Disclaimer: this race was generously sponsored by Burnbrae Farms
The Training
It wasn’t easy getting to this day. STWM was my original goal race of 2016 – I had been looking forward to it since last year when I PR-ed 2:00:58, missing my goal by 59 seconds. I had spent all winter base building for this and it was extremely heartbreaking when I had to pull back and not race it.
I had started the season with shin splints and ITB issues. Powering through that, I ended up getting an infection which took me out 3 weeks due to the antibiotics. Then I found out I had a broken butt (my glutes were not pulling their weight and I had to go to physical therapy to try to activate it).
At this point, most of my base building was gone, I had zero double digit runs from June to the weeks leading up to STWM. If you’ve been following me on my Monday on the Run, you would know that my Sunday long runs leading up to STWM were my first double digit runs at 10K, 15K, 20K, and then 11k. Can you believe that? Because I couldn’t! I was sitting at home a month out going “how am I going to run 21.1K when I barely run over 9K per run?!” Needless to say, I was nervous going in. Luckily, my goal was only to finish – nothing big, fancy, or difficult.
Race Day: Morning
“It was going to be a cold one” – was what everyone was yelling about and what the weather app kept telling us but being young and stupid, I went with my singlet, arm warmers, shorts, calf sleeves, and then (not pictured) a t-shirt because my singlet is actually super thin. People were showing up in their winter gear and I was literally standing around like “I’m not crazy, I swear!”
Morning of the race, I slept maybe 4 hours and was just ready to go get it done! I met up with Morgan (Wildly Fit), Janice (Fitness Cheerleader), and Phaedra (Blisters and Black Toenails), my co-Burnbrae Farms Ambassadors and got a little photo op in!
I also got to meet up with Rebecca again along with some other friends!
Race Day: The Race
1k-5K: 5:53, 6:11 (shoelace), 5:42, 5:52, 5:53
I was doing pretty well – I started off very even and was following the plan of staying at 5:50 for the first 15K. I didn’t want to die, I felt strong, and I was happily coasting along. I wasn’t too worried as I knew my friend and teammate Robert would be waiting for me around the 3k mark to pace me through the race.
Photo by John MacMillan
6k-10K: 5:47, 5:44, 5:42, 5:44,5:53
It wasn’t bad, there were some slight inclines here that I was not too happy about but I pushed through. I followed Robert as he chit chat at me while I tried my best not to cry because I really hated the inclines.
11K-15K: 5:47, 5:56, 5:59, 5:56, 5:58
What goes up has to come down right? Well the downs really was not enough, in my opinion, to compensate for the up because here’s where it got ugly. Down right ugly. Around 14K, I started to crack. I was literally yelling about how much I hated it and how I never want to run again (HA! Yeah right, I’m already planning my next race), and was on the brink of tears. I had to tell myself to get my act together because gasping for air while crying is just going to make me cramp up and I had less than half of the race left and I needed to finish it. The incline at the 14K was just so unbearable that I really wanted to just give up and walk because it’s not a goal race – I just needed to finish. But Robert was there and Robert was pacing and Robert was not going to let me stop (major thanks for that). There was no way I was going to make Robert walk beside me while I cried so I sucked it up and kept moving.
Photo by John MacMillan
16K – 21.1K: 6:02. 6:18, 5:58, 5:54, 3:58, ???
I was angry – angry that once again, that incline had bested me. The same incline last year that slowed me down and caused me to miss my sub 2 goal. I was just so tired at this point that when I saw the final incline that led to the underpass where the full and half marathons split up, I was ready to stop. My feet were hurting, my back was tired, and I felt awful. (Actually, my feet were hurting quite a bit because my previous pair of shoes had to be retired earlier than planned so the shoes I wore for my race, I had purchased the week before and only had 3 short runs to break them in. Lesson of the year: Have backup shoes ready to go!)
I really did want to give up but runners passing by could hear Robert encouraging me not to stop and struck up a conversation with us (mainly him, I was too busy trying not to die). It actually helped to be behind them listening to friendly chit chat and it helped me focus less on the pain and more on putting on foot in front of the other. Luckily there were some kids along the race too, waiting for high fives. I can never say no to kids waiting for high fives, so I tried my best to keep going (and high fiving them along the way).
By the last 1K, I was almost out of gas but I wanted to finish strong. I had picked up the pace and according to my friend who saw me near the finish, looked VERY miserable (I totally was). Running through the chute was honestly the best feeling ever as the last 500m, I was starting to fight a bad calf cramp. I was finally able to stop and was pretty much carried to the medic tent because my calf just wouldn’t let up after that final sprint.
