The New Shoe Review

Before the snow had a chance to hit the 'Lighthouse Cove' grounds, I had the opportunity to test out my New Balance 890v4's. The Cove, being one of the places I grew up in, is where I share many of my fondest memories. With childhood friends I enjoyed boating, skiing, playing hockey on the canals and let me not forget, hide and seek in the dark. This hidden jewel of a community is located within 'Lakeshore' situated on Lake St.Clair.

My dad, and step mom Rose, used to live in this active community before embarking in their RV adventures and travels. Now when they come back, they rent a cottage or stay here with friends. While visiting, it goes without saying my parents were excited to babysit, giving Kevin and I the chance to go on a run together. This was the first time since having Iyla that it was just us 2 running, no dog or baby to push. Here I am below ready to embark on my first long run after the marathon (this was 2 weeks ago tomorrow). 

I can't tell you my pace because I didn't wear my watch. I take a break from my watch after every marathon for three weeks so that I am running and purely enjoying the surroundings, distraction free!

The distance we covered was 6 miles and this is what I learned about my new shoes:

- Great fit and space in the toebox

- Wider than my New Balance 1400's but still comfortable 

- Laces are an old school feel and they don't have much stretch, I'd prefer them to have more elasticity

- I could feel more cushion under my feet than in my 1400's. They made me feel so light and bouncy

- I love the bottom and the fact that I never get any stones or rocks in them 

Kevin below at Luken Marina, our turn-around point. You can see the Thames River behind him and how low the water level is. 

We are surrounded by windmills now, it's still crazy to me because growing up there were none. Now they are EVERYWHERE.  

All done and spending some time relaxing. 

Great run. Great to be home. And so far so good....Great shoes! 

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe

When it comes to running and goals many people set a reward for accomplishing them. I am one of those people. As most of you already know I celebrate through-out my long runs to keep my energy and mind on track (for those of you that don't, see my wins map on a previous blog, http://thetrisout.blogspot.ca/2013/10/taper-truths.html). My biggest goal for Hamilton Marathon Road2Hope was to Qualify for Boston and I accomplished this and that was a reward in itself. As great as that mental reward was, I still find a physical reward a good thing. When choosing a reward I think it's best to reward with something that keeps you motivated and on track for your next goal.

The physical reward I had in mind took a lot of research and time before the purchase was complete. My reward for my race was NEW SHOES! Not just any kind of shoes, RUNNING SHOES, 2 PAIRS (2 wasn't originally in my plan but needed to happen)!!!! Yes it was time to replace my shoes, as I had been running in them for far too many miles. Here are some of the highlights I learned about when to replace shoes:

• Lightweight shoes last 60% as long as heavier, more durable shoes (I wear lightweight shoes so this is an important point that I didn't know). For more info surrounding this point go to this link http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/ask-coaches-when-replace-shoes
• Running shoes should be retired on average between 300-500 miles. The variation on miles is dependent on the user (where you run, the way you run etc). http://www.runnersworld.com/running-shoes/common-shoe-questions
• Racing flats should only be worn for racing, not training!

Simple points but points I was reckless to. I wasn't tracking my mileage and I can tell you I've been running in the same shoes since April 2013, that's 7 months and well over 500 miles. To make matters worse my shoes that I so adore, are racing flats. Not really meant for training, another error on my part. Hopefully all this ignorance just means that my next marathon will be my fastest yet.

The shoes I adore and ran in for my race are the, New Balance 1400's . They are my favourite running shoes that I've EVER owned! Now that's a tall order since I've been in everything from Asics, Mizunos, Brooks, and Nike. I can tell you that since I've been in New Balance and logging more mileage than ever, I've been injury free! I can't say that about the rest of my shoes. 

I knew I wanted to get a new pair of 1400's but that I would need to make them my race shoe and a shoe I'd wear only once in a while for some tempo runs and one LSD run. Here's the beauties I bought:

You can buy at New Balance Canada

Now I still needed to purchase a training shoe that could take the long mileage while maintaining the integrity of the shoe. I decided to stay within the same brand since I saw success with the 1400's. After watching numerous videos on shoes, this video helped support my choice for the, New Balance 890 v4. This shoe won the 'BEST UPDATE' award at Runners World. It's light, minimal and can handle the distance.

