Toronto Marathon Race Report
- Double Bellybuster
- Bill Crothers
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Toronto Marathon Race Report
I had seemingly been training for this one for a long time - after overestimating my capabilities coming off injury in a November Marathon I declared a February do-over in which I was placed in a sauna.
So a Doo-Doo-over was on. It was evident from the consistency in printed date on the only two items handed out race morning that this race would be flawlessly staged:
I found a spot at the start line - with the volunteer holding the sign for the 3:35:00 second/third corral split standing with the four other corral signholders (and no runners) on the course side of the start line, I took a spot in the disorganized mass of runners close to where the 3:15:00 and 3:40:00 pacers were standing next to each other. That's right, the corral signs were on the course rather than in the corrals - just like pictured below but with Marathon times, fiddling with cell phones and timing mats between the signholders and runners:
My goal for this one was 3:35:00 or 5:06/K. This was a group of only 2,000 on wide roads so the pack ironed itself out quickly and the 3:30:00 pacer went by in the first K as expected. This was a downhill first half, from Mel Lastman Square to the Distillery District, so I would be able to keep this pacer within view for a while.
1K to 7K Splits - 5:00, 4:52, 4:47, 4:44, 4:50, 5:27, 4:59
8K to 14K Splits - 5:05, 4:50, 5:12, 5:02, 5:15, 5:04, 4:52
14K to 20K from Casa Loma to Corktown on Davenport, Rosedale Valley and Bayview was a one long downhill. I had been increasingly on the 3:30:00 pacer group's heels on each flat and downhill for 45 minutes and at 18K I made the seemingly ridiculous decision that I had been considering for a while to pass this large group despite their aggressive target.
15K to 21K Splits - 4:49, 4:57, 4:52, 4:57, 4:59, 4:58, 5:04
+ 0:09 GPS 21K to Race 21K
Official 21K (not 21.1K) Timing Split - 1:45:04, 469th place of 2130
I was still feeling good and started to pass runners that had taken the first half too quickly. Ks 24 and 25 saw me blazing as if Mr. Goshdashditar was with me:
22K to 28K Splits - 5:01, 5:02, 4:37, 4:38, 4:54, 5:03, 4:55
As we passed Ontario Place at 28K to start a westbound leg to Humber Bay Park, the runners I was passing were in a worsening state of disrepair. This was surprising on a course with such an easy first half, though I had been dumping water over my head each aid station from 15K to keep cool as it was sunny throughout. I knew a PB was in the works, I just needed to keep it together.
I consciously slowed it down to my goal pace of 5:06/K and then to my PB pace of 5:11/K to make sure I wasn't the one out of gas mid-course later on.
29K to 35K Splits - 5:02, 5:10, 5:07, 5:05, 5:11, 5:11, 5:13
- 0:22 GPS 35K to Race 35K
Official 35K Timing Split - 2:54:51, 353rd Place of 2130
The closing 7K eastbound on Lakeshore Drive had the only headwind of the day and the warmest temperatures. The last four Ks of this stretch saw me slow - the gel I ate at 32K was almost one too many for my stomach so no gel for energy at 37K and consecutive aid stations at 36.5K and 39K had run out of cups - so no Gatorade for energy and no water for hydration or for cooling. I drink just enough to stay ahead of the need so I started to have hydration issues to compound the stress a PB pace was having on my body. My sides felt like one big cramp the last 20 minutes of the race and I got it done without a lengthy slowdown but there was no sprint finish in me Sunday.
36K to 42K Splits - 5:15, 5:17, 5:17, 5:27, 5:41, 5:36, 5:43
1:01 for last 0.195K (5:12/K Pace)
+ 1:16 GPS 42.195K to Race 42.195K
Official Result - 3:35:24 (5:06/K Pace), PB by 0:03:27
Gun Time - 3:35:36, 338th Place of 2130, 54th of 175 M35-39
I was thrilled to find Lisa at the finish line as she had been saving a medal for me, even if I was going to be real slow.
The 3:30:00 Pacer never caught me, worst pacer ever.
I liked this race. Clearly it had some imperfections that come from being the Mayor's favourite whipping target and having dates and finishing locations yanked from it. But that's a big reason I considered this race for the first time. If the Boss Man keeps picking on it I'm sure to be back as long as he's in office.
