Running to the finish line: Da race...

I boarded the train to Montreal full of anticipation. The 2 weeks leading to the trip were an excruciating mix of highs and lows, anxiety followed by a level of calm that left me wondering if I really had what it takes to be a marathoner. I was reassured by everyone that my feelings were perfectly normal and that come race day, I would be fine.

I stayed at a friend’s place in Longueuil. It was so nice of her to host me like this and I was so appreciative that I didn’t have to do much. I didn’t sleep as well as I hoped but then it’s usually like that for me when I’m in a strange place. Ambient noises, different routines, etc... all made that I didn’t sleep well. I took it in stride.

We went to the Expo to pick up my race kit on Friday. My bib number was 65 so I was in the first box, with the elites? LOL all I know is that the earlier in the year you registered, the lower your number was. Toured the very small expo, got a few samples but really after having been to a few large expos, the one in Montreal is a bit of a let down...

That evening was quiet, with a few friends dropping by to have dinner and/or just a glass of wine. I got to meet a few people and that was nice.

Saturday was a critical day. Marie-Eve and I went for a short run that morning, just to loosen up the legs and prepare them for the next day. Pace was good, we didn’t push. Afternoon was quiet, I made the pasta for dinner, then we watched a few movies. One that I always watch before every race is Spirit of the Marathon. I find it inspiring but what it does to me is that it puts me in the mood to run. Cause, you see, I’m not always “in the mood”. Early night, again, I’m not sleeping well. 5:30 came in awfully fast...

Morning of race, I’m full of doubts. Woke up thinking all was a mistake, what the hell was I doing there? What the hell was I thinking of doing this? Not thinking that I would do badly (this never really entered my mind) but why? Why do this? I finally get dressed, have my breakfast, do my obligatory 5 pitstops before heading outside. As soon as I step outside, I think “oh this is warm...” knowing full well it would get warmer as the day would progress... we make it to the bridge and we have to climb all these stairs to make it to the top. What I say??? Stairs???

We make our way to the baggage check (which as it turned out, we didn’t need) to drop the bag and meet another runner from Toronto who decided to do the marathon last minute. Another friend was doing the half so she started 2 hours after us. Introductions are made then we make it to the start line and do the last pit stop. Soon enough it was time to go.

Coming up the chute

My plan was simple. Run and see how it goes. I had a pace band but I left it in my bag. I always do that... The 4:30 pace bunny was running continuously until the 13k mark then he’d start to take breaks as needed. There was no way I wanted to do that so I was running on my own. First half went well, I was on pace to do my 4:30 race. I started to get tired at the 29k mark so slowed down. I met my friend at the 30k mark, did ok for a few kilometres then started to take more breaks. I kept questioning my training, thinking that I should have done more race pace running. I wanted that immediate boost of caffeine and not from a gel. I was sick of gels (note to self, review the nutrition during LSD runs) so I finally asked Marie-Eve to get me a coke. Eventually the blissful caffeine started to get through my system and my energy peaked up a bit, enough to make me start on my intervals again and up the tempo. I finally make it to the last ½ kilometre and my pacer said, “ok, go, you’re on your own” so I took off, started to increase speed. I quickly glance at my Garmin, realize it has died at one point. Merde....Then I hear my name and once more with the announcer saying “Sylvie Desroches de TORONTO!!” and I smiled... and crossed the line. 4:51:49.

Even though I didn't reach my first 2 goals (A - 4:30; B - 4:45, and C - 5:00) I was so happy to have finished under 5 hours. And I know that if I hadn't gone to the bathroom I could have achieved the 4:45. In any case, it's my PB for now and something I am totally proud of.