Race: Around the Bay, Hamilton
Date: March 25, 2012
30k PB: 2:00:32 (ATB 2010)
Result: 1:59:23
Had I bitten off a bit more than I could chew? Yet again?
Around The Bay is one of those races that tricks you. The first 18k was flat and handled like clockwork, keeping a strong 3:55/k pace with fellow Ajax RF runners Nathan Mahan and John Gardener. John was so confident with his race plan that he wondered several times just what the 2 hour pace bunny Peter Voneuw was up to. At 5k Peter went by us and we simply let him go – we would catch him later, which we did around 16k.
Then the first of the North Shore rollers arrived. I could no longer match John and Nathan’s pace on the climbs and watched them fade ahead. Peter Rabbit was on my tail. Memories of 2010 came flooding back. Had I gone out too fast again? Those hills were going to be shoved down my throat once more. Better open wide.
The first time I ran this race I came up 30 seconds in arrears of a gold medal time (sub – 2h). I arrived at the hilly stage expecting some difficult terrain, but getting much worse. Those hills ate up my bank of about 90 seconds and then some, spitting me out onto York Blvd 30 seconds behind, legs so shot and spirit broken that the deficit was insurmountable. My spirit had already been deflated by the aforementioned Peter Rabbit, passing me before the 20k marker had appeared, then and there dashing any hopes of striking gold.
The hills of ATB are definitely kinder to those who know them already. The key is knowing where to fight like hell to save your bank, and when to spend it. This time, when Peter passed I knew not to worry – he often finishes well under 2 hours. This time, when the long climb up from North Shore to Plains Rd arrived, I pushed like hell. This time, after climbing (but not pushing) that final killer Valley Inn Rd hill, I relaxed and let my legs recover.
All that remained was 3k and 12:20 to do it. Then a scare at 28k (marker slightly misplaced) revealed exactly 8:00 minutes to a 2 hour finish. The fire was lit under my Mizuno’s and refreshed legs provided wherewithal to drop the hammer. Gold was finally mine! Yes it was a very big bite for me, frankly all I could chew.
My thanks go to John and Nathan who got me to 20k on even pace. Also a nod to all my dead relatives buried in the grave yards along the course. I called for help and you gave it; your spirits are watching over me.
Very impressive result Daniel. Reading these race reports are truley inspirational.. I tell myself if these old timers can run these fast times, why can’t I lol. Perfect weather for us today and enjoy the GOLD!!
Looks like Ajax produces some speedsters.
Ajax brothers Matt and Paul Leduc have joined their running group with Ajax Running Free. The Ajax Pickering Tri Club (APTC) also runs through the store. This is just simply a wonderful setting for achievement and performance based training. It is clear that Matt is a huge mentor who also leads by example.
Nonetheless there are training levels available to all, from beginners to pros. Ajax RF WILL make you a better runner, or turn you into a good runner at the very least. Most importantly, everyone is welcome!
I am certain Orangeville will take off soon as well!
Great race!! I was only 4 seconds behind you!!! There were a few Running Free runners around me throughout…and you must have been one of them! Congrats!