Niagara Ultra Half Marathon - The last of my Summer runs.

Oh where to start.
So back in January I had decided I was going to work towards my first Ultra with Cindy M. It was going to be LOTS OF FUN!! Or something like that.
However as my Marathon training for Mississauga came to a grinding halt by ways of a torn muscle in my calf so did any hopes of managing to do the Niagara Ultra, so I decided to sign up for the half marathon.
I mean I've done many of them, it's nothing new, I can manage a half marathon on a bad day. And boy was this going to be a bad day. Eek!!

So I took a half day off of work to get home and pack, walk the dogs, mow the lawn and change all before 2pm. aahhhaha.. Well the dogs got walk and I got packed. The main thing is I remember my running shoes.
Cindy Marcelli, Jennifer Remazki and I piled into Cindy's car and off we headed for the Niagara on the Lake.
We managed to make it all the way to Grimbsy before we had to pull into the big Gateway to Niagara Service Station to grab a potty break and grab a quick drink and a slice of 'zza for myself. I managed to miss lunch in all my runnings around.
We got to the kit pick up location shortly after it opened to runners. And low and behold there were several other BRR folks there picking up there kits. Now there's a freaking surprise. I have a feeling that Barrie RoadRunners would show up at the opening of a letter if there was a run involved.

I happily jumped out to of the really big line up for the Ultra & Full Marathon to the half line up and jauntily provided the gentleman with my name. I was crossed off the list and then scooted around behind me for my sweatshirt. Still stinging from the fact I wasn't able to run the Ultra or the full - my sweatshirt mocked me openingly. Everyone else was getting a hoodie!! A HOODIE!!
But I do like the colour red & it's a wonderful departure from last years half marathon sign up pressie (a key chain) so really I'm not complaining. I'm merely lamenting at my fate.

After much chit chatting and hugging with other BRR's and family we headed off in search of some dinner. We were unfamiliar with the local eateries and were really just going to be going on our common sense & in a car with 3 blondes - good luck with that.
So as we drove away - turned the corner to head towards our hotel there it was - ALFREDOS Eatery and Bar. Well it must be Italian with a name like Alfredo's, right? As we walked in I couldn't help but feel some trepidation as to what we were in for. Things aren't often what they seem - and as I gazed around what I thought to be an old converted Wendy's restaurant, I could only pray to the universe to make it so.
We were presented with a huge jug of water & lemons & a very friendly waitress. She used some rather colourful words during our discussion over the menu. Wasn't the worlds most robust menu but they had the basics.
I ordered my Penne Primevra & garlic bread. There can't be enough carbs if it's going to be as stinking hot as they say it's going to be. They, of course, being Enviroment Canada. Now as far as I'm concerned they could organize a F*** up in a Brothel with a hand full of fivers, but that's just my humble opinion. Nor can they predict with any accuracy the weather. However; having grown up in the Niagara Region - I know it's stinking hot and humid down there - so I'll err on the side of caution. Carbs - white bread and white pasta carbs.
Our meals were ever so yummy. Looks definitely are deceiving and not only that, well priced & the service was really pleasant and timely.

We finally got to the hotel, booked in and made our way to our room. A cot was ordered for Greg as he was staying with us. Cindy & I have bunked together a few times before so we know what to expect from each other. Jennifer well it was her first time with us, but I had no worries that she'd manage just fine with us.
We laid out all our race gear for the next morning. Crawled into our respective beds and/or cots and watched the most bizarre movie ever "the perfect getaway" definitely not on my "find the DVD and add to my collection" list. *shudders* However; great little conversation starter on whodunitt.
Morning came directly after the night faded away and with that - Cindy's alarm clock. One by one we took our turn in the bathroom and got ready, rather bleary eyed. My oatmeal was purdy much made with luke warm water, I must say that is the most revolting thing in the morning. Eww - not the way I wanted to start the morning, but the Hampton Inn (by Hilton) started their 6am complimentary breakfast early and we all managed to find something to nibble on, loaded our bags back into the car and off we went for the start of the races.
The start times were being staggered. 7am for the Ultra, 7:30 am for the Marathon, 8:00am for the half and then half an hour later again for the 10k.

As I lined up for the half and scooted up front with Nancy, Brian, John, Lisa and Josef I started to prepare for the stinking humid run. I had my gu's & Eload replacement drink in my water bottle. Off we went. I was planning on a pace between 6 / 6:30 - my first K was under 6 minutes. Drat - however; I was running 3k's and 1 minute walk so after the first walk I should be able to reign myself in. It was about running the distance - not getting a PB. So I got myself into a good rythmn and managed to stay between a 6 /6:14 pace. I caught up to Josef and we ran for several kilometers and then I started to pull forward. I wasn't feeling much discomfort in my calf and I gave myself free reign to run as my body desired. There was however quite a camber on the path & I found it difficult to find a good side to run on to minimize the uneven distribution on my legs. I could tell I was over compensating. At the turn around point I started to feel something weird in my right foot which I thought to be odd since my injury was on my left side. By the time I hit around 15 k it was very very VERY apparent I was in trouble. The pain on the top of my foot was excuriating I let out several very audible whimpers and sobs as I hobbled my way along the path. This was NOT going over well with me.