This shoe comes in a special edition NY City marathon colour style but I preferred a version that the US New Balance Website had. Thankfully the next day they were on the Canadian website, just in time for an order. Here's the ones I chose...

You can buy at New Balance Canada

Well I'm extremely happy with my shoe choices and after ordering them online, they arrived only a few days later. So stay tuned for tomorrows blog on my first experiences with them on!

Ugly Sweater Run 5k Race Report

Team, 'Nut Crackers and the Jingle Balls'

Race: The Ugly Sweater Run 5k
Website: http://theuglysweaterrun.com/
Where: Toronto, Ontario (Downsview Park)
When: Saturday, November 16th, 2013
Cost: $44.00 ($5 discount if you register as a team), was later on groupon for $20.00, kids and dogs for free
Start Time: 11:00 am
Aid Stations: 1 hot chocolate and water aid station on course and 1 at the finish line
Swag: custom vintage knit hat, a moustache, unlimited hot chocolate, badge pin and 2 Winter Lagers (if of age)

Race Kit

Pre Race: 

Kevin set up Iyla's high chair and we had her in it for the first time! It's only been in the last few weeks that we have introduced cereal after her morning feed. She loves oatmeal and barley.

Iyla's first time in a high chair before breakfast

Iyla post breakfast covered in barley

We all got our ugly sweaters on, I had difficulty finding one under $50 (no way I was going to spend that much on an ugly sweater, and all the thrift stores we went to were out of them) so we just pinned Kaiser's stocking on my sweater from last year. I did however find the coolest reindeer leggings that I sported. After arriving at the race we met up with our good friends Katie and Jordan and their kids Georgia Rose, Hudson and their dog Cody. Here are their kids below in their Chariot stroller.

Georgia Rose and Hudson ready to rock

We all quickly went towards the start line since we only had about 3mins till the race started. We met up with more friends, Kat and Laura at the ID line to get our beer bracelets. As we drew near the start line it was awesome to see so many people, and dogs in holiday sweaters and hats. Like nothing else! We all started in the last corral of runners since we had with us the strollers and dogs. 

Iyla Skye ready for her first 5k race with the sun shinning bright

Katie, Kat and Laura pre race

Everyone sporting their USR toques

Kev, Iyla Skye, Kaiser and I at the start line

The Race:

Once starting the dogs pulled us along, they were so excited to be part of it. As the dogs easily manoeuvred past others, Katie and I struggled while pushing the strollers to keep up without running anyone down. Just as we caught up with our four legged friends, it was time for their unashamed pit stop and us ladies took the lead. Along the route, Kaiser was getting tons of compliments on his dog ugly sweater and others even asked to take photos. He was a star! 

Our first stop happened when we spotted a photo op at the inflatable reindeer. I've never been in a race before where there are actual photo stops set up along course, there was even a line.

The girls and Hudson posing by the reindeer

The dads turn

Second stop happened at the aid station for some hot chocolate. Quite weird having hot chocolate when our bodies were roasting from running in thick sweaters and in the warm fall day we had. On the course we came across a fork in the road where we had to decide if we wanted to climb the hill or stay on a flat route to the finish. We took the challenge to climb the hill, and that's when Kevin and I switched up running partners. I took Kaiser up while Kev pushed Iyla, and she slept the whole time. We had our third stop at the top to give the dogs some water and have our second photo op. 

Kevin and Kaiser after the first hot chocolate station

Uphill

Made it to the top!

Race finish had the largest inflatable Santa Claus I had ever seen with a third photo op by a fireside. We had our second hot chocolate and gave Kaiser more water before heading home for the day. 

