A look at Toronto from the CN Tower, several hours after landing.
I’m finally sitting down to write the recap for the Toronto Marathon (5/5/13). At some point last year, Krysten of DawinianFail.com started mentioning the Goodlife Fitness Toronto Marathon and something about donuts. I figured this would be a great way to see Canada, run a little bit and to celebrate with friends… and it was.
NOTE: The abbreviation of Toronto is TO – hence all the images using the word TOgether with emphasis on the TO. You can also click on any image to see it LARGER.
Krysten with the perfect welcome present. Jelly was the favorite, FYI.
Krysten picked wifey and I up from the airport with TimBits and coffee. I can’t really compare TimBits to something specific here in the US, but they are basically donut holes in various flavors made of unicorn magic and delicious fairy dust. This was the first time I would meet Krysten… and she was just as spectacular in real life. Very welcoming, friendly and simply, a really cool person.
Meeting up at the Expo: Robyn, Kierston, Allie, Jess, Lisa, Morgan, Angela, Krysten, Sarah
Word quickly stead across the interwebs that Pavey and DarwinianFail were doing it big in TO and an EPIC meet up was staged. Most of us gathered at the expo and the rest would join us for a pre-race dinner that Krysten had arranged.
Here are some photos:
Angela @eatspinrunrpt, Sarah @Sarah__Westlake, Lisa @ElleSeeFit
Janice @fitcheerldr, Phaedra @redrunningshoe
Axel @apkussma
Christina @TheAthletarian, Danielle @WorkWearEat (running her 1st marathon)
Alyssa @AlyssaWodabek, @Katie titaniumtales.com, Morgan @LifeAfterBagels, (Bottom row) Jess @trulyjess, Robyn @RobynBaldwin
(I know his REAL name, but is that a secret?) SuperFit, Kierston @CaNdYFiT
Jaime, Krysten @DarwinianFail
With the introduction done, great conversations flowing and carbs loaded there was only one thing left to do:
Run 26.2 miles 42.2 km
Some fun at the start line! Oh ya, I’m wearing a tutu. In part to keep it fun, in part for Boston, but mostly because Krysten asked nicely… several times.
I’m going to break this down in miles, but will point out some KM distances along the way.
Strategy: Keep the first half around 8:45, work down to 8:30 by mile 23, then drop the hammer.
Goal: 3:45 or better
Mile 1: 8:53
Mile 2: 8:26
Mile 3: 8:10
Mile 4: 9:27
Mile 5: 8:50
As you can see, I’m all over the place. The start was pretty congested, but that is normal. There was a downhill at mile 3 and pretty much the only “uphill” in the race at mile 4. Everything else was relatively flat. After the 5k hill, the crowd spread out a bit and I was off and running.
Mile 6: 8:54
Mile 7: 8:49
Mile 8: 8:57
Mile 9: 8:30
Mile 10: 8:35
Mile 11: 8:31
Mile 12: 8:40
I’m getting a little more consistent, but still jumping around too much causing me to over correct. I’m used to checking in with my pace at each mile marker, but with the course marked in KM, I’m forgetting to check my watch after each mile.
Nearing the half-way point. Some big smiles for wifey.
Mile 13: 9:01
13.1 miles or 21KM: 1:55:16
Status Update:
The race to this point has been really quiet and calm. People seem to be enjoying the tutu. I definitely got a lot of “nice tutu” comments, smiles and finger pointing from kids and a couple “whistles.” Go figure. LOL. At this point, my legs are tired. I can tell that 2 days of sight-seeing and walking around Toronto on my feet has done a number on my legs. I’m fairly close to my pace, a few minutes behind, but 3:45 is within reach.
Mile 14: 8:29
Mile 15: 9:12
Had to take a walk break at mile 15. Had a pain in my side and it wasn’t going away. I tried to run through it, but it wasn’t going anywhere. This doesn’t look good for the second half.
Various points throughout the race.
Mile 16: 8:38
Mile 17: 8:58
Mile 18: 8:50
Mile 19: 8:45
Mile 20: 8:41
Mile 21: 8:46
Mile 22: 8:37
I’ve spent the last 6 miles trying to get my pace down to 8:30. It just isn’t happening. My legs don’t want to do it and it’s draining me. It has been warm most of the day and I’m staying on top of my hydration. My body wants to run a 9 minute pace and I’m compromising with around an 8:45. It’s too early to burn out.
35KM split: 3:13:59
Status Update:
With mile 22 behind me, I’ve decided to go for it. For the next 4 miles, I decide to run by “feel” and not look at my watch. I know that 8 min. miles will get me really close to 3:45 and if it happens, it happens.
Nearing the finish line.
Mile 23: 8:25
Mile 24: 8:13
Mile 25: 8:20
Mile 26: 7:35
26.2 miles or 42.2KM: 3:48:35 (6-minute PR)
I AM EXHAUSTED. This race took everything I had. It is a drastic difference from my 3:54 in March that felt consistent and almost “carefree.” Tired tourist legs did me in and I was never able to settle into a consistent pace. The best way I can describe it is that my body wanted to run a 9 minute pace and I had to convince it to go a little faster.