So a Doo-Doo-over was on. It was evident from the consistency in printed date on the only two items handed out race morning that this race would be flawlessly staged:
I found a spot at the start line - with the volunteer holding the sign for the 3:35:00 second/third corral split standing with the four other corral signholders (and no runners) on the course side of the start line, I took a spot in the disorganized mass of runners close to where the 3:15:00 and 3:40:00 pacers were standing next to each other. That's right, the corral signs were on the course rather than in the corrals - just like pictured below but with Marathon times, fiddling with cell phones and timing mats between the signholders and runners:
My goal for this one was 3:35:00 or 5:06/K. This was a group of only 2,000 on wide roads so the pack ironed itself out quickly and the 3:30:00 pacer went by in the first K as expected. This was a downhill first half, from Mel Lastman Square to the Distillery District, so I would be able to keep this pacer within view for a while.
1K to 7K Splits - 5:00, 4:52, 4:47, 4:44, 4:50, 5:27, 4:59
8K to 14K Splits - 5:05, 4:50, 5:12, 5:02, 5:15, 5:04, 4:52
14K to 20K from Casa Loma to Corktown on Davenport, Rosedale Valley and Bayview was a one long downhill. I had been increasingly on the 3:30:00 pacer group's heels on each flat and downhill for 45 minutes and at 18K I made the seemingly ridiculous decision that I had been considering for a while to pass this large group despite their aggressive target.
15K to 21K Splits - 4:49, 4:57, 4:52, 4:57, 4:59, 4:58, 5:04
+ 0:09 GPS 21K to Race 21K
Official 21K (not 21.1K) Timing Split - 1:45:04, 469th place of 2130
I was still feeling good and started to pass runners that had taken the first half too quickly. Ks 24 and 25 saw me blazing as if Mr. Goshdashditar was with me:
22K to 28K Splits - 5:01, 5:02, 4:37, 4:38, 4:54, 5:03, 4:55
As we passed Ontario Place at 28K to start a westbound leg to Humber Bay Park, the runners I was passing were in a worsening state of disrepair. This was surprising on a course with such an easy first half, though I had been dumping water over my head each aid station from 15K to keep cool as it was sunny throughout. I knew a PB was in the works, I just needed to keep it together.
I consciously slowed it down to my goal pace of 5:06/K and then to my PB pace of 5:11/K to make sure I wasn't the one out of gas mid-course later on.
29K to 35K Splits - 5:02, 5:10, 5:07, 5:05, 5:11, 5:11, 5:13
- 0:22 GPS 35K to Race 35K
Official 35K Timing Split - 2:54:51, 353rd Place of 2130
The closing 7K eastbound on Lakeshore Drive had the only headwind of the day and the warmest temperatures. The last four Ks of this stretch saw me slow - the gel I ate at 32K was almost one too many for my stomach so no gel for energy at 37K and consecutive aid stations at 36.5K and 39K had run out of cups - so no Gatorade for energy and no water for hydration or for cooling. I drink just enough to stay ahead of the need so I started to have hydration issues to compound the stress a PB pace was having on my body. My sides felt like one big cramp the last 20 minutes of the race and I got it done without a lengthy slowdown but there was no sprint finish in me Sunday.
36K to 42K Splits - 5:15, 5:17, 5:17, 5:27, 5:41, 5:36, 5:43
1:01 for last 0.195K (5:12/K Pace)
+ 1:16 GPS 42.195K to Race 42.195K
Official Result - 3:35:24 (5:06/K Pace), PB by 0:03:27
Gun Time - 3:35:36, 338th Place of 2130, 54th of 175 M35-39
I was thrilled to find Lisa at the finish line as she had been saving a medal for me, even if I was going to be real slow.
The 3:30:00 Pacer never caught me, worst pacer ever.
I liked this race. Clearly it had some imperfections that come from being the Mayor's favourite whipping target and having dates and finishing locations yanked from it. But that's a big reason I considered this race for the first time. If the Boss Man keeps picking on it I'm sure to be back as long as he's in office.
Last edited by Double Bellybuster on Sun Apr 28, 2013 7:52 am, edited 4 times in total.
I am fortunate to have Running Free as a sponsor. I like to keep silly stats and maps of my Daily Neighbourhood Tours, Races and Marathons run in a Silly Yellow Shirt.
Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
I loved the last lines!!! Well done in holding it together and pulling off the PB
Vancouver 2012 Done!
Considering CIM 2012
Considering CIM 2012
- orleansrunner1962
- Jerome Drayton
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Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
I love the strategy that went in to this race -- I think you might be on to something -- nice PB!! Awesome....
2014:
Mar - Around the Bay 30 km - Done
May - Sulphur Spring 100 miler - DNS
Sept - Army HM
Sept/Oct - 50 miler
Oct - Pace Bunny - Toronto Scotia Waterfront
Dec - Reggae Marathon in Jamaica
Mar - Around the Bay 30 km - Done
May - Sulphur Spring 100 miler - DNS
Sept - Army HM
Sept/Oct - 50 miler
Oct - Pace Bunny - Toronto Scotia Waterfront
Dec - Reggae Marathon in Jamaica
Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
Congrats, on an awesome race and a spankin' new PB ...
Race Results: http://itsmyrun.com/index.php?display=p ... unner=HCiD
Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
Congrats. Did I read correctly that you finished a head of the 3:30 pacer...?
Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
Wow Dave! Congrats on the PB!
Although...I was feeling a bit of dread reading your report, seeing that your goal was 5:06 min/k and that you were posting some splits much faster than that in the first half. Glad that didn't come back to bit you!!
Although...I was feeling a bit of dread reading your report, seeing that your goal was 5:06 min/k and that you were posting some splits much faster than that in the first half. Glad that didn't come back to bit you!!
If it ain’t broke, run through it -- Strider
- Double Bellybuster
- Bill Crothers
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Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
Thanks all!
This is correct. I was within earshot of him for a long time and he seemed to be very jovial and encouraging a big pace group of 20 or so. He just seemed to be pacing poorly, I don't know how he was going to hit sub-4:59/K when he was 5:05/K or so through 18K on the easy half and then was nowhere to be seem when I glanced back around the time I finished the first half in 1:45:35 or so.
I had lots of energy and had to hold back several times with the amount of downhills in the first half, glad I was only marginally too quick. You never know what the day will bring you.
cbaker1 wrote:Did I read correctly that you finished a head of the 3:30 pacer...?
This is correct. I was within earshot of him for a long time and he seemed to be very jovial and encouraging a big pace group of 20 or so. He just seemed to be pacing poorly, I don't know how he was going to hit sub-4:59/K when he was 5:05/K or so through 18K on the easy half and then was nowhere to be seem when I glanced back around the time I finished the first half in 1:45:35 or so.
jes wrote:Although...I was feeling a bit of dread reading your report, seeing that your goal was 5:06 min/k and that you were posting some splits much faster than that in the first half. Glad that didn't come back to bit you!!
I had lots of energy and had to hold back several times with the amount of downhills in the first half, glad I was only marginally too quick. You never know what the day will bring you.
Last edited by Double Bellybuster on Tue May 08, 2012 7:30 am, edited 1 time in total.
I am fortunate to have Running Free as a sponsor. I like to keep silly stats and maps of my Daily Neighbourhood Tours, Races and Marathons run in a Silly Yellow Shirt.
Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
Nice PB! congratulations on a strong race!
Sandra
"Appreciate what you got and chill when things seem overwhelming."
"Appreciate what you got and chill when things seem overwhelming."
Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
Congrats on a race well run and a PB!
Once I got on to the link, I couldn't stop reading the rest of your RR's. Fantastic!
Once I got on to the link, I couldn't stop reading the rest of your RR's. Fantastic!
2013 WDW Goofy Challenge
Peterborough half
...........
Peterborough half
...........
- Double Bellybuster
- Bill Crothers
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Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
irun4me wrote:Once I got on to the link, I couldn't stop reading the rest of your RR's. Fantastic!
Aw shucks, thanks!
I am fortunate to have Running Free as a sponsor. I like to keep silly stats and maps of my Daily Neighbourhood Tours, Races and Marathons run in a Silly Yellow Shirt.
- Robinandamelia
- Jerome Drayton
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Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
Congratulations on a fantastic result!
Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
Great job!
If all that you read is everything you believe then let go, then let go, then let go.
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2018 goals: May half marathon, September half marathon
Nothing will change if you never choose.