Biggest Take Aways:

• Great family race and way to start the holiday season
• Always give ourselves an extra 30mins to get ready, we always take longer than we think 
• Non chip races from now on will be a must at least once a year for me and my family because it allows for a relaxed and fun filled atmosphere. I'm not saying I don't have fun during racing because I always do, but it's a different type of fun. There is a competitive edge to it and at this race (chip free), competition didn't even come into play
• What a great workout for our dog, who spent the rest of the day and today sleeping

Finish line fireside

Post Race:

After the race we had Katie, Jordan, the kiddos and Cody back for lunch. This was great for all of us, the dogs are great friends and played the whole time. This works well for both our families because with having a baby, Kaiser doesn't get as much attention now as he once did. The girls got to play together and Hudson was entertained by all. Because weather has been so cold, we wanted to keep with the Christmas theme and have a hot meal. We made hot caramel-apple cider, and a creamy thick soup. 

Post race cuddles from Georgia

Recovery lunch: creamy potato corn & mushroom soup with hot carmel apple cider

A few pumpkin stouts as well

Now I'd love to know...

What is your favourite family run?

Do you like running races that are time/chip free?

Running and Breastfeeding...What Gives?

   

Okay so this post won't be for everyone, sorry! I've been asked by many moms and soon to be moms how I do my long runs since I breastfeed. Yes a breastfeeding type of post. This is the cue to exit if you don't want to hear more.

I am a breastfeeding mom who logs many miles. When I am out on a long run, over 12 miles I have bottles pre-pumped ready to go. Now that doesn't exactly answer the questions and/or give you the details. Here are some questions answered:

What does your schedule look like between pumping, feeding and running? 

The average day...(EASY method style)

7am-Iyla wakes and eats (one side)..I pump on the other side 150ml 
730-9am- activity time (I leave to run any mileage under 12miles and I'm back before her 10am feed)
9-10am-nap time

10am-Iyla eats again
1030-12pm-activity time
12-130pm-long nap

130pm-Iyla eats
130-3pm-activity time
3-4pm-nap time

4pm-Iyla eats
430-6pm-activity time
6-7pm-get ready for bed/bath time/eat/sleep

1030pm-I pump both sides before bed...about 200ml

As you can see I typically have many bottles pumped. Once I pump I put the milk in a freezer safe bag. On my long run days...

Love my medela double pump...Always results in many bottles full by the end of the day!

• I get up before Iyla at 6am and take the milk out of the freezer and place it in the fridge for Kevin (he later warms it up by placing the bag in a bowl with warm water). 
• I eat my breakfast, pump one side, get my run clothes on and feed her on the other side before Kevin takes over and I am out the door by 730am
• He has 2 bottles ready to go. One for her 10am feed and one for her 130pm feed. 

Love that Iyla's holding her own hands here

Do you get engorged when running? Don't you need to pump? How are you able to be gone so long?

Strangely enough when I do my long mileage I don't fill up the same (my boobs stay the same ha). So no need to pump on the go, thank goodness. What I do do is leave an extra bottle for for Kevin (hence why above he has 2 bottles ready to go) even though I'm back early enough to feed her. I find the long running depletes my milk production till about 4pm.

Therefore when doing long milage have 2 bottles ready to go for your significant other, baby-sitter or whoever is watching your wee one. 

What did you do the day of your marathon since you ran faster?

Race day I had enough bottles pre-pumped for the full day because I didn't know how depleted I would be. I was more depleted than I find myself on long run days by an extra feed. I could feed her again in the evening for her bedtime feed.

Therefore on marathon race days, have 3 bottles pumped! Scratch that, have 3 minimum pumped...I don't know what it will look like for you. I figure it's better to have more pumped just incase, thats why I had 5 bottles that day ha. 

Do you wear breast pads when you run incase you leak?

I wore pads for the first week of running but found very fast I didn't need them. Like I mentioned earlier my boobs don't seem to change while running. I found the only time I would leak would be when I'd come in the door, Iyla would smell/hear me talking to Kevin, cry and the leaking would start. It's crazy what the body does...My strategy around this is when I come in the house I sneak in, go straight upstairs to roll out/stretch before having a quick shower.

So I haven't worn breast pads since week 1 of running post baby and no leaking!!!

Hopefully this blog answered some of your questions and you feel more comfortable leaving out the door for your long runs.

