Toronto Marathon 2010
Posted on October 17th, 2010 –
Yeah, sure I was sore I missed it last year, but c’mon, 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning?! You must be dreaming! (That’s how I missed last year’s marathon.)
But by some perversion of nature I was up at around seven this morning listening to the multitude of road-closure notices being issued over the radio. I thanked Jebus for my continuing ability to walk just about anywhere, and shortly thereafter packed my bag and hit the bricks.
The marathon is made up of a couple of different routes, the full 40-odd kilometer (about 25 miles) bad boy, and the half-marathon. Presumably because of its length, the full Toronto Marathon is considered a qualifier for Boston’s famous run (about the same distance). I could imagine myself doing the full-length thing, if I can be perfectly honest. I can also imagine a stretcher and perhaps a defibrillator mixed up in that scenario.
The half-marathon is one of of those “friends getting together too run” sorts of deals — I don’t think some of the people should’ve been running. Photos will not be posted.
Four hours into the 20 kilometer course, people were still plodding across the finish line as dignitaries stood by waiting for the real runners. Well, technically, dignitary because I didn’t see anyone other than Smitherman. Then again, I don’t get paid to know every mustache on the road, do I?
I was completely expecting a lanky Nigerian to fly by me at the finish line but surprisingly, the first-place guy is a London, Ontario native: Brandon Laan. Brandon is an Olympic hopeful so this is probably a pretty good result for him. A time of less than three hours is considered pretty bad-ass. Brandon breezed by at two hours and twenty-three minutes.
And directly into a snatch of reporters. No, I don’t mean, like, there was a pause for him to catch his breath or something — he slowed down directly in front of the gaggle of press and the microphones just appeared.
In second place was Brendan Kenny of Dundas, Ontario. He was mostly ignored.
And directly afterward came Janis Arsenikovs of Vecumnieki, Latvia. I think he flew in just for the event; he certainly flew his flag, literally crossing the finish line beneath it.
About half an hour later the first-place woman, Nathalie Goyer of St. Bruno, Montreal burst through the ribbon.
I know I’m totally short-changing the women here but I was starting to get an itch to move so I didn’t wait for anyone else. The results are available online anyways.
Mostly what I wanted to see was what it looks like to have just run forty-ish kilometers. The general theme that I took away was one of joy. At survival, I think.
That last corner must’ve seemed like the sweetest sight on earth.
My feet start to get pretty sore after a few hours so the half-marathon would be a healthy challenge. With much training. But to double that? That would take some kinda crazy dedication. So this marathon didn’t have anyone that couldn’t handle it.
Almost.
I look at my ability to rise early enough a major triumph this year. I mean, it is a Sunday. Although I can tackle any movie marathon (it doesn’t come easy, but it can be done!), It was nice to prove to myself that I could get up — that I could push through the fuzzy head. I’m sure many people in the marathon felt the same way. Plus, they were running.
To be honest, running’s not really my thing. Power walking, if I’m feeling flamboyant, I can do — and it can be pretty fast if done correctly. But when it comes to hitting the ground at a full jog, that’s a bit too jarring for my delicate sensibilities.
Next marathon: Sloth City Finals
... with pictures
... with sounds
... with videos
... with opinions
... that's shorter
... that's longer
October 19th, 2010 5:32 am
our fun run starts at 5 AM…
October 19th, 2010 9:58 am
The word "run" I comprehend in this sentence, but I'm not sure I understand the "fun" part. Especially in the 5 a.m. context, Karlota. ;)
October 21st, 2010 4:44 am
mmm Jani Arsenikov, you are so great, supper, the 3rd place with became ill, great!
October 21st, 2010 6:44 am
Did you mean "third place is sick", Sanita? Because I'd agree. (Though I don't often dabble in the modern parlance.)