Running Mania

http://www.bayrace.com/images/30k/30kmap.pdf

So sad to be missing the Valley Inn RD hill this year - it won't be the same At least we still high five the Grimm Reaper

I'm a bit sad now about missing the hill - but won't be sad at all on race day!

I won't be doing the race again but to me the hill out of the valley and then the gentle 3K downhill to the finish were integral to the character of the race.

Nick wrote:I won't be doing the race again but to me the hill out of the valley and then the gentle 3K downhill to the finish were integral to the character of the race.

So true!

You're still getting that nice gentle downhill at the end, and they haven't removed the nasty 8K or so of rolling up and down from 18K ...

Nick wrote:I won't be doing the race again but to me the hill out of the valley and then the gentle 3K downhill to the finish were integral to the character of the race.

+1 to this. The hard downhill by the cemetery, the wooden bridge, the long climb, it was the signature moment of the race.

Not that I was planning on doing it anytime soon again, but it makes it less special.

The route change is temporary because of construction for the Pan Am games.

From the FB page:

Bay race update! Valley Inn hill will not be available for the Bay Race due to CN construction of the tracks for the Pan Am games. On exiting North Shore Blvd. the course will stay on Plains Rd. Runners thinking that they will miss the challenge of the Valley Inn hill, beware because the route on Plains Rd. is a long gradual uphill into Hamilton. Can you beat last years finishing time? Let us know after the race.

Jenn. Yeah. I know it is for only this year. They were hoping to have it open for the end of March.

The only reason I know is that two of my running friends here are from Ontario and have done ATB several times, and both were similarly lamenting to each other (and to me) about the "old route" and how it's not the same anymore. But then one figured out that it was only temporary and they were relieved.

Nick wrote:I won't be doing the race again but to me the hill out of the valley and then the gentle 3K downhill to the finish were integral to the character of the race.

completely agree!

while weather changes year to year can leave great arguments about "weather" your race really "counted" (amongst the general running world of races like Boston's ideal winds/hot races etc). This loss changes the character of ATB. It wasn't about whether you can run 30k fast. You can do that boringly in Toronto in the summer on flat ground, but here could you do that with the last 10k being a nightmare? You need all sorts of skills to do well at ATB.

If they took the Newton hills out of Boston, it wouldn't be the Boston marathon!

There are still spots available for the ATB.

http://runningmagazine.ca/still-room-around-bay/

I guess the very cold weather in February had an effect on a lot of runners' training.

weather and the fact that cap has been increasing... used to be 7k anyways.

Ran the new route today for our last long training run. Let me just say, it's still tough but I did miss the hill. The route just seems a little more boring now that that portion of the race has changed. Let's hope they make up for it with an awesome t-shirt

Who's all in for Sunday? Is everyone heading to section 122 again pre race?

I'll be there!

I am going to be there as the 255 RW pacer. My son is going to run with me. I think that translates into a 410 marathon pace. Good LSD for the 350-400 marathoner or a MP 30K for those just above 4 hours.

canalrunner wrote:I am going to be there as the 255 RW pacer. My son is going to run with me. I think that translates into a 410 marathon pace. Good LSD for the 350-400 marathoner or a MP 30K for those just above 4 hours.

Hmm.....

Staying at the Sheraton this year, and may just hang out in the hotel room and head straight to the corrals. Will be in Coral C this year ..

Planning to go to the pasta dinner this year, sonif anyone is available in joining ??

HCcD wrote:Staying at the Sheraton this year, and may just hang out in the hotel room and head straight to the corrals. Will be in Coral C this year ..

Planning to go to the pasta dinner this year, sonif anyone is available in joining ??

I was going to come to 122 but if Andy won't be there, I guess I'll skip it too.

Spirit wrote:

HCcD wrote:Staying at the Sheraton this year, and may just hang out in the hotel room and head straight to the corrals. Will be in Coral C this year ..

Planning to go to the pasta dinner this year, sonif anyone is available in joining ??

I was going to come to 122 but if Andy won't be there, I guess I'll skip it too.

In that case ... see you in section 122 Laura ... Ha!!!

canalrunner wrote:I am going to be there as the 255 RW pacer. My son is going to run with me. I think that translates into a 410 marathon pace. Good LSD for the 350-400 marathoner or a MP 30K for those just above 4 hours.

I'll look for you and may need you to drag me into the finish! This will be my third 30+ km run as I ramp up for London in "still somewhat recovering from injury mode" as opposed to "race mode". My plan is to run-walk, with planned variations between 10s & 1s and 15s & 1s. Have a great race!

MY entire triathlon club is meeting in section 122, so I will be in green.

Me at 52 years of age running Around the Bay for the 10th year in a row.
BIB Number 6538
Guess I'll be going to section 122 again ...

fyi ...

The Around the Bay Road Race

Great News! Stan Wakeman who greets everyone at the bottom of Valley Inn Hill with high fives and Queen playing We will rock you .... Will be on Plains Road just west of the Botanical Gardens. Stan has been in the hospital recuperating from back surgery for the past 3 weeks and just got a day pass to go out and greet everyone on the course! Say hi, and give him a high five!

getfit wrote:Ran the new route today for our last long training run. Let me just say, it's still tough but I did miss the hill. The route just seems a little more boring now that that portion of the race has changed. Let's hope they make up for it with an awesome t-shirt

Speaking of shirts ... Any scoop on the colour of this year's shirt ???