2006 Off and running [slowly]

2006 started off quickly with several early January runs, but I developed shin splints that slowed me down for 3+ months. What a drag, as I was hoping to start off with the Mississauga and National Capital Marathons. In the process of physio, I learned about some good shin and leg exercises and the proper type of shoes I need. So, after orthodics and physio at the excellent Human Performance Centre at the University of Guelph, I got back on the roads and trails in April. Started off slowly, but now am doing well. I have been to the first two 5 Peaks.com events with running partner and family friends Patrick, Suezanne, and Elise. At Rattlesnake Point, my Emma, Jacob, and little Isabelle, and Elise Warren ran in the kids race: Emma won, Jacob paced himself well, and Issy's smile was a crowd pleaser!

So, now I am getting ready for the Friendly Massey Marathon on the 16 July, as a "training" marathon. Pat-Pat will do the half. Should be fun!
Chris.

I like this chair

Jacob gave me the happy face. The one on my shirt too. The Robitailles had us over for dinner after the marathon. I really liked sitting down, but walking was a nice stretch for the legs too once in a while. The 3 children were having a great time outside playing in the huge pile of leaves they made. They were working so hard for such fun. Me, I was replentishing with a very important bottle of Monty Python beer from Black Sheep Brewery, UK [now at your better LCBOs!]. I am well recouperated and feeling good after a warm bath. 

The family Warren Legault

Look at the happy campers! Patrick had a stellar day with a 3:18. But the eternal running mate won't go to Boston until I qualify. I better not let him down! His happiness hides some weary bones no doubt. What a great picture by photographer Elise R. 

I think they like me.

I am so happy to see my family [anytime]. It is a really funny feeling you get finishing the 42.2km run compared to a 10km or so. I'm a little more tired and depleted - you approach the line listening for the familiar voices calling. [they usually call quite loud]. But when you cross the line, you just want to see your family, they'll walk you away, offer a drink. It is crowded and you need to move down the chute. You don't need to be finishing anymore since you've done that. You have a funny feeling of things coming down, not like curtains, but your focus and drive. Just letting yourself walk on, but so happy when the volunteers look into your face and say to put your arm on their shoulder. They are so nice and friendly. They must have been here too. Having that help gives you the time to walk straighter and to bring your senses back up again after that momentary release. 

Seeing the family after the race

The Legaults and Duke cheer leaders got delayed in traffic getting to Queens Park finish line, but we finally met up. Emma was back in Guelph at the Scott Labron run. I was happy to see the family afterwards. I was a bit tired and they had my warm clothes [though it was warm in the med tent where i spend a bit of time - just a lack of balance thing]. Of course, the real hit of the event for the wee-uns is the food and drink at the end! 

Waterstation break at top of Hogs Hollow, TM 2005

Getting photos are a little tricky unless you have buddy's camera! Chris is getting a bit of water at about 22km, top of Hogs Hollow at the Toronto Marathon, 16 Oct 2005. It is great running weather about 12C. The fellow in the white and green is Dave Barr, from Guelph also, who i was running with till about 30km. 

Suezanne and Jabob Waiting at Toronto Marathon 2005

Suezanne looks a little chilly, but Jacob is ready with his touque! Me thinks you need little larger mitts S!. 

At the Toronto Marathon 16 October 2005

At the Toronto Marathon 16 Oct 2005. Elise W. and Jacob playing in leaves at the top of Hogs Hollow. 

Neat view of marathon results

It is sort of hard to assess one's results. The best way is "am I happy with it?". My first marathon, last year's TM 2004 i ran a 3:43. I had no idea what to expect and was thrilled with that. Heck, finished it, didn't you? Three weeks ago I ran the Scotia Bank Waterfront Marathon [25 September]. It was my second marathon, this course was really flat, open, not bad at all. It was good conditions. Bit humid, but then you don't get too dehydrated then. I got a nasty stomach cramp around 10km. I think i took too much power gel at once. It is really important to take a bit, plus water. Maybe I should train a bit with it first and not try anything new on the day of the race. One ought to wonder about that. Anyways, around 30km, the group i was running with started to pull away - my tummy was not helping me at all. That's okay, because it was starting to go away then and I could now worry only about beginning to feel tired. I finished in 3:35 [place: 363 official time: 3:35:40.0 km pace: 5:07 chip time [my actual]: 3:34:59.9], a 8 minute PB. Results here, go to Results Link.
So I was very happy with the Toronto marathon just 3 weeks later where I did 3:21. A really neat view of the results are here. Shows you graphically how you did. Type in Duke and click "marathon".

I now have to fight the aweful temptation I have to go to the Niagara Marathon website. It is 23rd October, but I think that is pushing it a little. Maybe this is adictive

Let's Go Running!

Chris wants to create a list of places on the web where running ideas are.