Push Present

What is a push present? is what you may be asking yourself, like I did earlier this year. It's a gift that loved ones give to a mother to mark the miracle of her giving birth. It's a tradition that has been common in both the United States and UK for several years and not so common in Canada. I first learned about this tradition when Kevin and I went out to buy a gift for Georgia Rose, my dear friend Katie's daughter. He suggested that in addition to buying Georgia a gift we should pick up a, 'push gift' for Katie. I went on to ask him several questions about it and he told me that in the states he's heard of women receiving quite lavish things like diamonds, necklaces and even a new car!!!! CRAZY...Well we didn't buy Katie any of those things, we picked her up her favourite sweeties, italian soda and some cool outdoor drinking glasses since she had Georgia in the late Spring. 

As most of you know Iyla was the wonderful blessing that arrived eleven days early in our lives. During all of the chaos of an unexpected labour, Kevin told me while we were lying on the very uncomfortable small hospital bed together that he had two different ideas for a push gift for me. He said that he didn't have time to get it with all that happened. AMAZING is what he is and this wasn't even remotely on my mind ha. His push gift ideas were the following two things:

1. Golf Clubs

2. Wet Suit

WHAT both unreal and soooo me. Golfing is something I really enjoy and don't do enough of and a wetsuit is something that supports my goals of competing at a more serious level in triathlons and the Ironman. He wanted my input so I told him the wetsuit would be great leading into our summer 2014 goals but again he didn't need to do anything.

This brings us to yesterday, November 11th... Kevin took me on an outing to try on wetsuits, buy a wetsuit, and than finish the day off with a Starbucks at Indigo (one of our favourite places). 

Thanks to Kevin calling the 'Enduro Sport Outlet' we were fortunate enough to go try on wetsuits on a day they were technically closed (but still working) and have THE BEST one on one service and support. It was the coolest feeling being the only shoppers in the store, and coming in the back door. I felt like I was Reese Witherspoon in 'Sweet Home Alabama', when she got to choose her engagement ring at Tiffany's. That good!!! 

My two babes cuddling

Some smiles for mom

I am so happy I had great service because I had no idea where to even start, this is a brand new ball game for me. I was set up to try on a few different wetsuit levels. Entry, Mid Level, and Elite. I also started with trying on a size medium wetsuit but wound up in an extra small. On the size chart I was a small but you learn your proper size by trying it on first. The medium and small were too big in the neck and upper body. 

What I learned:

• Wetsuits should fit snug around the neck (the salesperson could fit too many fingers in, which would allow for cold water to sneak down into the suit).
• To check how it fits in the upper body, I had to put my arms in front of the body and cross my wrists (if too big you will have lots of pinching between the arms and chest, creating an air pocket). I also had to check by crossing my wrists with my arms overhead. 
• To do up the back, bring your shoulder blades together
• Use bodyglyde to help get your wetsuit on
• Store your wetsuit in a cool dry place
• Mid-level and elite level suits I found more flexible, I couldn't really notice the difference between the mid and elite level. 
• Wetsuits are designed to fit snugly, especially when dry. Once wet they become more flexible because a layer of water will reside in the suit. 
• When putting on a dry wetsuit, it's best to turn it inside out first and pull it up that way. They why is because the inside is more durable than the outside. Nails, rings, and sharp edges can tear the suit. 
• Nineteen wetsuits (the one I chose) offers 5 year warranty that offers replacement should there be seam separation. I was ensured that this happens very seldom. 
• I already know this but I need to acknowledge it...My husband (Yes you Kevin) is extremely thoughtful, generous and loving. He knows me so well and supports my goals and dreams like no other. I am a very VERY lucky lady to have him in my life. 

Older mid level suit I tried on for size

The one I chose!

The Nineteen Women's Tsunami Wetsuit (credit for all these details goes to: www.swimoutlet.com) features the critical stretchiness of Hydroglide Gussets around the shoulders, the extended-wear comfort of the Uncollar, the water-tight closure of the DualSeal Zipper, and the convenience of a SpeedCut leg opening that will reduce transition time.  

