We checked in at the registration at the arena. I had forgotten my water belt but fortunately there was a vendor selling running supplies and I bought one there. Loco running shoes had a display there too. The event hosted a big spaghetti dinner for everyone, a great $5 deal.
The Warren Legaults and us stayed at a great B&B [they were moving, we were last customers] and it was nice to use their pool since it was really hot and humid outside. We spent the evening together, wishing very much that beer was an important food for carbo loading but alas we hydrated with water.
We thought that the race start was 6:30am but had to be at the starting line at 6am. So, up at 4:30, felt very sleepy, and had a light breakfast, drink, etc. Headed to the arena to be there at 5:40am. But it was really a 6am start, so we had our shoes tied just in time for the start.
The run started out fine. It was quite humid and overcast, but at least it was not the 30C or higher that the weather reports were predicting earlier. The field was small, with about 50 running the full maybe 125 running the half. There was the usual spread between the front and end runners. I was somewhere in the front half and my pace felt quite comfortable. There was a water station every 2.5km and well stocked and staffed. The volunteers were excellent and fast at the stations. I really liked the wet sponges which i started using at around 15km. Never used them in the past, but they really cool you down. One station's water was quite cold and it was indeed more than refreshing. I had forgotten my water bottle belt so I had bought one at the little expo at the registration on saturday. I had gatoraide in it, but i never used it.
The course is a loop [did i say that above?] with two parts where you have to go out to a point and double back. I noticed that I wasn't seeing all that many people on the "double back" stretches so I was thinking I was in the faster half of the crowd.
At the end of the first loop Patrick had finished just ahead of me and he had jogged back to see me end my first lap. Very handy for me as I gave him a very sweaty shirt and tucked my bib number in my waist band. So, run, run, run. I took a couple of gels along the way and they definately gave me extra energy. The weather was getting very dark and I saw lightning. The wind picked up and was full in the face for a 8km stretch south of the river heading west. But we were in the bush and the wind didn't really play a factor except when we were really close to the river with few trees around. I had to lean into it only once I guess. The ladies and the children had woken up and met me on the course. A lot of cheering and smiles. I took off my water bottle because with such excellent water stations I didn't need the extra weight, plus it rubs my skin the wrong way.
So, at about 38km I was starting to feel rather tired, but hey, I had only 4km left. And, I hadn't even walked yet! I guess my 30-39km training runs were starting to pay off. So, at 41km the bridge was near, and so was the finish line. The gel's energy was still with me so I worked on a strong finish and saw may family as I approached the finish line. Crossed it. Emma was right there with a glass of water and did a little walk with me. Elise was happy since I was smiling when I saw her and crossed the finish line. [she gets quite anxious when i look drained and white at the end of a run]. So, I finished with a 3:28. Not too bad since I was hoping to be sub 3:45 - I really had no idea what shape I was in since I had not run any long races since last fall.
The Massey marathon is indeed friendly. Back at the arena the staff and volunteers held a huge pancake breakfast. They were giving out awards to the half marathoners. Patrick won a 3rd place prize in his division. Well done!!. Well, my sincere thanks to the workers at this event. I would strongly recommend it. It is a hike from southern Ontario, but it is beautiful up there. Plan a camping trip before or after!. I'd run it again.
Elise's camera caught a picture of a hairy primate finishing the course. My beautiful son Jacob was going to the line with me!
You can see some of my fans too [Emma and baby Isabelle].
After resting up, we went back to the bed and breakfast for a cleanup and pack up. Then headed for Temagami. Temagami camping at Finlayson Point Provincial Park. My quads were very sore for 2 days, even the third. I managed an 8km run up to the fire tower, but the steep hill was a bit of a challenge.
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