Well for the first time, the Bluenose Marathon weekend was in November. Due to COVID, the 2020 edition went virtual (with an attempt to move it to later in the year), then the normal May 2021 got moved again to the Fall of this year. It ultimately worked out and we got to run with very few restrictions (great work Nova Scotia).
To be honest, I don't know if I would have run this year at all if I hadn't previously won a free entry. I will admit that I am no where near 100% since the Ultra 50K I ran in mid October. Still, I wasn't injured, just worn out, and felt I could at least have a decent run.
The day before I got my outfit ready, well partially anyway. The temps were going to be low, but it was going to be sunny. I opted for a short sleeve shirt and my favorite Balega socks. But I didn't make the choice of shorts or tights until that morning. (I went with shorts)
Another thing I didn't commit to until the morning of was my shoe choice. Ultimately I opted for one of my old classic favorites, the New Balance 1400. It isn't a lot of shoe and is certainly not a super shoe. In fact it is the kind of shoe that says, you go ahead and do all the work, I'll make sure you have grip and don't get cuts.
I showed up for the race about 15 minutes before the start. The Half and Full were starting together. The atmosphere was nice and casual, which was great. I managed to stay warm in the 2C weather by wandering around and finding people to chat with. I found Luke who had run the 5K the day before.
Soon we were lined up to start. I found myself beside two lobsters, which was fun. Oh and a bunch of really fast people as well.
Soon we were off! My plan / goal was to run a sub 1:24, hanging out around the 4 min pace mark. I have certainly run faster than this, but I wanted to finish strong and enjoy the run and not push things too hard.
About 15 minutes in, I was a little faster than goal pace, but breathing wise I was feeling very comfortable. I couldn't tell what place I was in since some runners for Half and some Full. My legs were already unhappy with this plan though, so I settled in and didn't worry about people surging by me.
Soon the Full runners went a different way and the Half race settled down. I was holding my pace well, even though things were tired and sore. After the first few kilometers of the race, which are basically flat, the terrain started to get hilly. We ran up and down some mighty steep streets, the kind that change your running gait a lot.
We left the city for Point Pleasant Park and I stay within striking distance of the runner ahead of me, but opted to hold my ground and keep this comfortable pace going. Through the park we ran, avoiding a few random people and dogs. I started to gain on the the guy in front of me. Then as we left the park and started back on the hilly streets, I ended up catching him and over taking him. It was at this point I had to decide to put in a little surge to protect my spot, or let him draft me. Ultimately the racer in me put in that little push and a gap formed.
Now we just had 5K to go. It was on a slight incline for 4.7km then a sharp decline to the finish. This section of the Bluenose half is all about mental endurance. Just hold that pace because soon the race will be over.
Now we just had 5K to go. It was on a slight incline for 4.7km then a sharp decline to the finish. This section of the Bluenose half is all about mental endurance. Just hold that pace because soon the race will be over.
The finish was new this year, due to construction. The normal big downhill is followed by a slight uphill before the line. Now that sharp downhill ends just a few meters before the finish line, so you carry that speed well.
I saw the finish line clock and was very happy to see the numbers 1:21:xx. I pushed far harder than I wanted to and managed a finish under 1:22 with 1:21:52. It was tight, but well below my prerace goal. I was happy the old body still had some pep in it.
I saw the finish line clock and was very happy to see the numbers 1:21:xx. I pushed far harder than I wanted to and managed a finish under 1:22 with 1:21:52. It was tight, but well below my prerace goal. I was happy the old body still had some pep in it.
It was also great after the race finding a few familiar faces to chat with. Everyone was happy to get out and have a race on such a nice Fall day. I did end up finishing second in my age group as well.
Now do I get a rest? Well, I do have a virtual half marathon coming up, but it will be a fun run for me.
