Race Week Recap + Race Morning

After 18 weeks of training, it all came down to this. I felt strong, (mostly) calm and ready going into race week. I was starting to get anxious and I was just ready to get the show on the road.

But I still had a few runs to complete...


Monday - rest

Tuesday - 16K (2 runs) with 4K MRP

I got up early on Tuesday to complete my last real "workout". I had a bit of a hard time finding and keeping the pace, which is normal for my early morning runs. I didn't let it shake me - I just zoned out and got it done.



10.3KM (6.4mi) - 58:06 - 5:38/KM (9:03/mi)
4 MRP at 5:14, 5:13, 5:13, 5:12

And then I got a speeding ticket on my way to work. :( Oops!

Hubs and I headed out together after work for a short, easy run to finish off the day. 

5.8KM (3.6mi) - 34:33 - 5:57/KM (9:34/mi)


Wednesday - 12K recovery

I split the distance over two runs again, just to keep it easier on my body. I had the day off work and started with an easy run around the 'hood before physio. It was a gorgeous morning, but felt very warm - luckily things were expected to cool off before the weekend.

6.0KM (3.7mi) - 35:04 - 5:50/KM (9:23/mi)

I waited for hubs to get home from work for run # 2 and we went for another easy 6K spin, chatting away about race day. We couldn't believe the day was almost here.

6.0KM (3.7mi) - 35:33 - 5:55/KM (9:31/mi)


Thursday - 8K easy with strides

Thursday night was our final pre-marathon clinic night and it was great to get one last pep talk from Coach Don and join the group for an easy run. We threw in a few sets of strides just to get the legs turning over quickly.

Just a bit excited!!

7.5KM (4.7mi) - 44:59 - 5:58/KM (9:36/mi)


Friday - off

After running 6 days per week for so long, it definitely felt a little bit strange to take a Friday off!


Saturday - shake-out run

There was no set distance for this run, it just had to be enough to move the legs a bit and it had to be s-l-o-w. After trying to sleep in a bit and enjoying a leisurely start to the morning, hubs and I ran together. I decided to have some fun with the distance and run exactly 3.39KM (i.e. 3:39!)

3.39KM (2.1mi) - 21:10 - 6:14/KM (10:01/mi)


Race Week Mileage (pre-26.2): 40 KM (24.2mi) 
Total Time: 3:49:25
Average Pace: 5:53/KM (9:28/mi)


After the run, we got ready and headed to the race expo. Some friends had offered to pick up our kits, but going ourselves is all part of the fun. Then we made our obligatory trip to the Value Village kids' section for our throw-aways.

We then spent the afternoon/evening getting everything organized, watching inspirational movies (such as Run Fatboy Run), checking and re-checking the weather and decorating my essentials with gold stars from Bethany.

We were in bed nice and early and both had a pretty good sleep in our separate beds. Race morning we were raring to go, even though the weather was exactly as horrible as expected: lots of rain and wind.

Not to worry, I was more than prepared to keep myself dry at least until the start...

Our good friends Patricia and Ueli were kind enough to chauffeur us race morning and we met them at 5:30 to make the trek to Mississauga. We arrived in plenty of time and made our first trip to the port-o-potties before meeting up with our whole gang. Luckily it was only drizzling at that point, but the wind did not feel nice at all! I had a few second thoughts about my wardrobe choice (shorts & tank), but there was no turning back now. It was still on the mild side and I assured myself that I would be comfortable as soon as we got started.

I also nearly face planted when I tripped over my make-shift plastic bag booties. Close call!

After chatting a little more and exchanging lots of good luck hugs, it was time to line up.

And you know what happened next! Race report coming soon, I promise!!