2018 goals: May half marathon, September half marathon
- Strider
- Jerome Drayton
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Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
...and you ARE running a 50km trail race in 3 weeks? Congrats on it all coming together-all your learning's were used. So happy for you.
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- Double Bellybuster
- Bill Crothers
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Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
Strider wrote:...and you ARE running a 50km trail race in 3 weeks? Congrats on it all coming together-all your learning's were used. So happy for you.
Thanks Bro. This is the plan. Once I get through the Sporting Life 10K this Sunday in one piece, I am signing up. I've only been putting off sign-up as there are no discounts for early registration. Besides if I don't run, I have to pace a crazy man through the dark that evening...
I am fortunate to have Running Free as a sponsor. I like to keep silly stats and maps of my Daily Neighbourhood Tours, Races and Marathons run in a Silly Yellow Shirt.
Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
Good work DB!
It was good to see you! Too funny hearing my name being called out while I was picking up more medals!
Glad you got your revenge on Miami! Conditions were definitely not an issue. Some complained about it being too hot, but - well - after Boston, the complaints did just not compute for me.
It was good to see you! Too funny hearing my name being called out while I was picking up more medals!
Glad you got your revenge on Miami! Conditions were definitely not an issue. Some complained about it being too hot, but - well - after Boston, the complaints did just not compute for me.
It's not the size of the dog in the fight...it's the size of the fight in the dog! 11K Marker post - 2010 ATB.
Introducing 2017
GoodLife Half Marathon.
TBD
Introducing 2017
GoodLife Half Marathon.
TBD
Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
Very nicely done--congratulations!
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--The Garden Song
"By perseverance, the snail reached the ark."
--Charles H. Spurgeon
"I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it."
--Pablo Picasso
Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
Sweet new PB! Congrats!
"Maybe I will be my own inspiration." - UltraMonk (Laura)
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"Everywhere is walking distance if you have enough time." - Steven Wright
Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
Good stuff DBB.
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Running is a conversation with your body. Sometimes you listen and sometimes you tell it to stop whining and do something. - Ian
Love, like I'm on borrowed time
It's good to be alive, yeah....Jason Gray
Running is a conversation with your body. Sometimes you listen and sometimes you tell it to stop whining and do something. - Ian
- scrumhalfgirl
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Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
awesome stuff! congrats on the pb!
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Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
Size5 wrote::lol: I loved the last lines!!!
This... have not lived in Toronto since '95, but I hear about "Boss Man" from family all the time
Congrats on another stellar race, and for putting up a wicked report.
- IronGoddess
- Jerome Drayton
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Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
Congratulations on a well controlled run and a PB
2013
Get back to a regular exercise routine
Get back to a regular exercise routine
Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
Congrats on the PB!
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- Lynn Williams
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Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
Nicely done DBB!!! Congrats on the PB.
On the books for 2017:
50th Birthday!!
Boston Marathon- April 17th what a day- DREAM COME TRUE
Run for Water 10K- May 28th
Scotia Half - June 25th
Trail River Run half marathon- Sept. 30- CANCELLED
MEC 10K Race 10- Nov. 5
50th Birthday!!
Boston Marathon- April 17th what a day- DREAM COME TRUE
Run for Water 10K- May 28th
Scotia Half - June 25th
Trail River Run half marathon- Sept. 30- CANCELLED
MEC 10K Race 10- Nov. 5
Re: Toronto Marathon Race Report
Great race report DB and congrats on a new PB, well done!
PB’s (official race results)
5K – 26:20; 8K – 41:28; 10K – 52:13; 15K - 1:22:43; 21.1K – 1:54:16; 30K – 2:51:34; 42.2K – 4:24:14
What is up for 2018
Feb 11th - First Half Vancouver
TBA
Planning & in my sights
Jun 9th - Puddle Jumper Classic
Run the mile you're in. Not the one behind you, and not the one in front of you - the one you are running now - purdy65
5K – 26:20; 8K – 41:28; 10K – 52:13; 15K - 1:22:43; 21.1K – 1:54:16; 30K – 2:51:34; 42.2K – 4:24:14
What is up for 2018
Feb 11th - First Half Vancouver
TBA
Planning & in my sights
Jun 9th - Puddle Jumper Classic
Run the mile you're in. Not the one behind you, and not the one in front of you - the one you are running now - purdy65
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