Seconds after the finish line, Kierston snaps this “telling” photo.
I never gave in. The thought of traveling all the way to Toronto and meeting these amazing people gave me that little extra “oomph” to keep things moving forward. Boston also crossed my mind throughout the run and gave me a desire to run as best as I could. I stayed focussed the whole time on trying to take advantage of the flat course and EARNED this finish. The last 3 miles were everything I had. I threw away all hesitation on the last mile and went for bust… and almost did.
It was an amazing race weekend and I’m glad it went the way that it did. I met some truly inspiring people and had a wonderful time. As you can see from the images above, what made the weekend special was the people. Thank you to everyone that made it a weekend to remember.
Toronto Marathon (2013) Finisher’s Medal. For scale: Canadian (Toonie/Loonie) and US coins (quarter/penny).
Cheering on SuperFit and CandyFit as they finish the 5k. Look at that BANANA GO!
Trying to recreate the Shalane and Kara photo (bottom right) – how did we do?
This is more like it!
The perfect way to celebrate, with friends.
FYI: If you thought this was a lot of photos? Wednesday’s post (here) will be ALL photos from the rest of my vacation. It will be one massive photo post with EVERYTHING Canada. From funny to super touristy to breath-taking. See ya then.
Link up for some of the above mentioned.
- Krysten The Misadventures of a Darwinian Fail
- Robyn Robyn Baldwin
- Jess Truly Jess
- Kierston Candy Fit
- Janice The Fitness Cheerleader
- Angela Eat Spin Run Repeat
- Christina The Athletarian
- Danielle Work it Wear it Eat it
- Lisa Tea and Giggles
- Axel Iron Rogue
- Pheadra Blisters and Black Toenails
- Sarah Captured With a Camera
- Alyssa Alyssa Wodabek
Have you ever thought of a taking a race-cation?
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Great recap Brian! So glad to have been able to meet you!!
I’m super stoked you were able to join us… otherwise I would have had a hug with no one to give it to. Maybe the waiter, he seemed like a guy that might be into a hug, but that would have been weird.
What an awesome race and trip! Congrats on the killer PR!
Thanks A… if I keep getting faster, I might get to a point where they don’t happen as often. That would be sad. LOL
Great recap and congrats on the new PR!
Thanks… if it wasn’t for the flat course, I don’t think it would have happened.
“My body wanted to run a 9:00 pace and I had to convince it to go faster.” Yep, that’s what getting marathon PRs is all about! Way to get it done!
You guys had so much fun–what an epic weekend!
Anytime I tried to pick up the pace, my body was like “nope, we don’t want to do that.”
I LOVE IT!!!!! Gosh…it was so great meeting you in real life…like you have no idea! So real, so cool, so awesome. I love your wifey too!
Great race PR! Happy I was there to see ya finish!
p.s. Love the pics!
p.p.s. How did you get those proof pics? I couldn’t for the life of me figure it out!
the feeling is SO mutual. You and SuperFit are cool cats.
I love race-cations! Looks like a ton of fun and congrats on your PR!
they really are the best… goes with your blog name as well. :)
Congratulations! I personally think that the tutu added a nice touch. :)
I’m looking into doing my first half-marathon sometime soon. I’m hoping to eventually gain the endurance to run in a full marathon like you!
Thanks. The tutu definitely kept the spirit light. Congrats on looking to do a half… it’s one of my favorite distances to run.
lol your pictures are hilarious and awesome!! what a fun weekend and congrats on a fab race!
thanks Linz… you need to do some more traveling to CA…
I’m still SO JEALOUS of this meetup – you guys were able to hang out and get to know one another AND run together?! Epic for sure!
we’re gonna have to do it up at Dumbo…
I LOVED LIVING VICARIOUSLY through all this.
my child? she loved you rocking the tutu!!
tutus are all the rage…
TOTALLY loved having you (as I’ve told you like a million times). What a super fun weekend. We must do it again!
Deal… i keep laughing at our “moment” with your phone. it’s funny that it DIDNT happen… would have been boring if you just grabbed a photo and I was on my way.
YAY YAY YAY!!! Love all of this so much!! I had so much fun! So happy we were able to do it together! Up next BIG SUR! Weeeeee!
you made it fun… kudos to you REAL LIFE friend.
So fun – all the recaps!! LOVE the pics & fun!!!! CONGRATS of your time too!!!
PS: I have been commenting on all blogs with the same plugin as yours for tweeting. It does not work for me since Saturday late in the day but before that, all was fine. Not sure why & another blogger with it says hers is acting up. I hope someone can get it to work OR report it..
thank you. I’ll check it out. It definitely was fun to be surrounded by amazing people.
Too much awesomeness in one place! Love this recap. Talk about some amazing memories!
seriously. I think we may have set the bar pretty high for Canadian race meet ups.
must get to a race near you soon!! I have been looking at doing a CA race too bad I missed this one with such a crew!!!
I LOVE traveling for races, but almost always have my PR’s when i’m not because well I do get excited to see the new city!
Big Sur 2014… that’s the rumor. California is calling you.. “hey amanda… come over here”
oh and hello 6 min PR congrats!!
