So, this was to be my get even with the marathon date and go sub 4 but things weren't really working out leading up to the race. I am incredibly dedicated to training but this season was different. A few long runs got pre-empted and cut short due to circumstance - one was a violent thunderstorm, one was a stomach that wasn't having a long run that day, and the final one was kicking a curb while barefoot on vacation three weeks before the race. In fact two of my toes were still sore on race day. I had tested it out and I could run. But I just knew I wasn't where I have been for other races but I didn't want to be negative and kept up with my running buddy who was feeling it.

So, I stuck with my running buddy and I kept up pretty well to keep me sub-4 through the half way mark. The first half has a bunch of rolling hills and my quads were killing me. I wasn't used this this kind of soreness. I think it clicked through half at 1:55 - still in good shape. I had one gel at the hour mark and as i thought about taking the second one at the two hour mark it didn't seem appetizing. But i did want gatorade. Was it a wise move to have something I didn't do in training? hmmmm. I was feeling good it was just my quads. I realize i shredded them on the downhills. I decided to do the gatorade. If my stomach revolted well, that's the price. so i had gatorade and it tasted good.

By this time my running buddy was long gone and I was struggling as I came to km 30 at 2:47 which was the same pace as a 30k race earlier in the year so I was still in range of sub-4. Okay. Was I going to be able to do this? There was enough time ...but mentally I was sagging and my quads really hurt.

I should mention that it was a gorgeous day out for running. Sunny, cool and the fall colours just starting to peek out. And the Toronto Marathon is one of my favourite races.

I took a quick walk and made it to 32k and still had enough time ...
I decided not to force it and let the day be and not be upset with myself. Because last fall when things fell spectacularly apart (because I was sick) I was upset and this is all for fun so I needed not to be so hard on me - I was out marathoning afterall - which is still fantastic. It's no small accomplishment! A time is a time and matters to no one but me. So, i hobbled it along with alot of walking. And managed to cross at 4:14. An awful negative split but i still walked away a 5-time marathoner. And a decent time. It's not my best and not my worst.

I probably should have started slower. I do actually know how to pace a marathon and have done it well and i should have let my running buddy go on her own from the start. Otherwise, not sure. I probably peaked earlier in the year with my half marathon PB and didn't rest enough - I have been training since January for various events.

The medal for this race is HUGE!! Not too much. Got food, found my support crew (fiance) and loaded up for more gatorade.


Training cycle wasn't optimal. Injuring my toes within three weeks of the race.


I really like this race. The weather is usually fantastic for running and even though i shredded my quads on the up/downhills I like the variety.
Lots of aid stations. This race has me mulling over another to get my revenge on the marathon. I know I can pace better!