I would run a few meters then I really couldn't manage another step. Now I have a rather high tolerance for pain, I grew up with 3 older sisters after all, so this must be painful. At least I'm hoping it's as painful as I think it is otherwise I'm going to be seriously miffed at myself.
So I would undo my shoe massage my foot and put the shoe back on and I could run again for a tiny bit. By this time Josef had lapped me. Which bothered me. Not that I dislike Josef, far from it, I just hate being lapped. I tend to get competetive at races - and I don't like being passed by folks that I have worked hard to get by.
I saw Marie K at around the 18 kilometer mark I think & the whole time I was thinking how the heck am I going to take another step. Then when I noticed it was Marie and she had her camera out. CRAP!! Great now I have to run! Step - Ow - Step - Ow - Step - Ow. I never was happier to see someone put their camera down that means I could stop running. And dammit if she didn't get me from my back side from far away and close up... Thanks Marie!

The only thing that kept going on in my mind was " I freaking HATE running in Niagara. Stinking humid, stinking injuries. Stinking Grimbsy half marathon, stinking injuries. Gone was my cheery tune that kept playing over and over in my head from the first half of the run, California Girls by Katie Perry. Now some deep dark debiliating disbelief was disassembling my mental state. Buggar that!! I was going to run this sucker in.
So at 20 K I started again. Each step was one step closer to taking off my shoes. Each step was a step closer to a cold drink. Each step was a step closer to...oh shut up Joan and just get it over and done with.
As I crossed the road I knew I wasn't that far away. Cringing around the corner and heading for the canopy cover provided by the over hanging tree branches I could make out the pink flags for path I should follow. I could hear the crowds. Then I could see them. And as I found the dip n the grassy portion of the run I saw Donni and Victoria with a huge sign - cheering me on. But honestly I couldn't even give them a woot woot. I could have perhaps given them a woot whooaa woot ooww.
I crossed & received my bling in time that was about 30 minutes slower than I wanted. However; that seems to be the theme for the day with the rest of the Barrie runners.

It was stinking hot/humid.

So after I grabbed myself a drink and a slice of pizza (ripping off the cheese) I sat with the gang near the turn on to the grass path to cheer for the rest of the crew & give big cheers for Roger for his 50th marathon. Victoria had created the most wonderful banner for him. However; oogle as we would the horizon for Rog he was no where to be seen. So I figured I had time to grab my camera out of the boot of the car to immortalize the occasion. As I hobbled back I could hear the shouts and cheers. Are you kidding me? Seriously? I'm missing this moment? Oh for crying outloud!!!
Sorry Rog!

It was terrific to cheer our runners through to the finish line. We had some newbies to the 50k distance, Jim, Shannon, Cindy, Tracy, Jennifer!! They all completed their first Ultra & should be proud of themselves. Our veteran Ultra runners and marathoners & half runners had a challenging run as well - the weather was unforgiving. It was the type of run where there was one cup of water for you to drink and one to pour down your head. We had 10kers out there as well who felt the effects of the weather and switched from the half to the 10k race.

As the last runners came in the Barrie Roadrunners were there to cheer them in as well. I am so priviledged to be associated with such a terrific bunch of people. We opened the place Friday at the kit pick up and we closed the place Saturday evening.

I felt it was a great event. Definitely on my list for next year. The course - bar the camber and the fact it's an open course, is scenic & well marked as to where to go - course marshalls at turnarounds to take numbers down. No one is left on the course. We are tracked down. The race kit - NO UNDUE PAPERS... the sweatshirts/hoodies are nice. A welcome change from the standard.
Now I understand they also are the directors for the Dirty Girls Race and The Chocolate Race. So perhaps when I'm all better I'll be giving those two a whirl.

So a number of us gathered at The Olde Winery for an apres race meal. For all its reputation I found it to be lacking in several things. 1) service 2) tastey eats. Like I said earlier things aren't often what they seem. My hummus & grilled veggie sandwich was dry and I believe missing hummus. Cindy had to ask 4 times, sweetly, for her beverage. Lamburgers were mixed up. Side salads showed up where they shouldn't with a " just share it with the others sir" as a response. Tsk Tsk Tsk. Then at the end of the meal - I was handed the wireless debit machine like I should know how to use it. Uhmm yeah my brain is severely disfunctional when it comes to stuff like that. With out a how to booklet - good luck. Even then... you take your machine's life into your own hands.
I think I'll start a restaurant review blog to supplement BRR blog where we can give reviews for other runners. Holy Hannah!! eep!

So all in all I was very pleased with the event, very dejected with my new injury which seesm to be extensor tendonitis. So much ice, rest and anti-inflams.
Rest.... eep!! How the heck am I going to do that? I have runs to run! However; if I want to get better there will be no more races this summer for me. *sobs*
I'm sorry readers, I may have very few postings in the next few months - other than perhaps a spectator!

Well I have a very busy fall schedule planned - Universe willing! 10/10/10 at the Steamtown Marathon. WOOT WOOT.

Again to all the BRR's - it was fantastic to see you all having such a wonderful day and doing so well. Now it may not have felt like it at the time - but some of you hit milestones yesterday that you should be very proud of. For the rest of you, you were out there running and giving it your all while 99% of the rest the world were sitting around doing nothing. Congratulations to you as well.

Til the next post... take care.
J