Sunday, May 25

2:53 ish

I just finished necking two beer and my legs feel decidedly better, or at least they did when I was sitting down. I found a great pub on the edge of By Ward Market but despite all the beers on tap they didn't have any IPA... unless you like Keith's. I don't like Keith's. That said, after quaffing a pint of Murphy's I discovered a great local brew called Cameron's Auburn Ale. Brilliant!

It was warm and windy, but I can't blame it all on the weather. Still, I've successfully qualified for Boston which was the reason for me coming here. I've also realized that despite the pace you set out at it still hurts.

The Highlight
Passing the 2:30 rabbit with just a mile left in the race; I only wish he was on pace.

A Disappointment
Prior to the start I met a fellow runner from Victoria who proceeded to tell me that he wasn't feeling great. I suggested he should adjust his pace accordingly (particularly given that Ottawa isn't flat). Anyhow, he took off like a bat out of hell but I caught him at about 12-k only to have him tell me three times that "respectfully" this was slow and he should be much further ahead. Admittedly he is a much faster runner but next time I think he would do better to stop comparing himself to others and put his money where is mouth is if he thinks he can run faster. He caught me at around 17-k, slipped back and I was told later that he dropped out.

More details later, for now I'm catching a flight back to Toronto to visit with my sister.

Training: leisurely 2:53:XX

18 comments:

Thomas said...

Congratulations, I suppose, on the BQ, though that was never in question. We all know you are capable of a much faster time. At least it was better than London, wasn't it?

Michael said...

Much better than London. I quite enjoyed the race up until about 33-k when my legs started to hurt. I kept trying to remember what Eric said, something about dividing up the race into thirds (0-15M, 15M-22.5 & 22.5-26.2) but I couldn't remember the numbers... and then there was the conversion to km's.

Thomas, all the best of luck next weekend!

Eric said...

At least I gave you some math to think about to keep your mind of the pain! Nice work on the BQ, and since that was the primary goal, congratulations!

Any race you can drink beer after is a good one, in my estimation. Good work, travel home safe, and recover well. Cheers!

BTW, the guy from Victoria sounds like someone who could use a good ass kicking when you're ready. =)

Cliff said...

U don't keiths? I love that stuff. There is something about newfie beers :)

Congrats on a great race and finishing it as plan. Look forward on your race report.

Have a safe trip back to TO and home. I got some newbie training questions to ask u. Will bounce them later.

Lawrence said...

Congrats. The BQ is sweetness. Recover well.

rumon said...

gonna ring in here with further congrats on a solid run off baby training and a great goal you've set up for next year with the BQ (hmm...i wonder...).

make sure you wear the compression socks on the flight home as i need those legs ready ASAP to help whip my sorry as into shape!

speaking of asses and whippings, please also add my name to the list one of your earlier commentators started...

UMaine Cooperative Extension said...

Hey, mission accomplished on the BQ! You continue to exhibit the passion, persistence, and perseverance that will get you to where you want to go. Oh, and a good dose of humilty, something your fellow Victorian could use an introduction to...

So, which IPA should I bring to Boston?

Michael said...

Marc are you serious?

Anonymous said...

Nice work Michael. I am still up for some runs if you have time, let me know, it would be great to get some insight on White River.

UMaine Cooperative Extension said...

Yes, I do believe that passion, persistance, and perseverance will get you to where you want to...oh, the IPA? Yes, I will be in Boston '09 (preferably as a participant)and will have some beer with me. I've been getting into Porters lately, but I was weened on IPA.

We've got a few months to figure it out.

Chris said...

Mike,

You don't deserve that crap. Total BS.

The fact you were smiling like you just won the race and all the stuff you have had happen in the last year, you sir, do deserve much better.

Congrats on sticking to the race in the heat....by the way I was having Murphy's too...were you in the Highlander Pub????

UMaine Cooperative Extension said...

Chris - are you referring to my comment(s)?

UMaine Cooperative Extension said...

Ok, after re-reading my initial post for possible mis-interpretation, I should clarify: Michael, my intent was honor your passion, persistance, and perseverance, which you have exhibited throughout your training, especially with becoming a new parent. As far as humility, I was attempting to say that my perception, through reading this blog, is that humility is an admirable part of your character...something the other lad from Vancouver sorely lacked.

My apologies if this was not very clear in the initial comment.

Eric said...

Marc, I think Chris was referring to the douchebag from Victoria with the snooty (snotty?) attitude.

Michael said...

Marc, your comments are (always) fine. I assumed Chris was talking about the snooty guy. BTW, give me a few weeks to think about the IPA... looking forward to seeing you in Boston!

Chris, yes it was the Highlander. I was going to try a different pub but my legs wouldn't carry me that far. So, you going to come to Boston too?

Chris said...

Marc,

I was referring to snooty guy...not you.

Michael,

Boston? Get me a cheap flight on West Jet and I will run my qualifying race at RVM no probs...easy kneesy.

But I am not going to spend a wack of money to run 3:0X:00 I can do that for much less here at home. Lol. BUT if I get down well below '3' then I would be all over it.

Like a fat kid on a smarty.

Grellan said...

Well done on the BQ Michael. That's a damn good time. Not getting there never really was an issue.

TLA's can sometimes be confusing - What's IPA?

Chris said...

http://www.sendpix.com/albums/08052920/xx7k1q7122/

Michael,

A few photos of you reside here, at ACDSee's sendpix site - URL...

Double click on the thubmnail to enlarge them. There is a widget code too, to imbed in your site.