Five Cruisers met at and ran or walked from the Centre Monday, but before doing so, were delighted to talk to Rob, resplendent in his Boston Marathon jacket and Nancy Stagg who had returned from New York City after their experiences at the Boston Marathon the week before. They share some of their experiences at the marathon. Alex, Edie, Laura, Rod and Bobtoc moved west, Rod and Bobtoc running and Edie and Laura walking, with Alex moving between the two groups. Rod and Bobtoc and ultimately Alex ran to the IGA corner and return, their distance 9.5 km, and Edie and Laura walked approx 7.9 km, times for all 1:26. The five experienced stiff winds from the west which left debris on the Greystone portion of the route. Alex also ran 6 km Sunday; he is now tapering.
See Rob Stagg’s photo wearing his Boston jacket and finishers medal on Edie’s blog.
From Jennel in Coquitlam:
Monday evening, I ran to 4km downhill to my Zumba class, 1 hour of intense Zumba…then (hear this LIBBY!) 4km back UPHILL, slow incline all the way! Take that for hill training! geesh!?!
On Wednesday, Rod, Laura, Edie and Larry walked the Forest Grove route, starting along Beaverbrook, up to the Gaglardi overpass and right up and around Forest Grove, down Underhill, along Eastlake and the usual route back to Cameron Centre. Distance 6.5 km, time 1 hr 17 min. The standout weather made it one of the best nights of the year – here’s hoping for great weather for the weekend and the Vancouver full and half marathons.
From Port Coquitlam Wednesday:
Heather & Jennel ran 6km including 4 reps of the hill on David from fromShaughnessy to Oxford. Libby, Heather’s just as hard-core as you are when it comes to hill work! Jennel.
From Coquitlam, Friday run:
Heather & I ran 6km around the Town Centre Track including 5 laps of speed work. Jennel:)=
Nine Cruisers met Saturday on a brilliant, blue-sky, warm morning, the best of the year, for a run west, using Beaverbrook, Eastlake, and further. Rene ran from his home in Coquitlam. was first to peel off at the Stoney Creek trail to North Road, Chapman Ave, crossing Clark to Robinson St, south and east back to his home to resume a gardening project with his neighbour; Alex was next to separate from the group, at Eastlake and Underhill to return, following suggested exercise according to John Stanton’s recommendations for the day before a marathon; Edie and Flora, the latter having arrived on time siderial time (look it up, Flora), turned back at Woodhurst St and Arden to the Centre. The remaining Cruisers, Larry, Laura, Laurie, Rod and Bobtoc continued their run to the Kensington Ice Rink before returning, their distance and time, 15.8 km, 2:27, about 2:30 for Bobtoc. The seven thoroughly enjoyed the clear skies, warm temperature.
In my last email I mentioned the weather for the Vancouver full and hall marathons would be perfect. I was wrong. The weather was hot, so much so that no records were broken for time. All first runners in consumed more time than usual due to heat. First runner in, 2:24 and change. Alex Lau and Norman Lum were of the same opinion. Both praised the Marathon and Half Marathon organization however, volunteers etc.
Alex’s marathon gun time: 4:56:27
Norman’s half gun time: 1:53:59
I attended the marathon, enjoyed it, was near the finish line, met Alex, then Angela who arrived by Skytrain. I did not see Norman come in since they half marathon started half an hour earlier than the full.
Norman’s comments on his phone message to me was similar to what he placed on Facebook, which is:
| Norman Lum | 5 |
It was a great race for considering I’ve had minimal training leading up to this half marathon. Therefore, I pleasantly surprised with my finish time of 1:53:59. It was hot out there today. Average pace 5:19/km. The spectators and organizers were exceptional !
