 |
| The Start of the day. We're all looking great at this point. |
As all 23 of us arrive at the gates of Chateau Montebello, we've finally made it, we're finally there. We take a moment to stop, embrace and collect ourselves together for one last time before we cross the real finish line in 800 meters. What a day, a beautiful day that encompassed a suitcase of emotions, and the epitome of strength and unity.
Checkpoints (Brief idea of how our day played out timeline wise, it was about 7:30pm I think to end the run. Approximately 13 hours! )
Checkpoint Number
|
Total Distance | Distance From Previous Checkpoint | Time To Run Checkpoint | ETA | Estimated Time of Departure | |
| Start | 0km | 0km | 0:00 | 7:00am | 7:00am | |
| Checkpoint 1 | 4.5km | 4.5km | 0:27 | 7:27am | 7:35am | |
| Checkpoint 2 | 15.7km | 11.2km | 1:08 | 8:43am | 8:51am | |
| Checkpoint 3 | 17.4km | 1.7km | 0:10 | 9:01am | 9:09am | |
| Checkpoint 4 | 29km | 11.6km | 1:10 | 10:19am | 10:27am | |
| Checkpoint 5 | 30.4km | 1.4km | 0:08 | 10:35am | 10:43am | |
| Checkpoint 6 | 40.2km | 9.8km | 0:48 | 11:31am | 11:39am | |
| Checkpoint 7 | 45km | 4.8km | 0:29 | 12:08pm | 12:16pm | |
| Checkpoint 8 | 55.2km | 10.2km | 1:00 | 1:16pm | 1:24pm | |
| Checkpoint 9 | 60.7km | 5.5km | 0:33 | 1:57pm | 2:05pm | |
| Checkpoint 10 | 66.9km | 6.2km | 0:37 | 2:42pm | 2:50pm | |
| Checkpoint 11 | 73.9km | 7km | 0:45 | 3:35pm | 3:43pm | |
| Checkpoint 12 | 81.8km | 7.9km | 0:48 | 4:31pm | 4:39pm | |
| Checkpoint 13 | 86.5km | 4.7km | 0:30 | 5:09pm | 5:17pm | |
| Checkpoint 14 | 90.8km | 4.3km | 0:25 | 5:42pm | 5:50pm | |
| Checkpoint 15 | 93.3km | 2.5km | 0:15 | 6:05pm | 6:13pm | |
| Checkpoint 16 | 95.3km | 2km | 0:15 | 6:30pm | 6:38pm | |
| Finish | 96.1km | 0.8km | 0:07 | 6:45pm |
Get Things Started in Here
My alarm stuns me awake at 4am. I go through the motions of the wake up call, and get dressed in all of my pre-prepared clothes, and eat my pre-prepard bowl of oatmeal. It's robotic at this point, and after a short 4 hours of intermittent rest, I'm satisfied that I'm good 2 go. It's time for the big show.
My ride arrives at 5am. I'm rolling with my training pal Neil Rosenthal and his parents, (Doug and Carole) who were integral in making our day happen. Along with several other volunteers. The day would never have ran as smoothly without them.(No pun intended :) We had 1 car for every 2 runners, with a total of over 30 volunteers. Drivers, gophers, sweepers, first aid & camera crew. Just amazing, and on a day like today, they were "the oil to our car."
After we arrived at the Aviation Museum, we pulled up to our convoy of volunteer vehicles. We all helped decorate the vehicles, grabbed our amazing sponsors signs and headed in to listen to the opening ceremonies. After introducing ourselves to one another, listening to the inspiring words of the race organizers, and getting the last pieces of running equipment in order, we were on our way to a very long day!
The Best is Yet To Come
A quick 4.5KM to our first checkpoint back to the Aviation Museum, we were all anxious to put some real miles behind us and get on our way to Montebello. At first everyone was jubilient and there were a lot of jokes. I got the feeling that everyone had a sense of relief to shake out the nerves and banter. The first few checkpoints for me, involved getting used to the idea of what we would need in terms of apparel and nutrition.
