Thank You!

I'd like to give a huge THANKS to everyone who supported me over the past six months and who helped to raise so much money for a good cause. There were a lot of different reasons people pledged and it did make a difference in my training. Knowing people were willing to put money in my name added a significant amount of pressure and it pushed me to do things I'm not sure I could have done on my own.

I can't see who pledged me which I like - because there were other ways people supported me. From messages on Facebook, texts, in-person, over the phone, coming out to the race (in miserable weather) - it was all good.

I can't adequately express my appreciation for your support. So thank-you.

Totals
5 runs
1,399.5km
132 hours 37 minute (Over 5.5 days)

Pledges: $2,445.

Day 167 - The Marathon

The Start Line
I got to my Dad's place at 6:15am and after getting a few pictures taken we all (my dad, sister, aunt and uncle) piled into my dad's car and headed to Square One. The original parking spot I had chosen was full so my dad dropped my sister and I off to find the start line. Although the rain was holding off there was a cold wind blowing, so I decided to put on a t-shirt underneath my long sleeve shirt.

We found Nick walking along the start line chute and soon my dad, aunt and uncle joined us. Several pictures were taken (usually I'm the one who's always taking pictures) and I figured out where along the starting chute I should line up. I was ecstatic to see a 3:15 pace bunny - this meant I could concentrate on following the pace bunny and not worry about my splits every kilometre. 3:15 was aggressive, but I was going to put it all out there.

As I lined up the Culina family arrived. Branko, Lisa and their two boys (my godsons) Cole and Conor. The national anthem was played and then the mass of runners moved up to the start line. It was a combination of both marathon and half-marathon runners so there were a lot of people. 1,093 for the full and 3,420 for the half for a total of 4,523.

The VERY loud gun sounded and we walked to the start line - there were so many people that it took runners at the back of the line over 5 minutes before they reached the start. So important to figure out where you need to be otherwise you're either slowing down people behind you or being slowed down by people ahead of you over the first few kilometres. I had chosen the right place - I didn't have that problem.

Kilometre 0-24
The first few kilometres were interesting. Trying not to think that there was 40 more kilometres to go or that I had spent 6 months training for this race and it was going to be done in about three and a half hours. Then I was trying not to think that I had three and a half hours to go.

The 3:15 pace bunny was great. He let us know when we were coming up to different aid stations and let us know which side of the street it would be on. He gave some words of encouragement every once in a while and even chatted with people who wanted to chat. The chatting was early on in the race. I got a lot of energy from him and tried to stay as close as possible.

It was a large group and that caused some problems at Gatorade/water stations. My plan was to have Gatorade (even if it was a sip) at every station to stay hydrated throughout. This meant I had to work myself to one side of the road which was tough to do with such a tight group.

At one station there wasn't enough volunteers to hand out Gatorade. The runner ahead of me grabbed a Gatorade from one volunteer - I thought I was still good because there was one Gatorade left at the end of the station - but the same runner took another cup! I missed out on Gatorade and settled for water.

At another station I almost missed out again, because the runner ahead of me couldn't grab the Gatorade. His misjudged the first one and Gatorade exploded all over him and the volunteer. He tried it again, and missed again - another Gatorade explosion. He finally managed to grab a cup and luckily there was one more volunteer left so that I got one as well.

One member of the group had a horrible hacking cough about 10km into the race. Apparently he took some gels the wrong way. He was hacking for several kilometres prompting the pace bunny and others to ask if he was okay.

I was worried in the first few kilometres that I had made a mistake by adding the extra shirt. I was very warm. However, we got to a downhill in the course and I was glad I had it. The wind was cold and blowing hard.

About 15km in I was a bit worried that the injury on my foot might cause a problem. I was starting to feel it again. It lasted about a kilometre before the sensation went away. I also became aware of the pounding the pavement was giving my feet. I knew then I was going to be sore by the finish line.

Kilometre 25-42.2
At kilometre 24 things were going fantastic. I had passed the half way point, was sticking close to the 3:15 pace bunny and felt great. At that point someone said something to the pace bunny but I only heard his response: "We'll see how it is when we head into the wind."

About a minute later at kilometre 25 we turned into the wind and I knew I was in trouble. At this point I was still able to stay close to the pace bunny, but I wasn't sure how long it was going to last. I was also having trouble navigating the turns - I would lose time and the 3:15 group would move ahead. I would catch up, but then there would be another curve in the course. I started to fall behind.

I was trying to wave to Cole and Conor in this pic.

At kilometre 27 the distance started to grow. It was also at kilometre 27 that Branko, Lisa, Cole, Conor, Nick and Chris (who had joined the group) lined the course to cheer me on. I gave a wave to Cole and Conor and kept moving. Apparently they had driven to another part of the course but had just missed me - something to do with Chris' oatmeal order at a breakfast place.

I also ran past Steve who was with Joey and a video camera. He was around a bend so I didn't see him coming and was surprised to hear my name. Obviously I couldn't stop to say "hi" so I was gone in a flash.