• ElleSystem
    - Shaped specifically for women's bodies
• Wingspan lite Hydroglide Gusset
    - Flexibility in critical areas of shoulder and torso
    - Eliminates the traditional Wetsuit constriction 
• Uncollar
    - Chafe-free comfort 
    - Unconventional Wetsuit collar 
    - Ultra-thin, Dual-sided constriction
• DualSeal Zipper
    - Unique hidden zipper design 
    - Additional internal seal next to the skin
    - Reduces water entry
• SpeedCut Leg Openings
    - 3mm neoprene panels in the lower leg
    - Allow for an easy on and easy off fit 
    - Quickens transition times
• 253 System
    - Varying neoprene thickness 
    - Thicker neoprene where flotation is key 
    - Optimizes body position in the water 
    - Thinner neoprene where flexibility is paramount

Love the back design!

Once at Indigo I grabbed the 'RunnersWorld Cookbook' (that I later purchased and will blog about later) and Kevin some magazines on traveling and running. One travel magazine happened to be on Maui, where we got married in 2010. We both love it there and Kevin wanted to relive that moment through pictures. Craziest thing happened while he was browsing through it...He spotted pictures of US on our wedding day!!! It was an advertisement that our photographer put in of his work and he used us, along with someone else's wedding cake. INSANE I know and exciting. We never thought we'd be in a magazine...So cool that Kevin got to actually relive it, for real! 

Iyla loves to stand now

                           

The magazine!

                           

There we are!!!!

                           

                          

                     

Always Better Together

With Kevin still away at Nationals, Iyla and I have been using our time wisely this week to create new dishes.

I love to cook and bake and having Iyla in on the process brings it to a whole new level. I can't wait till she's a bit older so that she can be more hands on versus a spectator/supporter right now. I actually love where she's at right now and each age has it's own special moments. For now I explain the process to Iyla and she laughs at different things I say and is fascinated when I stir things.

I typically plan out what I want to cook by looking at delicious recipes on pinterest and/or on my step-mom Rosey's blog, Cookin' Rosey

This time, I just looked at what we had in our kitchen and put the pieces together.

Step 1:

Wake up Iyla (One of my favourite parts of the day!)

As you can see in the picture she is always pure smiles and giggles in the am. She also is moving around tons so on this particular day she kicked off her blanket and pushed her self back to her pillow.

Step 2:

Set up chef Iyla

I have to tell you the 'Bumbo' Iyla is sitting in is brilliant. She loves sitting up tall and it gives great back support to her. She enjoys when I put it on our table or kitchen counter because she is closer to my height. Laughing away again as I chopped up veggies.

Step 3: Prep and Cook

Since having Iyla this is divided into two separate time pieces. In the morning I prep and put my prep back in the fridge and in the afternoon I cook it up.

All the meals made below are super easy and for the most part, they are healthy. Something you don't see in the picture is the guacamole added to the, 'veggie crack'. I add it in right before I eat it, so that it doesn't spoil.

Step 4: Finished Product!! ENJOY

I will post the recipes to the following meals on my trisout pinterest later this week.

Now to all of you...

What are your favourite recipes?

How do you get your kids involved in the kitchen?

What do you do in your free time post race?

My Road2Recovery

Today is my third day post race and I am feeling a thousand times better than I did 2 days prior.

After my race there are many things I could've, and probably should've done to prevent the pain I experienced early this week. Things such as an icebath, rolling out, stretching and massage. All these things are time sensitive and typically should start happening right after the race, and I just didn't do them. I did walk it out after and stretched a bit, but I mostly celebrated with friends and ate great food. I have no regrets! 

Here's a great post race 24hr routine to prevent muscle soreness from RunnersWorld:

http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/marathon-recovery-first-24-hours

I will need to be more mindful on my recovery protocol come this spring after I complete my Half Ironman. My recovery will be critical because I will be running a full marathon a month later in Ottawa and I won't get as much time off after my Ironman.

Day 1 after the marathon my hamstrings and quads were SUPER tight (felt like I was bruised badly)! Trying to sit down was very difficult and going up and down stairs was the WORST. It doesn't help that we have 4 flights of stairs in our home, so there is no avoiding them. When managing the stairs I would've been a spectacle to watch with my sidewards facing and stepping strategy. Going up was easier than coming down and I always had a hand on the railing for support (I actually would use my upper body to take some of my weight off of my legs). The toughest part of my recovery was having to take care of Iyla while Kev went to work. It wasn't the taking care part, it was more the lifting part. Lifting her and carrying her...Especially up all those damn stairs!!

