Winnipeg, Manitoba  June 18, 2013   4:09:25   8/17 AG   303/636 finishers

            Arriving in Winnipeg on Sat. afternoon, I headed to the expo to get my packet. In the parking lot of the football stadium, I met two young ladies who were just as confused as I was as to where the expo was. It turned out that they were reps for Red Bull and driving the car I had noticed with the Red Bull can on top. I told them that my running friend had just bought some Red Bull the other afternoon for her office because everyone seemed to need a boost that day. They were so impressed that they gave me 3 free sample cans of their new flavors. So I got the marathon off to a Red Bull start the next morning since the motel didn't have coffee.  We eventually found the expo, and I got my packet and signed up for a massage the next day. I had never been to a marathon that had a massage signup the day before; considering my hamstring, I thought it might be a good idea.

            Saturday was a short night with my having to get up at 5AM (3AM PDT) to get to the 5:45 shuttle. This was the 35th edition of the Winnipeg Marathon so they had everything down perfectly. I was able to easily drop my sweat bag in the tent where it would be waiting at the end of this out-and-back course. I jogged some to warm-up and didn't feel too bad, but wondered what the hamstring would allow and what my conditioning would give me. To the sounds of "Chariots of Fire" over the speakers, the race started and I found that 8:50-9:00 pace came very comfortably, and was what I'd like to stay at, and maybe bring down in 2d half. I was wearing a Boston Marathon cap and was inspired by a number of spectators calling out, “Boston Strong.” I was trying to be, but mentally I wasn't really where I wanted to be. I started to feel the competitive juices flowing as the pace seemed comfortable and I hoped I could hold it. (Actually it was delusions of stealing a faster time than I deep-down knew I was trained for; darn reality!)

            The course was flat; this is prairie land here in Manitoba. The sun was out and it was high 50s, but there were lots of trees and shade so I felt cool enough. I had stretches where the Garmin hit 8:30-40 and I kept the pace under 9. I hit half at just over 1:55 and kept that pace going until about 16. I was dreaming of finishing strong and getting 3:45-50. But lo, it was not to be. Funny how the body does what it's going to do in spite of your great plans. It was a classic example of hitting the wall: one minute I'm doing 9 min miles and the next minute, the same effort is now closer to 10. Miles 17-20 were 9:20. Doing the math at 20 I realized that 3:50 was gone and I'd be lucky to break 4. Well, I sure wanted to do that so I pushed, but the times wouldn't budge below 9:30. In fact 21-22 were over 10. So, discouraged I walked a bit which didn't help much, but gave me time to feel sorry for myself and then get over it. I couldn't believe that the thought of quitting went through my mind. Forget that! And I started running. Running 10s sure beat walking 15s. I was going to get as close to 4 as my beat-up legs would let me.

            It sure didn't hurt any less to walk, and if I just forgot how slow I was running, I would eventually reach the finish, battered, but not beaten! It was really pride that was getting in my way. Just because I couldn't break 3:50 or 4:00, I wanted to throw in the towel. I could keep running as long as I wasn't concerned about the pace. I did try to go faster at points, but just couldn't sustain it. The lack of long runs and speed-work because of the hamstring injury made a difference. If you don't/can't do the homework, you will not Ace the test! So now it was time to see if I could slide by with a "C". Originally, I'd hope to place in this race. (I see that 3:50 was 3d so I could have.) So 23-26 averaged just under 11. I was disappointed, but had to realize that I did the best I could with what I had on that day and under the circumstances of the last few months.

            After I finished, I was taken to the massage area which was inside the field house. They had my name in their computer and I was able to clean-up and then get my massage from Derrick who had done his training in Sydney, Australia. He explained that he had dual citizenship since his mom was Aussie, but he'd been raised in Winnipeg. He had gotten his chiropractic license 6 months ago so I got an adjustment as well as a massage. How great was that to get both! My body felt so much better afterwards!

            Now it's time to rest and rehab some more. The hamstring is much improved from 4-5 months ago and I hope with 2 weeks easy, it will be good to go for some serious training. I'd sure like to improve my Boston qualifying time just to be sure I get in. Amazingly, my BQ for 2014 is the 3:47 I ran in the driving rain at CIM in Dec. That is more than 5 minutes faster than the required 3:55 BQ time so I'm in 3d group, but I'd sure like to get under 3:45 and get in 2d group just to be safe. Motivation! I have given one talk to a group about Boston and my marathon career, and am scheduled for a Rotary group next month. It's for sure I want to run Boston next year no matter what it takes! And if you don't think so ask my cat. (Boston, the tabby, insists I honor his name!)

Marathon #132; 7th province; still at 16 states on 2d go round. Next up Santa Rosa or Ventura at end of Aug or first of Sep; still deciding)

            On Sunday afternoon, I got the obligatory hamburger and fries and then took a boat ride on the Red and Assiniboine rivers which was fun, relaxing, and informative. I had my post-race ice cream after having a salad for dinner. On Monday I took a tour of the mint. (Did you know I worked in the SF mint for 6 weeks after I graduated from Westmont? That was to be my career path, but then I got my draft notice. It was the end of the Vietnam War and I ended up at Fort Ord for basic training in August 1972. I wasn't thrilled at the time, but looking back, I'm so glad that the Lord had other plans for me and I ended up as librarian/teacher and coach.) At the recommendation of the mint guides I went to the Exchange District to eat at Smoke's Poutinerie. Pountins are basically French fries smothered with gravy and meat of your choice. Great for day after a marathon, but not really in training diet otherwise. I ate them while listening to jazz band in the park there. Later on I visited the Manitoba Museum seeing a lot of natural and local history and seeing a planetarium presentation. I met a lot of friendly people in Winnipeg which they told me is something the city prides itself on. And I can vouch for that and a well-organized marathon.

Marathon #132; 7th province; still at 16 states on 2d go round. Next up Santa Rosa or Ventura at end of Aug or first of Sep; still deciding)

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