After 90 minutes your stomach really starts to send those hunger pains, so it's important to fuel up. I like to maintain steady fuel from here out, I find it keeps my energy fairly balanced. At 1.5-2hrs on the legs it was a nice point in the run. We were all able to get to know each other a little bit more, and those that already knew each other were able to catch up. It was a beautiful day to run such a long distance and I'm sure this only added to our great attitudes. Rain would have made this a lot tougher. Our little angels were really watching us and shining their light over us, and on my sun burnt freshly shaven head.
Goals from the start to finish: (My inspiration to keep me going kept changing the more fatigue weighed on me)
1) Watch the Leafs vs. Sens Game tonight
2) Sleep in my bed tonight
3) Eat a whopper
4) Drink a beer
5) Run the next 10KM
6) Run the next 4KM leg
7) Stop thinking, just fall
8) Just Finish
Everybody Hurts
It was inevitable walking into a 100K run that once the running began, pain would eventually follow at some point; especially on a road run. How does that saying go? "If you're running an ultra and you feel good, wait a while, it'll pass." Our GoodGuys Tri Team had the motto of "one team": volunteers, runners, everyone involved. What a beautiful thing this was. I can remember the time(s) where every one of my teammates was in a down moment. Everyone had their own way of dealing with it, but it was great to have support through those moments. There were stomach issues, nausea issues, fatigue issues, muscle tightness/ceasing/pain, among other things. For any muscle issues we were fortunate to have two awesome lads from Holistic Clinic loosening up any tight or restricted muscles (Troy, Isaac). I was there when they actually busted their massage table out on the side of the highway for one of us with ceasing muscles. Incredible. There was also a volunteer who's a friend to many of the team. In addition, he's an experienced ultra runner (Mike Stashin) and was able to give advice on footwear, blisters, nutrition, and provide good music and treats while driving by us on the course.
You were never alone in your struggles and I think that was essential to many of us battling through the rough times. As soon as you're mentally deteriorated and something physically goes wrong, it's just an extra irritation. That's when your day spirals. To have people who can help revive you, is why we all crossed that finish line.
Stop This Train
We had about 8 minutes reserved for each checkpoint. Though when fatigue struck, that 8 minutes seemed more like 3 minutes. There just wasn't enough time to get everything ready. Perhaps it was that there was so much more to do in the latter stages of the run. These are points in a run that aside from checkpoint errands, you've got to remind yourself of other things too... "How's my salt content?" "Am I eating enough?" "When did I pee last?" "How's my fluid consumption, etc" The checkpoints are good for things like that snack you were craving, the iPod you need to lift your spirits, soft drinks, clothing changes, fresh Gatorade, etc. This was something that I hadn't experienced much, but in the end I made it work, and carried a lot of my nutrition.
Hurts So Good
My wife, mother-in-law and son were waiting for me at the 30KM checkpoint. I can't describe with words just how good it was to see them, it was amazing and revitalizing. My 3 month old son looked in my eyes and I felt so special, I felt how much he meant to me, and how much I would do for him, and then....just how important it was to finish. They gave me strength. I maintained that strength until about 60KM when I hit my recession. I was coming up to the check point and starting to get tired when I was signaled to the side of the road by my family again. I thought they were gone home 30KM ago, and I didn't think I'd see them again, so when they were there it hit me hard. It was such a good feeling to see them there, I started tearing up. By this point, I was tired enough that it was tough to leave them, tough to be without them for the next 40KM ahead, just choked. The following 2.5 hours would be what I describe as my dark place. My stomach became weak, eating anything was a struggle, my muscles were exhausted, I was so drained. 4KM checkpoints began to feel like 10KM, it seemed endless.