Day 2 is typically known to be a harder recovery day than day 1. I did struggle with the same things but I found it a bit easier versus harder. I think what helped with this was the walk we went on in the morning as a family. The weather was ideal for a fall walk, with the sun shining and temperature back in the double digits. What made this walk even more special was a quick stop at Starbucks prior, to indulge in their Christmas drinks. In hand for our walk Kev had his gingerbread latte and I had a cinnamon dolce, chai tea latte (I'm not into coffee). We also split my favourite cookie EVER, Starbucks' Ginger molasses, YUM! I love how chewy it is. 

The trail we walked on Recovery Day 2

Kev enjoying his Gingerbread Latte

mmmmm soooo good! 

Love these 3!

Day 3 My body feels back to normal, I'm ready to be back on the road/trail/path running. Despite feeling so good I'm going to give myself a few more days of rest before lacing back up. With Kev away   to New Brunswick with the mens Ryerson soccer team to Nationals (woot woot), I will be heading back to where I was born and raised, to spend some quality time with family. 

Hamilton Marathon Road2Hope Race Report

Race: Hamilton Marathon Road2Hope
Other Races: 1k Kids, 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
Website: http://hamiltonmarathon.ca/
Where: Hamilton, Ontario
When: Sunday, November 3rd, 2013
Cost: April.1-Sept.30 - $88.00, Oct.1-Oct.31 -$95.00, Nov.1-$105
Start Time: 8:00 am
Aid Stations: One aid station every 3kms. Water and HoneyMaxx available at each station
Swag: Brooks technical shirt in 4 different colour options to choose from
Post Food: Water, bananas, pizza bread, soup, cookies and more
My Net Time: 3:33:59
My Gun Time: 3:34:14
Pace: 5:05/km, 8:11/mile
Mile by Mile: 7:49--7:56--7:55--7:52--7:52--7:58--7:56--7:56--7:51--7:47--7:49--7:55--7:58--7:50--7:53--7:56--7:59--7:58--7:50--8:04--8:12-8:23--8:41--9:14--9:25--9:38--8:28
Cat Place: 268/985
Gender Place: 47/386
Age Place 25-29: 9/43
Winning Women's Time: Jutta Merilainen 2:51:07
Winning Mens Time: Brendan Kenny 2:27:44

Pre Race: 
This week I made sure to have my bag ready and prepared ahead of time with my hand roller, post race clothes, additional run clothes (if weather was warmer), and race shoes. I also stuffed Iyla's bag with more than enough diapers, clothes, warm blankets, toque and gloves anticipating a chilly morning! As a mum too, I had to pre-plan my entire week around pre-pumping and freezing milk for Kevin to feed her, and to account for a low supply due to physical exertion post race. During the past few months I have been mindful in staying well hydrated, and eating nutritious food without over carb-loading. The one area I lacked a real consistency was sleep. At the start of the week, Iyla was given the green light to begin introducing foods into her diet. We started this excited phase but found the changes through her digestive system and sleep pattern for a loop. We quickly realized the amount the Dr. suggested was too much for her to start with, so we backed away from 2 tbsp a day to 1 and fed this tbsp early in the morning so that by night she could sleep "like a baby". Although this made a big difference, I spent the first half of the week holding her way more than usual. Because of this, pains began to emerge and intensify in my lower back, and have continued to this day. 

