My First Marathon - by Laura Haapamaki-Anderson

I decided to write my race report the day after my first marathon while the pain in my legs/back/lungs is still abundant and the experiences of yesterday are still fresh in my mind.
I started out a great race on a set pace by Vince. Michelle and I hit the pavement with our feet running, our hearts pounding and our faces smiling. We conversed and laughed about how easy and simple our starting pace was. By around 8km, my pacer, Steve, caught up to us (oops, a little early Steve!!), and now I knew the race was on. Steve commented that we were going a little slow and that there wasn’t a margin for error if we run out of juice towards the end. We picked up the pace by mere seconds, but by 20km, I had an inkling that I wouldn’t be able to keep this up for another 22km. By the 23km marker I decided that my goals of qualifying needed to be readjusted. Now it was just about finishing. Michelle was feeling good, so Steve told her to keep going, and he stayed back with me to get me to the finish line. Shortly after I started to feel a pain in the back of my knee and it radiated up my leg. I knew instantly that a previous hamstring injury was coming back. It didn’t take long until I was forced to limp along. 5km later, I finally had the mental drive to just dig deep and run through it. Not sure now if that was a good idea, as the back of my knee is swollen to the size of a small grapefruit. After that, we took it by every two kilometres, walking through the water stations trying to prevent me from getting further dehydrated. We kept the pace strong between stations and maybe picked up a bit of lost time. With only two kilometres to go, I noticed that we could possibly make it under the 3:50 mark, so I dug as deep as I could, and sprinted…well maybe not sprinted, but that’s how it felt…all the way to the finish line. I was sure that we crossed at 3:49, but looking at my time last night, I noticed it was 3:50. A little disappointed, but even more reason to go redeem myself at the next marathon. All in all it was a fantastic experience. I had two great running partners and definitely wouldn’t have done as well without them. I now look forward to Massey, as my goal will be, and will not change, to get my qualifying time for Boston. As I tie up my running shoes and head out the door, I will see you on the roads…

Laura Haapamaki-Anderson

The Beginning - by Michelle Belanger

Sometime between post-race Accelerade popsicles and soaking my feet in Epson Salt, I happily thought about training and wanted to THANK YOU SO MUCH for all your advice and support as I built toward my first marathon. Words from you and the Rocks (especially Diane) echoed in my ears through the race. My mind stayed positive; my legs (mostly...) felt strong.

I learned a lot at 35 and 38km; and a lot more at 42km... I know I have lots left in me, so I guess this means that the countdown is on for the next one...

This is just the beginning.

Happy trails,
Michelle

P.S. You might need to bring earplugs next time we meet since you might not be spared the play by play. See you this week...


AND THANK YOU TO ALL THE ROCKS VOLUNTEERS AND OTHER RUNNERS! IT WAS SUCH A GREAT RACE AND POSITIVE DAY!

Marathon a Hit - by Ken Stubbings

The Sudbury Rocks Marathon was a hit again this year. The organizers hard work was visible. Thanks to all. I heard many good comments from other runners. I keep mentioning this event to other southern Ontario runners. I see I need to push them a little more to make the trip to the north. Please do not get too discouraged on the low numbers for the marathon. It will come with time.

The course was well laid out; no mistaking where to go. The volunteers were excellent. The pasta supper and guest speaker were good. I like the fenced area at the finish. It makes the event more professional. The massage area was well used. The only negative feedback was the sport drink tasted a little off. Oh ya, and you Sudburians need to learn what flat is. Flat is like the Lakeshore Blvd. in Toronto. The Rocks Marathon is NOT flat. It is, well, rolling to put it nicely.

My personal run went very well. I like the "chase" portion of the event. It does however make a lonely start and run for some people. I finally caught the leader in my age group between 40 and 41 km. I felt comfortably exhausted at the end and nicely stiff today.

A special thanks to Lise and Vince for putting Lynn and I up for the weekend. It was good to see you fellow Rocks again.

Ken Stubbings

From Running Mania.com

Author: kaybee
Date: 2007-05-07

Did the Sudbury Rocks full marathon yesterday. This was it's second year and it is still a relatively small event. At times it felt a bit lonely out there but I could always see someone ahead or behind.

I have to say, though, that it was a great experience. It was very well organized. Four of us went up from Ottawa to do the marathon and we were all very impressed - from the race expo/kit pick up to the pasta dinner to the race itself. The roads were a bit rough in places and you had to watch your footing but it was extremely well-marked (I have never seen so many pylons!), well-marshalled/policed and well-manned from the water station point of view. Lots of porta-potties (although I didn't need to use one).

Many many thanks to the organizers and numerous volunteers. Everyone was so friendly. There weren't many spectators except at the half way/finish line (double loop) and the volunteers never failed to cheer you on as you went by. I would definitely do this or one of the other races at this event again!

10th Marathon at the Rocks!!! - by Suzanne Dionne

This was my 10th marathon in less than 10yrs and my second one in Sudbury. Only because Vince always said I could run a marathon (no problem!!!).

Again the Sudbury Marathon is the best organized I've ever seen and the best volunteers so thanks to all of you for being there for all the runners.

I had the unfortunate timing of someone who could not outrun the train on the second loop. That is not anyone's fault but it was at least a five minute stretch for me and was it very difficult to refocus. Also the police were not stopping the traffic at the lights unless you requested it on the second loop. (After 1:00 pm the trains were given right of way and the Police were directed to begin maximizing traffic flow) By this time I was definitely slower but not walking "yet". After 39km I did think I had legs made of lead. They felt so heavy that I thought there was something wrong with them. I never had that happen before. I did commence a 1 minute trot and walk so at least it helped to get me to run the last km.

It was a great experience and I love the way you all make it happen.

Thank you Lise for the great hospitality and to the rest of my family for the great support and believing in the sport and participating. And Congratulations to everyone for doing so well in all your personal races. Keep at it.

Sudbury Rocks!! - by Lise Perdue

The organizers of the Sudbury Rocks!!! Race, Run or Walk for Diabetes have once again pulled a class act. Well done.

Thank you to your warm hearted volunteers. It is a pleasure to go around the course twice just to thank these people for dedicating so much of their time and to hear their wonderful words of encouragement.

Congratulations to all participants and thank you to our immediate family who traveled from both northern and southern Ontario to participate…from my 10 year old niece to my 77 year old mother. CONGRATULATIONS Eric on finishing your first half with flying colors, Suzanne on completing your 10th marathon and Ken on finishing 6th in the marathon and catching some prize money. It makes me proud to be related to such a motivated bunch.

Keep up the excellent work. Your hard work and long hours have definitely made this race a success.

Lise