Canfit
Cool Runner |
 posted May-14-2007 02:46 PM
  
Race History & Course: This was the 4th year for the Mississauga Marathon. (Keep in mind the big draws in this area are the two annual Toronto Marathons – Waterfront and International.) This event is a certified BQ, already draws about 10,000 runners for all events and is growing rapidly. They have an assortment of races over the weekend from Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10k, 5k, 2k family run, and 2-3 relay events. The start line is in the heart of Mississauga, a stone’s throw from our city hall. The event is officially started by our 85-year old Mayor, Hazel McCallion (11 terms as mayor). The marathon route is a point-to-point, net downhill course that is really quite scenic, winding through the local university, some great residential areas and along Lake Ontario trails and parkland.Pre-Race Prep: As usual, this week was one in which I was just waiting for Sunday to arrive. It couldn’t come soon enough. I visited the Expo Friday afternoon. My first task was to pick up my race kit so I immediately walked over to the “elite” table to check in. The lady behind the desk stared at me for 3-4 seconds and then a small smile began to emerge on her lips. Only kidding I said and then moved off to where the masses were congregating. Got my chip, made a quick tour of the Expo (did stop to get a free massage!), picked up some GU’s, and headed out. Saturday morning’s routine was pretty normal except that I didn’t run. I did meet my running buddies at our local Starbuck’s for coffee where we shared running stories and strategies for Sunday’s race. Several of my friends had just returned from the Flying Pigs Marathon and were sporting medals, shirts and other paraphernalia. All of this to say that I was really starting to get pumped for the race! The balance of Saturday was spent arranging clothing and finalizing other stuff (DW and DS2 were going to be following me around the route). The forecast called for temps of about 4C, but sunny. If it’s windy, the back-half lake part of the run could actually be very cold (as it was last year). What to wear, what to wear? Race Morning: Up early about 5:30 to eat and get ready, after a very poor night’s sleep (only one hour!!). We meet over near city hall in a building called the Living Arts Center, our live theater/music center, where it’s warm and washroom accessibility is great. It’s a relatively unknown location and only a 5-10 minute walk to the start line. A lot of chit-chat, best wishes and we’re off to the start line. I really have high expectations for this marathon - my 6th. My worst was last spring in Ottawa (4:32); my best last fall in Toronto (4:06). I ran the Mississauga Marathon two years ago in 4:17. My goal is to break 4 hours for the first time. Weather & Fashion Report: The weather is cooperating. It turns out to be the perfect marathon day. Temp is about 4C, sunny with no wind at start; builds slowly to about 10C at finish. Wore shorts, long and short-sleeve dri-fit shirts, Brooks Adrenaline GTS-6, and my black Nike hat (and gloves for the first couple of miles!). The Marathon: Lined up in the 3:45 – 4:00 hour time area. Our mayor welcomed everyone, Michael Burgess sang the national anthem and the cannon exploded to start the race (real cannon - guess who the race sponsor was?). Two minutes to reach the start line, chip sounds and I’m off. My goal is to start out slowly for the first mile or so and then ease into MP (9:00). First mistake – mile 1 at 8:50; eased back to a mile 2 at 9:10, probably still too fast. The challenge is that my HR is already registering at 150 when is should be 135-140. This is not a good omen. As it turns out, my HR never did come back down below 150. Move through the first 8k along a major artery and then through the university grounds. The sea of runners as I look ahead and behind is one of the memories I always cherish during the early miles of a race – truly awesome! My DW and DS2 are waiting at the 8k (5m) mark to gather up discarded clothing (shirt, gloves, etc) from myself and my running buddies (2 Mississauga goddesses). I move through this first 8k at a respectable 44:50, right on MP. Running okay, but HR still high. At 13k (8m), the unexpected happens. My water belt breaks and hits the road. Have to throw it away. In the process, lose half my gels, transfer remaining gels/other stuff to one of my buddies (who offers to carry it for me), carry my Gatorade bottle in my hand for a mile, and then decide to throw that away as well. Now I’m relying on water stations the rest of the way (didn’t train for this). I find the Gatorade is very watered down and tastes awful …ah well, this won’t beat me! Finally begin moving away from my buddies (after another transfer of stuff) and pick up the pace a little. Get through the first half at 1:58:06, pretty good, but I think I lost 1-2 mins with the water belt distraction. The second half is going pretty good now. The runners are spaced out quite a bit. My pace is averaging 8:55 through 30k (18.7m) and my time is 2:47, a PR at this distance, bettering what I did in the Hamilton Around the Bay 30k race two months ago by over a minute. I’ve taken 4 gels to this point (miles 4, 8, 12 and 16) so feel that I’ve been getting the energy I need. High HR (now about 155-160) is still lurking in the back of my mind and the race is really just beginning. Move through 35k and am now starting to slow down. Over the next 2-3k, I see my average pace dropping from 8:55 down to 9:00 and continuing to decline. I’m still in good shape time wise and think I can do this, but the wheels are coming off quickly. I’m down to 1-1.5k to go and one of the runners near me tries to motivate a number of us to give it a final push. (There are 5-6 of us who seem to be struggling in the same way.) He gets us going again, but boy does he take off! I last about 1/4k and have to drop off again. The tank is empty …I feel my goal slipping away. I enjoy the finishing shute anyway, but realize I’m about a minute short of 4 hours. My DS2 later informs me that my chip time was actually 4:00:38 (25/59 in 55-59 AG). The good news is that I did have a 5 min, 11 sec PR. But that illusive 4-hour barrier …grrrrr!! Post Race:
As I look back, I feel pretty good about the race overall. While I fell a little short of my goal, the PR made up for some of that. What I did learn was that I still have a ways to go in terms of my preparation. I think I have better performances within me, but in my 3-4 years of running, it’s been a little ‘hit and miss’ with the training approach. I need to get better at the last 8-10k. On a positive note, 2 of 5 running buddies doing the full marathon qualified for Boston with great races so I’m very happy for them. My DW and DS2 really enjoyed themselves charging all over the course; DD2 also showed up at the finish line along with two of my grand-daughters, a pleasant surprise. My DS1, his wife and my other three grand-daughters arrived at the house for a post-race celebration (not to mention mother’s day). My next mission, should I choose to accept it, will be a fall marathon. Just don’t ask me to commit just yet! One final and important note … a big “thank you” to everyone here on B&B. I’ve received some great tips, advice and support that have helped me on my running journey, but most importantly, your passion for this crazy sport has invaded my heart!
PJ
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