Great job and awesome shiny new PR! I’m sure tourist legs can be tough but you gritted it out! I LOVE the tutu! I have to say I’ve run a few races in one but never a marathon! I would love to do a racecation and actually have a lot on my list…now to convince the hubby that he wants to too! Ummm not sure Timbits can compare to Munchkins…I’m just saying!
what are muchkins? Oh man, do I have to come try a race out near you?
Love your race recaps :). Congrats on the PR!!!
Thanks… i had to take advantage of the flat course as we don’t have too many out here in CA.
I love this recap! Sounds like a great trip North and I can’t wait to see all the photos. Congrats on the PR!!!
thanks… the dinner reminded me of our NikeSF one, but there were WAY more photos flying around.
I was thinking the same thing! Next time I am out in SF, we will obviously need an FF meetup and more cameras!
WOW! What a fun weekend! Love all those ladies (and you of course).
Great run too! Nice job!
I stand out like a sore thumb. The tutu doesnt event help me blend in. Thankfully SuperFit was there.
Great recap post, PR! How fun to connect with so many people AND to PR on tired legs and in a new place, country and course. WAY TO GO! Glad you enjoyed Canada – my second home. ;)
canada definitely showed some love. I had to represent for California too. I got you.
well i am beyond jealous but also so so happy. This post made me feel like i was right there in spirit. Did you feel the sherpa spirit?
the sherpa love was felt across the country… but next time it needs to take place in person. get hubs to focus on 1 of the 3 events and come run with us.
Love this recap and all the great photos! Looks like an awesome time was had by all! Congrats on your PR!!
thank you. it really was a better experience being able to share it with so many people.
This was awesome! Man you ran a killer race! Congrats on the PR! So nice to meet you and can’t wait to see your other touristy photos, hah!
thanks. and congrats on your first finish. It was so fun to meet everyone. Wish I would have caught up with you again at some point.
Congrats on your PR! Love the Shalane/Kara redo! Haha :)
we were pretty spot on, i think.
Great job on the race! it was super rad to meet everyone :) cant wait to see all the photos of where else you visited when you up north of the border with us!!
now the real important question is just how many times did you make stops for Tim’s ??
I had two boxes of 10… almost had a third, but decided to try something different. LOVED EM.
Those donuts…. SOOOO not GiGi approved – LOL! ESPECIALLY the JELLY ones! ;)
Donuts are approved by Halle… :)
AH! Looks like so much fun! Especially since your wife was able to come along and cheer you on, AND have a little vacation.
Way to go on your PR!
That medal is huge. Crazy-sauce huge! I thought those coins were Canadian currency, at first, and thought how tiny some of their coins are. Glad you put the description below, to clarify.
A race-cation would be fun, for sure. Maybe one day I’ll get to take one =)
Seriously. That thing was massive and I have no idea where I am going to put it. The coins are perfect for scale.
Spunds like the best time. I was totally IG stalking everyone’s pictures all weekend. I have never met any FFAs in person and think it would rock. The pictures of you and Krysten in your tutus are AMAZING! Way to go on the PR, I think this proves all marathons from here on out must be run in a tutu, or at least some type of costume:)
LOVE LOVE LOVE the recap! Great job on the marathon too! Thanks for coming so far TO visit
Awesome recap! Made me miss Toronto! ;) I would definitely go back and run a race.
Nice pictures!
Great to meet you and great pics! Thanks for spreading the wod about TO!
Love it!! Epic meet-up in need and awesome pictures. Not a bad race either :-) Congrats on your PR!
Great recap! A PR in a tutu! Awesome!
I’ve heard Toronto is an awesome city to visit, I bet it was an awesome city to check out. Props on running with a tutu, wow! Must have gotten comments the entire race from both spectators and racers alike. Nice negative split race! Looks like you ran almost a perfect one. Congrats on the huge 6 min PR!
So MUCH epicness in one post! You KNOW I love the tutu, and how fun you got to hang out with so many cool people. Getting me SO excited for DUMBO!
What a great recap! Have you never had Munchkins from Dunkin’ Donuts? They’re pretty much the same as Timbits. We had Tim Horton’s here in Lil’ Rhody but they couldn’t keep up with Dunkin’.
I think we now need to organize an epic east coast gathering so you can come visit here!!!!
I LOVE the FU faces, LOVE the tutus, and WOW- a 6 minute pr is HUGE! Congrats!!!
That’s awesome. Can’t wait to see my city through your pictures. Always interesting to see what the non-locals see. Congrats on the PB!
My gosh, if that’s what you did on tired legs, you must be a mental warrior. Congratulations! How awesome too that you’ve met so many neat people online and could have a race-cation with them. A weekend to remember, I’m sure!
After seeing all the Niagara Falls photos and then this one, you’ve confirmed my long-held suspicions: I would LOVE Niagara Falls, and I need to go there. I’ve had the Toronto Marathon on my radar for several years now, because my uncle runs it most years and I’m dying to see that part of my family again. Considering your PR, that’s also a bonus for me, because I’m trying to make a big spring race decision. Hmmm!
Anyway, congratulations on the solid PR! Especially with tourist legs!