Race Night: 

Thanks to the clocks turning back I woke up at 5am with 7hrs of sleep. It was broken sleep with Iyla's feed and my nervousness coming into my mind a bit. I was woken at one point in the night by a nightmare of having to do a full Ironman in Hamilton, in November, without a wetsuit and still expecting myself to qualify for The Boston Marathon during the Ironman. Thankfully I had a 7 and half hour sleep the night before un-broken. After waking I starting getting ready by body glyde-ing and Vaseline-ing (Vaseline acts like an insulator for your body and also helps to prevent chaffing) my full body prior to putting my crops, compression sleeves, technical tank and long sleeve on. Over top of my race outfit I wore old sweats and a jacket, that could be discarded before the race started. I woke Iyla up at 530am, got her dressed and fed then made my own breakfast to bring on the road (oatmeal with blueberries and peanut butter with honey). Before leaving I un-plugged my GPS Garmin watch to find out that it never even charged! Kev had charged his to wear with me so we decided I'd wear his and we would charge mine as best as we could in the car on the way out. 

Kevin, Iyla and I were on the road and made one stop before the race to pick up our friend Doug, who came to support me. I can truly say that not many people will get up at 430am to stand outside for hours to watch a race, I am one lucky girl! Doug kept Iyla entertained in the back seat before she fell asleep. Kev drove me to the start line area (side of the road), or as close as he could get with the roads being closed. When jumping out of the car I made the mistake of not looking and landed with one foot submerged in gooey mud. What a way to start ha! So away I went to find the arena by the start line to stay warm in. I had roughly 25mins to go till race time so I went to find the restrooms. There was one inside with a massive line that I knew if I waited I'd be lucky to start on time so I went outside to the port-a-potty lines. It took about 15mins all said and done to empty my bladder and get back inside to warm-up a bit. It was the coldest morning so far this fall, in the negatives. With 5mins to go I shed my sweats and old jacket and went to find my pace group in the corral. I got my Garmin ready to go and music on. After O Canada was sung the race begun. 

Race Play By Play:

5k-10k...
I stuck to my strategy right from the start, by staying between a 7:50-8:00 min/mile. No faster! It's easy to get swept with the crowd at the start when your feeling great but I know that this can cost you later a hit into what runners call, 'The Wall'. I felt at ease, comfortable and found myself really enjoying the scenery. I had Florence and The Machines, 'Cosmic Love' playing in the background as the sun was rising and beating down with no clouds. I was in awe at all the runners and their energy and physical strength. I was taking it all in, all the colourful shoes and gear, the calve muscles in front of me working away, the human body is just amazing! It was beautiful!!! Once I got to the 3k area I had the escarpment to my left and could see Toronto in the distance, it was stunning! Some runners were even taking pictures as they ran along. I had my friend Katie's voice in my head till the 8k about really having fun with the run and I can truly say I was! Around 9k I found myself surrounded by runners in front and behind me that I would see more than once that were running for the same time frame as me. All with different strategies from drafting, run/walking, 10k fast/slow mix and partner leads. It was actually a bit annoying when runners would draft behind me but not take the lead so I could draft behind them at any point. 

10k-20k...
Around 6miles/10k I could feel my lower back so I moved my bib belt to a different position which helped take the stress off of it (my belt typically sits at the small of my waist, and for whatever reason this was straining my back). This part of the race had a strong side wind because we were running out in the country with nothing to block it. At times I felt it was going to blow me off the road! The water stations and volunteers were GREAT. All had the cups pre-pinched, making it easy to drink and filled with the right amount of fluid. I didn't even have to dump water out pre-drink. I was still feeling very strong at this point and so happy that I was maintaining still between 7:50/8min/miles. 

20k-30k...
The downhill section, I celebrated the win of getting to this and was planning to pick up my pace a bit here to a 7:45min/mile avg. This strategy quickly switched when I realized we were now running straight into the wind. I backed off a bit and instead kept my pace between my 7:50-8min/mile average. There were bands now on the route playing away. I can't really tell you too much about them because I was jamming to my own music and trying hard not to sing along so that I didn't waste any energy ha. I so wanted to! I found during this 10k I passed quite a few female and male runners, I didn't know at the time if their strategy was to slow down and/or they had maybe started too quickly and now were dying off? After the downhill we were on a trail to the water, this trail surprised me because there were some hills. I LOVE HILLS (never thought I'd say this), I felt strong on the trail and continued to pass many runners and was at a 3:27 marathon finish pace when I spotted Kev up ahead to join me. 