As I kept running the struggle to keep a consistent pace was becoming more difficult. At 31km I has surpassed my longest ever run and I started counting down the number of kilometres before the end of the race. I imagined the race ending at 40km and that helped pass the time. I was on my own at this point so the pick up of Gatorade was now a lot easier. I was become pretty good at it and I think the volunteers appreciated it. (One of them said good job and it didn't seem like he was referring to my running.)

Consuming the gels was interesting. I had them all over my hands (very sticky hands) by the end. It did seem to help - I'm not sure how I could have gotten through the full race without them. I also didn't want to litter, so I kept them until we reached an aid station - which added to the hand stickiness.

My pace was a bit erratic and as we ran along the lake the wind picked up and there seemed to be too many hills to navigate. Finally I didn't have to lie to myself anymore, I was close enough to start counting down the kilometres to 42. The final two kilometres was a huge struggle. I had managed to keep my pace to the low 5s (compared to 4:37 for the first 27km) but now I was moving closer to the 6 minute mark. I wouldn't have been able to last much longer.

The Finish Line
I didn't speed up in that final kilometre. It wasn't going to happen. But I kept it as even a pace as I could. I could hear some of my crew cheering me on as I reached the finish line and I heard the announcer call out my name (mis-pronouncing Robey) as I crossed. I kept running for a few more seconds - I was a bit confused as to where the finish line actually was.

I started walking, got them to cut off my chip (tied to my shoe), accepted my medal (as I would say to my aunt when she saw it - everyone gets a medal) - and kept walking. My family popped up along the finish chute and I gave them all hugs - but I didn't say much. My legs started to seize up almost immediately. I was in pain and walking very, very slowly for about 20 minutes. I managed not to swear.

My sister was great - she was grabbing my post-race drinks, getting my clothes - making sure that I wasn't going to collapse. Lisa told me later that my sister had googled "how people feel after marathons" prior to race day - something I never thought to do. We continued walking, my dad at my side towards the end of the chute where we ran into the rest of the crew. There were a lot more pictures and a lot of walking until finally I was ready to head towards the shuttle bus. Oh - and my aunt didn't cry (which she had threatened to do).

I got my chip time later on while were heading home. 3 hours, 22 minutes, 19 seconds.

Day 167 - Race Day

The day is here.

Took a long time yesterday to get myself prepared but it's working in my favour this morning. I have a few extra minutes to spare before I'm out the door. A lot of great support being sent my way - much appreciated. My godsons left me a voicemail last night, people are writing on my facebook wall. Nice stuff.

Wondering if I'm nervous? I've got some good nerves. All the work is done, now just gotta go do it.

Day 166 - 1 Day To Go

Final day preparations. I woke up at 5am to try out the routine, had some water, some food, then went for a half hour run at 7:30am. It was foggy and a bit miserable out. I was also sweating a lot by the time I got back to my condo. Not sure whether I should be going with the long sleeve or short sleeve shirt tomorrow. It will be about 5 or 6 degrees cooler, and windier.

I picked up the race kit at the Runner's Expo. Based on my experience the past two years (I was at the Expo to pick up my kits for 5km runs) I figured it would be a long wait. It was at a new location and it turned out to be a real easy pick up. I spent a bit of time walking around looking at the different booths but there really wasn't anything that was of interest.

All day I've been drinking, eating and more drinking (lots of water with some Gatorade). I am currently well hydrated, I've got my running gear laid out for tomorrow morning and just about everything is set. It will be an early night. No nap today and a 5am start this morning means I'm pretty tired now.

Week 24
5 runs
48.4km
4 hours 21 minute

Pledges: $2,285 

Day 165 - Goals and Race Strategy

Goals
In my mind the actual race is a very small part of what I've accomplished over the past 6 months - but it doesn't hurt to have goals, even lofty goals for the run. So I've got three that I've had from the beginning.

1) Finish the Marathon
This may seem like an obvious one, but it's not necessarily automatic. I've never run this distance before, so I don't know what I'll be feeling during the final 10km. I don't know when "the wall" will hit, I don't know how my body will respond. I will be very happy crossing the finish line whether I run it in 4 hours or 5 hours as long as I put everything I have into it.

2) Time: 3:30
This is the key goal. If I can beat 3:30 then I will have accomplished something pretty amazing for my first marathon. I ran the half marathon in a time that would be converted to a sub-3:30 time in the longer distance, and I had a lot left at the end. I've got a shot.

3) Time: Around 3:15
This is the time that I could potentially run based on my 5km race times last summer assuming that I train for the 42.1km distance. However, 5km and 42.1km is a big difference. I will be surprised if I get close to this time in my first marathon but it has been the time that I've been training for. It's the dream goal and would qualify me for the Boston Marathon.

Strategy
I'm looking at an even split strategy (the time for every kilometer will be the same), which is a bit aggressive since I've never experienced this distance before (I keep saying it, but it's a big issue). I'm aiming for 4:37 minutes per kilometer which I know I can keep for about 30km. It's the final 1/4 of the race that's unknown.

