I have to say that this is a WONDERFUL race in Paris, Ontario. And I’m glad that for the first time I actually registered in time to get a spot. It’s so well organized and the souvenir bag is awesome! The race organizers really know how to put all the finishing touches on everything. My only complaint would be that they need more water stations. The food, venue, and course markings were of course all excellent.
I went into the race with sore legs and everyone including my chiro cautioned me to drop to the 25K but it was sheer determination (or just plain craziness) that kept me to my original plan… afterall I didn’t want my 42K trail training run go to waste.
I was very lucky to have two wonderful friends and fellow team RF members run next to me for 3 out of the 4 loops. Lindsay (Team RF) ran the first two loops with
me (she was doing the 25K), and then her husband, David (Team RF), ran my 3rd loop with me (after he had already raced the 25K). I was on my own for the 4th and final
12.5K lap.
The first lap was painful, my sore legs were screaming at me but they eventually warmed up. Finished in 1:18:49
The second lap felt great, legs were getting looser. Finished in 1:21:33 – even though I thought I was going faster.
The 3rd lap I still felt great, David kept me motivated and moving. Finished in 1:26:44
The 4th lap I was ready to throw in the towel and just crawl to the finish line but I knew Lindsay & David were waiting for me at the end so I pushed through. This is where the race just becomes a mental battle so you need to stay strong and focused. I wish I had planned out a race goal to keep myself honest but then this was only supposed to be a “long training run”. I defintely made some nutritional mistakes for this race – I didn’t have enough electrolytes on me. The gatorade was too watered down and I really could’ve
used my salt pills. I ate as many chips as I could at each food table but my stomach could only take so many chips on a run. The volunteers and other runners kept me going. I just kept counting down the kilometre markers.
Final lap was 1:37:40 – 11 mins slower than the 3rd lap.
Final chip time 5:43:48
Overall amazing race. I really love trail running. The course is one of the toughest I’ve been on and I’m sure there are hillier courses but the fact that you have to run up each hill 2 or 4 times means you get to know them well.
I will definitely go back to the Toad next year. Maybe I’ll try to better my time from this year or maybe my sanity will get the better of me and I’ll do the 25K. 🙂 Registration is already open for 2008 so register early and don’t be disappointed! http://www.runforthetoad.com/
Happy Trails!