I started to notice our team's first signs of fatigue/slumps at around 45KM. I encouraged and hungout with those at the tail end for a bit. This was great and it came to pay me back throughout my struggles later on. I can't count the number of teammates and volunteers who came to check on me, first class people. When your trying to help someone who's going through this much discomfort, you can feel helpless. Sometimes just being there beside them is best. It's tough to explain such struggles, it's as if your body says "Ok, I'm done" from there you have to maintain that mental fight until it resides. I managed to comeback to life around 74KM, it was a joke that set me back on track...so funny! I'm grateful to finally understand this battle that I had heard about so many times before. I'm glad I stuck it out. When I came back online, I was strong again, and a brand new man. What a relief!
Eye of the Tiger
I felt as if around 80KM we all started to hit some kind of reprieve. Not everyone was smiling, but many of us started to get over "the hill". It would seem that we were all at the point of knowing we were going to handle it, and we were going to finish it. Exhausted or not we were going to finish it. As we all headed into the last stretch, it was an incredible relief. Spirits were lifted, life was grande. Mike Stashin's music helped, and yes, he played Eye of the Tiger..or maybe it was Steve Thomas wearing no shirt and crazy green lights with a wig?
All These Things That I've Done
I'm reminiscent of the day, it was such a blend of emotions. Between green jumpsuits, singing, making jokes, staying organized, and pushing each other past our limits, while fighting through our own personal battles. We left it there on the pavement, in our blood, sweat and tears. We were organized by two of the best guys I know in Mike Herzog and Steve Thomas of Good Guys Tri. They led our team like true leaders. I wish more of the world could emulate these lads. We really were "One Team"
The Best is Yet To Come
A quick 4.5KM to our first checkpoint back to the Aviation Museum, we were all anxious to put some real miles behind us and get on our way to Montebello. At first everyone was jubilient and there were a lot of jokes. I got the feeling that everyone had a sense of relief to shake out the nerves and banter. The first few checkpoints for me, involved getting used to the idea of what we would need in terms of apparel and nutrition.
After 90 minutes your stomach really starts to send those hunger pains, so it's important to fuel up. I like to maintain steady fuel from here out, I find it keeps my energy fairly balanced. At 1.5-2hrs on the legs it was a nice point in the run. We were all able to get to know each other a little bit more, and those that already knew each other were able to catch up. It was a beautiful day to run such a long distance and I'm sure this only added to our great attitudes. Rain would have made this a lot tougher. Our little angels were really watching us and shining their light over us, and on my sun burnt freshly shaven head.
Goals from the start to finish: (My inspiration to keep me going kept changing the more fatigue weighed on me)
8) Just Finish
Everybody Hurts
It was inevitable walking into a 100K run that once the running began, pain would eventually follow at some point; especially on a road run. How does that saying go? "If you're running an ultra and you feel good, wait a while, it'll pass." Our GoodGuys Tri Team had the motto of "one team": volunteers, runners, everyone involved. What a beautiful thing this was. I can remember the time(s) where every one of my teammates was in a down moment. Everyone had their own way of dealing with it, but it was great to have support through those moments. There were stomach issues, nausea issues, fatigue issues, muscle tightness/ceasing/pain, among other things. For any muscle issues we were fortunate to have two awesome lads from Holistic Clinic loosening up any tight or restricted muscles (Troy, Isaac). I was there when they actually busted their massage table out on the side of the highway for one of us with ceasing muscles. Incredible. There was also a volunteer who's a friend to many of the team. In addition, he's an experienced ultra runner (Mike Stashin) and was able to give advice on footwear, blisters, nutrition, and provide good music and treats while driving by us on the course.
You were never alone in your struggles and I think that was essential to many of us battling through the rough times. As soon as you're mentally deteriorated and something physically goes wrong, it's just an extra irritation. That's when your day spirals. To have people who can help revive you, is why we all crossed that finish line.
