Training Runs

So that was the scene prior to Hamilton's Around the Bay 30km road race.  And as you can see, the course goes, around the bay.

 

From what I'm told, this is a great pre-spring marathon or pre-Boston run to do. And, it was for me (I hope), as I learned a bunch about how to approach these longer runs.  The main takeaway is initial pace.  I started this run too fast and paid for it in the last 10km, when I had nothing left.  I knew there were hills coming up in the second half of the run, but still I wasn't ready.  The elevation profile, as well as my pace profile can be seen and analyzed below.

The second lesson learned was about layering.  Waiting at the start, I was freezing, but after six miles of running I was boiling and need to remove my warm outer layers.  I will have to figure out a better way to handle that situation in the future.

I did finish under my goal, which why I am extremely happy with the run.   Now I'm even more excited to get to Boston and run that course.

Here is a picture of the finish line and my medal from the run.

And a picture of the people in front of me at the start.

Toronto Group Run

Part of the employee training program includes a few longer weekend runs, where all of the members of the program are invited to join.

Yesterday, we met at the Toronto head office for the 2nd of these planned runs.

Skyline Picture of Downtown Toronto

Prior to heading out on the run, we had the chance to listen to a small pre-run talk from a couple of elite runners.  The first was the 1983 Boston Marathon winner, Greg Meyer (I believe he won the Detroit Marathon in 1980 and Chicago in 1982 - but no one seems to care, because those races aren't Boston).  The second elite runner was Krista DuChene, who holds the 2nd best Canadian record for the marathon.  As well, she will be attempting to qualify for Team Canada and go to 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Krista and Greg giving their advice

After the talk, Greg and Krista joined the group on our run.  The route was from the office building on Bloor, up Yonge street to Davisville, over to Mt Pleasant and back to Bloor.  

We ran this loop 3 times and my tracking app (you can find me here on Strava ) indicated about 15 miles in total (about 24km for those in Canada).  It was a great chance for me to see how my indoor treadmill training has kept my fitness up to a level where I can maintain these longer runs.

This run had been so well organized, we received race pinnies to show the world that we were a group. As well, Pathways to Education, the charity that we are fundraising for, was out at two different stations with water and food.  Of course, due to the cold the water was starting to freeze, as I think the members at the tables were too!

Heading out for the run

Great day for this run!  Please feel free to leave a comment or question.

Red Sox game invitation

I knew this was a very good possibility from stories of people that have gone to Boston thru the John Hancock program in the past.

But today, I got an email inviting me to attend a Red Sox vs Orioles game on the Saturday night.  A cool extra perk is this:

Prior to the start of the game, you have the option to enjoy a pre-game reception in the Champions Club Room. Following the reception, all employee runners will be recognized on the field at Fenway Park! It's a once in a lifetime experience! 


It will definitely be cool to see the Green Monster from field level.  Although, I hear they are pretty particular about the group not touching the outfield grass.



Just as an update, the fundraising has been going great.  Currently, we are at 87% of the goal with plenty of time left to exceed it.

Fundraising Site

Amazing Fundraising Support

Wow!  Just wanted to say a warm thank-you to all my family, friends and co-workers that have already donating to this marathon run.

 As at posting this note, my donations are at 76% of my goal.  

I now feel very confident that I will reach and surpass my goal.  This obviously eases my mind and I can concentrate on training.

Thanks so much

If you haven't donated, but still want to, you can find the donation page here

Additional Running on Marthon Weekend

Earlier this week I was asked if I wanted to participate in the Boston Athletic Association's (BAA) 5km race on the Saturday morning before the Marathon.  John Hancock is putting in a team, but I don't know yet what that exact means (JH tshirts, or just running with other JH members).

I figured that since I was in Boston anyway, I might as well involve myself with as much Marathon fun as possible.

Oh, and speaking of participation, Saturday afternoon will be filled with sights and sounds of Fenway Park as the JH Marathon team will be special guests of the Boston Red Sox for their game against Baltimore.



The 5km course looks like this

Off the wait list

Well, it looks like I'm going to Boston this year to run a marathon.  The company I work for owns John Hancock, so we have the chance to put our names in for the Boston Marathon Employee Training Program.  

In the past I never had the desire to complete a marathon.  But after the events of the 2013 Boston Marathon, I decided that I wanted to be there in 2014.  So I enter the company lottery for a spot.  However, I never got off the wait list. 

Once again this year, I put my name into the o for the Boston Marathon, and although I wasn't chosen at first, but I did eventually clear the wait list.

Which means a couple of things.

1. Serious training needs to start
2. Fundraising as a part of the Employee Training Program agreement also has to start

You can find my fundraising page here and it outlines what Pathways for Education is and how you can donate.

I will also update this blog throughout the lead up to Boston as well as the weekend in Boston.  And for those that know me, know that pictures will probably exceed the writing words.

Here's a picture of me smiling after finishing the Sault Half-Marathon last September (we'll see if I'm smiling after a full).