Overall:
unofficially, my watch said 21.98K @ 2:07:19
officially, 21.1K @ 2:07
Post-race
I was miserable. I spent 2 hours in the medic tent and by the time I had stopped crying and my calf finally let up so I could walk again…. the half marathon baggage check was no where to be found! I walked towards what I thought was baggage check but turns out it was just for the marathoners. I was told it was on the other side of the plaza so I sadly limped over. When I got to the other side, volunteers told me it was actually behind a building so off I went limping – cold, angry, and really hating that my first experience with baggage check for STWM was a freaking pain in the butt. By the time I got to the back of the building, another volunteer had to point me ACROSS THE STREET for baggage check.
By this time, I was on the verge of tears – I was cold, hungry, and in pain. I was actually crying when I asked a group of men by a truck if they were baggage check. I just wanted to go home and when I FINALLY found baggage check, I was just so happy I had my clothes, I didn’t bother making the long trip back to the plaza for a freaking bagel. I understand that I was one of the last to get my baggage but taking down the signs made it extremely difficult for me to get to my stuff (and just made me angry).
Post-race thoughts
For 3 years, my fall race was STWM and next year, I don’t think I’ll be returning. I absolutely hated the incline. “Flat. Fast. Festive.” is their tag line and I always fall for it thinking that the incline really isn’t that bad but every year, I suffered on it. I just think that STWM and I are due for a break and maybe one day, I’ll come back and crush the inclines. However, after my experience this year, I really don’t want to risk having to relive it. I know a lot of my friends had an absolute blast running it so don’t let my recap deter you from giving it a try! I mean, I did run the course 3 times.
The course wasn’t exactly scenic for anyone looking for a beautiful race course. It’s in the city, on highways, and pretty plain. The full marathon might be different but the half is pretty simple.
Also, the swag bag included: Neutrogena Healthy Skin CC Cream in shade fair to light (did everyone get a same shade? I’m not exactly fair to light…), a single serving of Love Grown Foods’ Hot Oats, iRun Magazine, Get Outside Magazine, and a single packet of Deep Relief cream. There was a virtual goodie bag too but nothing really “wow-ed” me.
[Tweet “October 2015 @runcrs #STWM recap via @runcarmyrun #runTO #runchat “]
Were you there? How’d it go? Do you like racing half marathons? Ever spend some time in the medic tent?
PS: meet my coach Michelle (middle)
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Vlogs/Recipe Videos: Youtube
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home
Sometimes finishing is winning, right? I ran a hilly half earlier this fall and hated it. The course description was “rolling hills”. For this flatlander, those hills were more than rolling! Congrats on finishing…maybe the post-race amnesia will set in and you’ll do it again…
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
I’m so sorry to hear that you had such a bad experience and that you were so upset. Sounds like you need a mental break from this race. You will come back strong and maybe need a different course. Remember why you run hugs xxx
Krysten
It sounds like it was a tough day out there but you did awesome!! Way to dig deep and finish! I recommend the Hamilton half of you are looking for ale thing different next year – it’s a smaller event, not as much crowd support, but it’s a fast course with a lot of Down hill
Carmy
You had me at downhill! Haha. Hamilton is Nov right? I’m just worried about weather. It’s so unpredictable in fall :(
I totally thought of our conversation when I was running the incline. How you were probably relaxing with breakfast and I was totally jealous over the choices I had made to run a race instead ?
Paul Radcliffe
Oh, it hurts to read this :(
Sorry to hear that your race didn’t go so well, Carmyy.
I suppose look for the silver lining and try to learn from it?
Carmy
I learned how to hold on and finish haha. It was rough! Did you run it this year? How’d it go?
Paul Radcliffe
I ran the Scotia half as a “training run” :p
I think my race report is linked below.
Carmy
ah! I don’t see commentluv through my dashboard’s comment box notification! Will read it on my next study break ;)
Cassi
We all need Roberts along the way to keep us going. Glad he was there for you!
Christina @ the athletarian
Aw man. I’m so sorry you had a bad experience!! I did the half last year and I actually LOVED it! I didn’t find it hilly at all and set a major PB. I did the full this year and I’ll probably drop back down to the half next year. The weather is just way too unpredictable and it definitely affected my performance on Sunday. Being outside for a full marathon was too long for me!
Sorry about baggage check too. That blows. I ended up getting there too late so I missed baggage check altogether but maybe that was a good thing?? I just had to run to my car to change!
When’s your next race??
Carmy
I felt SO bad for everyone who dressed for the predicted weather – I started heating up in my singlet around the 5k mark. The weather definitely threw everyone in for a doozy!
I had just read your recap and I’m so bummed for you too (but the picture where your friend was running with you while holding her sign was heart warming). You’re going to BQ – I know it – you nailed all your training runs. Sunday was just a fluke ?.
I might just stick to warmer races so I can skip baggage check all together. My lulus fit my visa/metropass/key.
It was definitely a rough day for some of us! ? I’m thinking of doing a fun run next, the santa run maybe? It’s in November and seems very low pressure. What about you?
