. As you say, great confidence for a spring marathon. Now it is just a matter of choosing. Mississauga, London, Ottawa, Vermont. Lots of options. IP: Logged
hally Moderator of Boomers and Beyond	posted Mar-26-2007 03:26 PM Great improvement over last year, WOW! I love the history lesson too, that's an Ilene trademark that more people should use. I am glad you took the time to rewrite this after your mishap the first time, it's a greta read. As we say in my business there are two kinds of users, those who have lost data and those who will. Barb IP: Logged
piejones Cool Runner	posted Mar-26-2007 03:43 PM Twas a nice report. Excellent running. Gotta love hose hills that test your womanhood, I mean, manhood, errrrrr.....well, that test you. Good job. . IP: Logged
tselbs Cool Runner	posted Mar-26-2007 04:40 PM That was a fine race and report, canfit. It sounds like you really enjoyed yourself as you set that big PR. congratulations. TomS ------------------ My Profile IP: Logged
FlyingFinn Cool Runner	posted Mar-26-2007 05:12 PM Congratulations on a huge PR in a challenging race! I could almost feel that final hill and sensed your joy going over it past the grim reaper, downhill to the finish. A happy lump in the throat is a good thing. You did a great job! IP: Logged
wa5yom Cool Runner	posted Mar-26-2007 05:12 PM WOW...13:25 PR..what a great accomplishment........with more trainig you got a great new Marathon Pace in the works.. Congrats... Tim, Ardmore, OK. ------------------ My Journal Boomer Photos Running Quotes Dale's (dtoce) running tips IP: Logged
Caddisfli Cool Runner	posted Mar-26-2007 07:30 PM Now this was a great RR and all I could think of was the St. Ralph reference. Nice race thanks for taking me along for the ride. cfli IP: Logged
tallrunner Cool Runner	posted Mar-26-2007 07:55 PM Canfit, Great report...felt like I was there. Wish I had been as I debated this one 3 weeks before Boston but my coach new I would "race" this one and might blow my chances at Boston so he kept me home. Anyway, next year I will be there and run this oldest of races. Congrats Tall IP: Logged
JJJessee Cool Runner	posted Mar-26-2007 09:58 PM Great job PJ. Its always nice to cash in a year of improvment with a big PR. JJJ IP: Logged
Ileneforward Cool Runner	posted Mar-27-2007 07:36 AM 13:25 minute PR! Excellent! You are improving at a phenomenal rate. And it is so good to hear a report from someone who knows how to dress in cold weather. Your fashion report is just right for a male (and by the way as a woman, a green technical shirt is fabulous, but I am less enthusiatic about wearing something that says 'Older than Boston' on the back! :rolleyes This sounds like a wonderful event, the course, the hisory, the crowds. You should be basking in your glory, you ran great! Congratulations! IP: Logged
hollys4874 Cool Runner	posted Mar-27-2007 07:45 AM Awesome PR! Way to charge that hill, too. Great race and report! ------------------ Holly IP: Logged
MarkGuy Cool Runner	posted Mar-27-2007 07:46 AM Great job on the 13 minutes PR. That last 10K sounds tough. I've heard about The Hill in this race and what a killer it is. Glad you could run it all the way. Good luck picking a marathon. Mark IP: Logged
SueT48 Cool Runner	posted Mar-27-2007 07:53 AM PJ - awesome race report. Thanks for providing the history - very cool. Congrats on the PR and conquering the hill! ------------------ Sue IP: Logged
choover Cool Runner	posted Mar-27-2007 09:56 AM Interesting report with a great variety of information, Canfit! Nice racin' with a mighty fine PR! Congratulations on everything. Sounds like hills are your friend but I sure hope I don't ever see the Grim Reaper at the top of a hill. ------------------ choover IP: Logged
perchcreek Cool Runner	posted Mar-27-2007 02:35 PM What a cool race! You really showed excellent stamina and pacing strategy to be able to conquer that hill at 26K and smile at the Grim Reaper! Congratulations on the course PR! I used to live in So. Ontario and as I recall, don't they have ski slopes on that escarpment? IP: Logged
DaveinAA Cool Runner	posted Mar-28-2007 02:52 PM Wow, a HUGE PR for you. Congratulations on conquering death itself! IP: Logged
Econo Cool Runner	posted Mar-28-2007 05:57 PM ahhh, if I only were independently wealthy and could travel around and take part in these historic races! How fun that would be! Marvelous report, Canfit -- felt like I was there. Thank you for the vicarious thrill and congratulations! IP: Logged

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