If the 4:37 pace is too fast then I'm going to hit "the wall" early and hard and it will be an incredible struggle to make it to the finish line. That is a very strong possibility. The training I've done has been based on a peak weekly mileage (85km) that is lower than what is considered ideal for a marathon. The peak I choose was based on my past running experience and my "respect the body" mentality. Plus, due my foot injury (and the goal of preventing additional injuries) I was only able to hit my peak mileage one out of three times. This is a HUGE obstacle for accomplishing my goals.

Another obstacle is the lack of a pace bunny for my time. It means I'll have to pace myself - and make sure I don't start out too fast. If I run too fast in the first two kilometers it will have a devastating impact on my final 10km.

I'll be having a sip or two of Gatorade at each station - which is positioned every 2km along to course. Every 40 minutes I'll start eating (drinking?) a gel and use my fuel belt to wash it down. That means 4 gels along the course and I'll have 1 about 15 minutes before the race starts.

If I can get into a good rhythm I've got a shot. I did manage to get into a good rhythm during the half marathon but it took me several kilometers before I could figure it out. That was, however, the first time I had run at marathon pace.

I can't control the weather, and it's going to be miserable tomorrow. Wet, cold and windy. The cool isn't so bad, overcast would be good - but not the wet and windy. In a way it relieves some of the pressure but in another more important way it sucks. I'll have to run the race knowing it won't be ideal conditions.

The key points in the race will be the first 2 and final 7 kilometers. What happens in those 9 kilometers will most likely determine how I cross the finish line.

Day 165 - 2 Days To Go

No run today. It worked out well, as I went right after work to my dad's place to see my aunt and uncle (on my mom's side) who had driven down from Montreal for my race. Maybe I shouldn't find it so amazing that people would go out of their way to support me, but I do. I got a big hug from my aunt when I walked in the door, then hung out with them (which included some pasta for dinner) for a few hours before heading home.

Day 164 - The Grades

It's time to analyze how the training went over the past 6 months. There are reasons why I don’t think I’ll be able to exceed my goals (I have three of them), but that will be for a different blog. For now, grades for different elements of my training. It's based on my expectations at the beginning of the process and how I felt I met those expectations.

Nutrition – “B-”

Eating better was something that I started a few years ago but I tried to improve it during the past six months. The key was eating a lot more vegetables and reducing the amount of meat. My eating habits improved, but the quantity of vegetables consumed has dropped over the past two months and I did go on a chocolate bar binge for a while. I also planned to keep track of eating through an online site – but only kept a diary for a few weeks.

Running – “A”

I didn’t miss a run because of lack of effort. I had a cold that lasted a few days that dropped my mileage for one week and an injury that kept me off the roads for another. With the injury I did substitute some runs with workouts on a stationary bike. It wasn’t as good as running, but it was better than no running. The guilt associated with not completing a quality workout, or not getting close to my mileage was encouraged by the number of people pledging and the dollars that were being pledged. I’m very happy that I was able to stay committed to the training program. It wasn’t easy.

Post-Runs – “A”

Especially after quality runs, there’s a routine that I followed. I made sure I ate or drank something almost immediately when I got home. I started out with chocolate milk, then advanced to special shakes bought at nutrition shops. I would put on an ice wrap around my knees for ten minutes at a time – whether I was feeling pain there or not. Throughout the rest of the day – especially if it was a long run – I’d make sure I ate healthy and I would time my eating so that it was not too close together or too far apart. After every quality run I did this – I was desperate not too lose the gains I had made after a hard workout.

Injury Prevention – “A”

In order to get an “A” in this category I only had to get to the start line injury free. I had one minor issue several months ago when I had a problem with my right foot. The pain was bad enough that I had to stop running and I was concerned there was structural damage. I got some medical advice (including an x-ray) and found that it wasn’t structural and I could run with it. It got better but the problem never fully went away. Before I run I double up a type of band-aid I got at the drugstore on the problem spot. It hasn’t gotten any worse and I don’t feel it at all when I run.

Experiments – “B”

I tried out a lot of different things so that when race day came, I would be ready. I tried different gels, different ways of transporting gels, trying different foods before I ran, different underwear (seriously), body glide, band aids to stop nipple chaffing. I also tried out a race – the Chilly Half Marathon. It was a great experience and I’m taking a lot from that run into the marathon, but I think trying out a few more races – or at least one more – would have been a good idea.

Rest/Sleeping Habits – “B”

Another tough habit to get into is sleeping right. I was getting my 8 hours of sleep, but because of my schedule it was often erratic as to when I went to bed and when I woke up. It didn’t have to be – so it is one area that I could have paid more attention to.

Overall – “A”

Truthfully – I’m not sure if I could have realistically done more. Yes , I could have eaten more vegetables, gone to bed at 10pm every night, never leave the house, weight trained, etc. But there’s a point where you have stop yourself – remember you’re not a pro athlete and that balance is important for EVERY part of life. Being so focused on being healthy, isn’t healthy.

I will be going to the start line satisfied with what I accomplished over the past 6 months.