Nicole @ Fitful Focus
I’m sorry to hear the race wasn’t very much fun for you this year, but kudos to you for getting to the starting line and crossing the finish line after such a tough training. You still did it (not everyone can say that!) and you didn’t let it get you down on running in the future.
Debbie
I like what Wendy said, post-race amnesia. If I were you I wouldn’t make decisions when I was still frustrated and a little angry. And if you do decide to do it again, train for those hills and kill it!
Lex @ Flecksoflex
Sorry you had such a rough experience, but proud of you for finishing! Hills are my nemesis, so I get it, girl!
Marcia
Ugh this sounds tough. I feel your pain, my marathon a few weeks ago was way hillier than anything I’d trained for. This flatlander loathes hills. Way to push through and finish that sucker!
Amber
Ugh geez, I totally hear you on that bag check fiasco – that’s terrible! What a miserable way to go home from a bummer race.
At least you had someone there to keep you going though. When I feel like crap in a race, I like tucking in behind people and just listening to them. Definitely distracts you from the pain.
Also, that first picture of you in your shorts when everyone else is bundled up!?! Good thing you didn’t get sick! There’s always something to be thankful for, right? :)
Carmy
ha! yes! I didn’t have time to find throwaway pants so I stuck it through. But I had a heatpack in my hand that I’d rub on my legs whenever they got too cold.
Coasting behind people is definitely the way to go! It kept me going many times.
(Oh, and did I mention I totally forgot my metropass and had to call – while crying because I was SO done with everything – my roommate begging for a ride. With the traffic, a taxi would have been a fortune!)
Amber
OH MY GOSH! Thank goodness your roommate was there!
Carmy
I bet I was quite the sight. I got in the car and was CRYING. “I DON’T EVER WANT TO RACE AGAIN.” hahahahahaha It’s hilarious looking back at it but damn I was a hot mess!
Cathy V
Awww :( Maybe you can try turning this around and seeing some of the good things… You managed to get back to training after an injury plagued season, you managed to hold out and keep a good average pace for the race despite the inclines, and you finished a race you weren’t even sure you’d be able to do earlier in the season! I get it though. Sometimes your mind just puts you in the wrong place and it taints the whole day. Hope the next race can be better!
Carmy
For sure! My goal going in was that I was going to finish it and I did! It was just quite painful haha!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes
OMG, I would have totally lost my mind feeling like that after the race and having to track down my stuff!! So sorry you had to deal with that. So sorry that it wasn’t the race you were hoping for, I think we have all been there at one point or another. Congrats on finishing!!
Rebecca
Try not to beat yourself up about this. We both had very similar training cycles due to our injuries and if I didn’t have to stop – we would have been very similar in times. Remember when you could barely finish a run?
Ok so STWM is really, really flat and fast – except for those stupid little hills. I got up them but they felt like mountains. Ottawa isn’t too bad but has a bridge at 17K which is difficult. I did not like the after-race area at all at STWM. I couldn’t find food, everyone was every where and it was cold. I don’t like how they have everything out with the public. It was too crowded for me.
Carmy
We did it Rebecca! How bad is the bridge in Ottawa – I’m thinking 2017.
oh man, last year, I was so done and they tired to get me to line up for a bagel I was like I DON’T WANT A FREAKING BAGEL!!!!! IMO they need to start factoring in weather, it was cold last year too and it’s only going to get colder! Maybe one of those buildings could be used!
Rebecca
They were trying to separate everyone into two groups and make us go right or left – the left had all the bags/food and the right went to no where. I really had to look for the food.
Either indoors or have tents with heaters – and keep the public/families out of the recovery area. That is what Ottawa does – sometimes they shut the park right down and let no one in without a bib
Carmy
Why would they try to steer you away?! That’s just BS. I hope you got your bagel eventually. I would be SO mad if I went left.
Carmy
I really wish Toronto race culture was like Ottawa. Ottawa Race Weekend always seem like such a blast and the locals seem to enjoy it
Ariana
Sorry you had such a tough race – but PROPS to you for pushing through and finishing it! Especially when we’re coming off a season with injuries and not as much training as we’d like, running is such a mental sport. This is totally a testament to your mental strength, so good on ya! Now take a well-deserved break :)
Carmy
I get a whole week off! But I’m slowly going stir crazy though haha!
Sandra Laflamme
So very sorry to hear about the terrible muscle cramping that you endured. Definitely not a fun way to finish a race being in the medical tent. Hugs!
jill conyers
Meeting up with other bloggers makes a race even better!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running
Sorry to hear that you didn’t have a great race experience this year. Not every race is for everybody, and maybe there’s an even better October half marathon for you out there.
Lisa @ Lisa the Vegetarian
Sorry to hear that you had a bad experience, but I still think it’s amazing that you finished the race, especially when you were having so many challenges along the way. It’s inspiring!
Carmy
Thanks Lisa!