Stop This Train
Hurts So Good
My wife, mother-in-law and son were waiting for me at the 30KM checkpoint. I can't describe with words just how good it was to see them, it was amazing and revitalizing. My 3 month old son looked in my eyes and I felt so special, I felt how much he meant to me, and how much I would do for him, and then....just how important it was to finish. They gave me strength. I maintained that strength until about 60KM when I hit my recession. I was coming up to the check point and starting to get tired when I was signaled to the side of the road by my family again. I thought they were gone home 30KM ago, and I didn't think I'd see them again, so when they were there it hit me hard. It was such a good feeling to see them there, I started tearing up. By this point, I was tired enough that it was tough to leave them, tough to be without them for the next 40KM ahead, just choked. The following 2.5 hours would be what I describe as my dark place. My stomach became weak, eating anything was a struggle, my muscles were exhausted, I was so drained. 4KM checkpoints began to feel like 10KM, it seemed endless.I started to notice our team's first signs of fatigue/slumps at around 45KM. I encouraged and hungout with those at the tail end for a bit. This was great and it came to pay me back throughout my struggles later on. I can't count the number of teammates and volunteers who came to check on me, first class people. When your trying to help someone who's going through this much discomfort, you can feel helpless. Sometimes just being there beside them is best. It's tough to explain such struggles, it's as if your body says "Ok, I'm done" from there you have to maintain that mental fight until it resides. I managed to comeback to life around 74KM, it was a joke that set me back on track...so funny! I'm grateful to finally understand this battle that I had heard about so many times before. I'm glad I stuck it out. When I came back online, I was strong again, and a brand new man. What a relief!
Eye of the Tiger
I felt as if around 80KM we all started to hit some kind of reprieve. Not everyone was smiling, but many of us started to get over "the hill". It would seem that we were all at the point of knowing we were going to handle it, and we were going to finish it. Exhausted or not we were going to finish it. As we all headed into the last stretch, it was an incredible relief. Spirits were lifted, life was grande. Mike Stashin's music helped, and yes, he played Eye of the Tiger..or maybe it was Steve Thomas wearing no shirt and crazy green lights with a wig?
I'm reminiscent of the day, it was such a blend of emotions. Between green jumpsuits, singing, making jokes, staying organized, and pushing each other past our limits, while fighting through our own personal battles. We left it there on the pavement, in our blood, sweat and tears. We were organized by two of the best guys I know in Mike Herzog and Steve Thomas of Good Guys Tri. They led our team like true leaders. I wish more of the world could emulate these lads. We really were "One Team"
 |
| The Emotional Finish |
As we enter through the gates towards the Chateau Montebello, it's so surreal. One of our teammates starts the GGT Chant.. "People ask who we are!"...."We are GGT" as the rest of us follow along, the sound of our 23 person group is powerful. Within the same breath of our final chant, it's as if our voices are being echoed by the cheers of the crowd up ahead. Shivers rush up my spine, it's so loud, I'm filled with energy. The team in unison pushes Mike and Steve to the front of our group. "let's run it in!" As we make our way through the finish line, it seems there's about 100 metres of crowd. There are people crying, and cheering and I'm overwhelmed with emotion, just completely elated. As I look around, it appears that all of my teammates are as well. We all hug each other, and congratulate one another. We're receiving hugs from crowd members. I feel so small in this big picture, but significant at the same time. What we did on October 5th and the months before was amazing, and it's things like this that push change. We raised over $100,000 for Kid's Cancer research!
I'm so proud to be a part of this group of runners, SGCR, GGT, and any change that may happen based on our efforts. Whether it's new goggles for the MRI machines in the hospital, renovations to make CHEO look more homely for their young patients, or funding for a new experimental treatment that may save a child. This all attributes to the end goal of beating cancer, saving children, and promoting positive change. Being a part of those waves is an honor.
"Leverage Your Passion for Good" -GoodGuys Tri
D
▼Shameless sponsor mentions below!!! ▼
Thank you so much guys. Big hearts, and believing. Just awesome.
Wow Dust... It just sounds so crazy to me to run a 100k!!! You are amazing and so inspiring. Good job brother! Very proud of you!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynn! Amazing day!
Delete