30k-35k...
This was one of my favourite parts of the run because with Kevin joining me I also got to see my friends cheering me on. They even made signs and one for Iyla to hold/put on her stroller. When Kevin joined I decided to take my earbud out of one ear so I could hear him/talk. Not such a good call, I felt off when I did this so I quickly put it back in only my fingers were frozen and it took me about 5mins to get it back in place. The first 2k with Kevin I was still running strong but around an 8min or just over pace. I was actually starting to feel my legs tire and my mind began to wonder as my pace increased. I wasn't worried though because I knew I had a seven minute buffer still on my BQ time. Unfortunately as I slowed some of the girls I passed were now passing me which mentally through me off a bit and I slowed even more. I felt as if the 35.5km/22mile mark - and turning point - couldn't come soon enough! I felt we were running further and further away and I was past ready to turn around and just head towards the finish. 

35k-40k...
Things started going downhill! I took my last gel at the 35.5 and it was a GU with caffeine. I purposely didn't train with caffeine gels because when you do they can lose their effectiveness of giving you extra energy since your body gets used to it. My mistake! Because I haven't had caffeine not only in gels but anything due to breastfeeding my body didn't like it AT ALL. I ended almost puking it all up, but I managed to swallow it and thanks to the water station close by I washed it down. I felt nauseas from this point on and my pace slowed further. Poor Kevin didn't know what time I was at and was getting super worried I wasn't going to make it. Again I couldn't hear him but I could sense it as he was picking up pace and I could see him trying to tell me to use my arms, or lean forward during any slight downhill. I did during the last gel point doubt myself for a minute but after doing the math I knew I would qualify still as long as I stayed under a 10min/mile pace....drifting as high as a 9:38min/mile on mile 26 (the last mile).

40k-42k...
The crowd was starting to come into play and I took my headphones out of my ears so I could hear the cheering. I could finally hear Kevin now too and could see my friend Boris running towards me telling me the finish line was just around the corner. I started to move my feet quicker with little steps and could feel my muscles aching with pain as I did so, I felt as if my calves might even give out. I wanted to push out whatever I had left and cut down my time as low as I could since I know that the better I qualify in the better chance I have to get into Boston sooner. Kevin left me and said to "soak it up", "it's all you" and ducked out with about 100 yards to go. I strided out to the finish as I heard the announcer say my name, where I was from and that I had QUALIFIED FOR BOSTON !!!!!!!!!!!!! A dream now COME TRUE.

It was the best and hardest marathon I have done to this point. It is now a PB (personal best) of over 12minutes since I last ran a marathon now over 2 years ago. When I think back to the start of my first marathon race 4hrs45mins. I have cut down my time by an hour and 12minutes...CRAZY. When I think back to the first long training run towards this marathon I remember struggling with those 8miles and could barely keep it below a 9min/mile pace. Dedication, hardwork, and having a support network does pay off. I truly believe you have to put in the time and effort and take into account the controllables. 

Celebration:
After the race none of the post-race food seemed appealing so I met up with my support crew and we went to Buffalo Wild Wings where I enjoying a pint of cider, cherry limeade and delicious boneless honey garlic and parmesan wings! Sadly I could only eat about 4 of them, and finished them off later once I was home and my stomach settled. I did however finish my drinks!!! 

Sarah, Boris, Doug, Kevin, Katie, Georgia and Iyla and I after the race

Kev, Iyla and I with the signs Sarah made

Yum

A drink to celebrate, my first cider since having Iyla

Family photo

My takeways for my next full marathon...Boston (that's right, I'm now away to focus on training for my Half Ironman this April, and triathlons and ultra trail races this summer):

• Train with caffeine if you plan to have it race day
• Start out even slower at the beginning of a race, try to make your second half of your race faster
• I will next time have Kevin or whoever jump in to run with me with only 3-4miles to go because I feel I run stronger knowing I have someone up ahead and I think I had Kev jump in too early with me
• I will safety pin my bib instead of wearing my bib belt
• I will take my music out for the last 5k when I need that encouragement versus getting in my own head
• I'd consider training for a quicker marathon. I trained for a 3:30 and hit a 3:33, so I think if I train for a 3:25 I'd hit closer to that 3:30