Good Friday Run

April 10 2009

Good Friday Run April 10 2009
by Terry Clarke

A few months back, I was trying to figure out which races I was going to run to prepare me for the triathlon and running events for this upcoming summer. I said to myself “since I’m off on Good Friday, why not do the Good Friday 10 mile race in Burlington.” The Burlington runners are a very organized group who has 4 races per year including this one. This was the 36th running of the Good Friday race. This was my second year participating in this event.

It was about a 45 min drive to Burlington from Brampton. After getting to Burlington and parking the car, I had to walk about for 5 minutes to get to Aldershot High School. As I was entering the school I met FMCT club member Dianne Morrison, we had a little chat, wished her luck on her race, then I was on my way into the gymnasium to get my bib and timing chip.

I attached the chip right away so I wouldn’t forget it(I’m not saying that it happen before….. that another story).It was a bit nippy and I wasn’t sure what to wear, so I decided to wear my running pants, falcons cap and bike jersey to show the colors of club. It was about 20 minutes to the 9:40 am start of the 10 mile race; I went for an easy 10 minute warm-up. It was now only a few minutes to the start so I popped a Double latte power gel and wash it down with water, perhaps a Rum & Coke would of been better, but it was too early in the morning for that(just kidding.) One minute to go, so I checked my running shoes and timing chip, all good to go. The horn went off and about 335 people headed forward.

The Start line was on a bit of a downgrade and then a slight uphill and it seem like it was a fast start as I passed 8-10 people before the first turn. I felt good and I spotted the 1km marker and as I approached it and check my watch it was 3:29 km/pace. It was a bit fast, then we started to climb more of a hill and I slowed a bit thinking I won’t be able to hold that pace for the entire race... Near that time I noticed a slender lady on her mountain bike shouting out and cheering everyone on as I looked again it was Lisa Bentley (10 time Ironman female champion).Great to see her out for encouragement. On part of the course, I pass Dianne coming in the opposite direction so I cheered her on and while giving her the BIG Thumbs up. Good work Dianne.

After the 2km marker I started to settle into a comfortable pace and just motored on step by step. After whining thru the back streets of the race route, we got on the main stretch heading back to do our second loop of the race. There was a bit of a headwind so I felt myself slowing down a bit. I noticed a guy behind me, so I eased up a bit to let him pass me. He was a lot taller then I so he blocked a lot of the wind, enabling me to draft to save my energy until we turn to go back pass the school to start on our second lap of the race. I only drafted for about 45 seconds, until I got my second wind and then passed him and sprinted to catch the guy in front of him.

All thru the race I felt in control. My reason for feeling in control was the FMCT 100 day run challenge that helped me again this year with my increased fitness. Thanks to Rick and Bill for setting-up this motivating tool.

As I approached the 9 mile marker, I had 59:29 on my watch so I figured out; I was running around a 6:30 mile/ pace, I then I pick up the pace and increase my stride because my goal for this race was to run 65 min for 10 miles. I felt good so I pushed hard to the finish line clocking 1:05:55. It was over a minute faster than last year. I was happy with my result. I finished the race and quickly went into the school to get changed into some warm clothes because it was cold after I stopped running.

I noticed massage tables, so I got a massage which helped a bit with the soreness. I then checked the results and it showed I placed 4th in the 40-49 age group. It seems strange because I just turn 40 in February. I went for a hot shower, changed and then when to get some post race snack food. They announced that the 10mile awards and the prize draws were soon to begin.

I went to the auditorium figuring that I may win a bag, pair of sock, or the trip for two to Niagara Falls since there was only a small crowd in attendance there was a better chance to win. Nope no such luck, didn’t win. Maybe next time...

When the Announcer got to the male 40-49 age group, she called out the 3rd place male. It was my name; I walked to the stage with a slight bit of soreness and received my 3rd place metal which doesn’t happen very often.

Overall it was a good race. For my treat for doing the 10 mile race, it had to be something worthwhile. As I entered Brampton and since it was Good Friday, as long as I can remember I have always eaten Fish on Good Friday. So I dropped in to a local fish place and ordered a big o’l Greasy piece of fish and chips….. Yummy, not the healthiest thing to have but I don’t think that would slow me down too much. See results below. Club member James Swinnerton place 3rd in the 5km race.

Have a wonderful week.

Terry Clarke
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Burlington Runners 36th Annual Good Friday Road Races
Burlington Ontario
Friday April 10, 2009
www.chiptimeresults.com

10 Miler
19 643 Terry Clarke 1:05:55 LM40-49 4/48 16 6:36 32:43 33:12 Brampton
146 739 Dianne Morrison 1:24:49 LF40-49 27/61 53 8:29 42:53 41:57 Stevensville
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5Km
39 237 James Swinnerton 19:35 SM40-49 4/53 33 3:55 19:32 Bramption
** It shows a fourth place finish, but the overall winners was in our respected age groups, so James and I received 3rd place medal awards**