Jane's Toad Report - This is a VERY LONG Report (Sorry!)

[Jane]

First of all, I must say this is absolutely the best race ever.  George and Peggy Sarson sure know how to host a race!!  Everything was perfectly organized and seemed to go smoothly.  The weather was just gorgeous!  A little warm by the time I was finishing, but better than pouring rain or hail, which we had to run through the past couple of years.

They made some changes to the route this year which made it more challenging than it was in previous years.  Lots of ups and downs.  They nicely spray painted many roots of trees and stones so that people wouldn't trip over them, but there was still a few casualties (see Derek's "I Wiped Out at the Toad" Report).

This year they closed the registration at 550 people, up from 375 last year.  This year they had a walking category.  Some were power walkers, some more recreational.  Well, those power walkers can put us to shame.  It was quite congested in the beginning with that number of runners/walkers.  Plus the fact that the trail is fairly narrow and it was kind of like being on the 401 right around where the 400 meets it and everyone is trying to crowd into one little lane!!  But we got through that.  I started with Janet and Christine.  Christine had registered in the military category which had its own prizes and since we saw there were only two or three runners in the female category, Janet and I told her to just go, and she might win something.  Turns out, she came 2nd out of the 3 military women (apparently they all came in within the same two minute time span - Christine was around 2:43) and she got a really nice framed certificate.  Hey Christine - I hope you are going to write a report from your perspective!

Janet and I felt that we went out a little too fast in the beginning.  Everything was going pretty good until poor Janet started having IT problems.  I knew exactly where she was coming from as I had the same problem last year, although not so early in the race.  I felt a couple of little twinges in my leg as well, but luckily it never progressed into anything!!  We had planned on walking up the hills and running the rest, but with her leg hurting, we also started walking down the hills.  At 9K Heather met us and we asked her to have some Ibuprofen ready for Janet at the end of the first loop.  Heather was a great support person.  When we got to the start/finish line she had everything all laid out for us - gels, water, cytomax, sponges, so all we had to do was grab it.  

Janet and I started out again.  Everything was going relatively ok until about the 14K mark when all of a sudden Janet got a sharp pain in her left knee and announced that she didn't think she could go on.  We stood and talked for a minute or so about how she felt and whether she should try to go on and risk further injury or walk back the 1.5K to start/finish.  She decided to go back and we both had a little cry in the middle of the road.  We gave each other a hug and I turned and headed one way and she headed back.  I felt so bad for her.  

The rest of the run I did by myself, which was ok because I talked to almost everyone I went by or who went by me.  The scenery was beautiful.  At one point we were running through these trees and there must have been massive amounts of birds in the trees, because they were chirping so loud that you could barely hear other people talking.  I felt like I was in some sort of jungle or something.  It was awesome.  

During the run you have to go out into this huge field.  The first time we did it, it wasn't too bad.  When I was alone, I found it very hot as it was almost mid-day.  Fortunately, I brought my trusty magic sponge, and it sure came in handy.  They had an aid station with water, gatorade, and all kinds of FOOD.  And I don't mean just oranges.  They had little chocolate bars, chocolate chip cookies, pretzels, chips, bananas, and yes oranges.  Then you head into the hot field for awhile, then into a nice wooded area and back out into the hot field again.  I was surprised when I was in the woods to see the 7K mark sign, which meant I was actually at 19.5K.  I thought - hey, that means there isn't much left!  Well, it was back out into that hot field again.  That field the second time was my least favourite part of the whole run I think (except for having to go on without Janet).  I made it through though by trying to talk to everyone I met and eating a kit-kat bar that I had been carrying for about 5K!  I was keeping an eye on my heart rate throughout the last half and every time my heart rate went over 160, I slowed down or walked until it went back down into the 150s.

The last part is through the woods -- a couple more hills and this one that is almost vertical but doesn't go on for TOO long.  Thank goodness -- both times I got passed by power walkers on this hill.  They definitely were at an advantage on that hill as they were stronger walkers going up it.  There is NO WAY you can run it!  The good thing about that hill was it meant you were almost done!  The last few kms were the hardest.  One of the powerwalking ladies commented that her quads were screaming.  I was the opposite - my hamstrings were screaming at me.  I just kept telling them to keep going, that I was almost there.  I passed a couple of people in the last few hundred meters.  As I came closer I could hear the loudspeaker and people cheering for someone who was finishing.  As I went around the last corner, I could see the big Run for the Toad sign at the finish line.  All of a sudden, I don't know what came over me, but I decided to make my finish as good as possible.  I started to speed up and my legs just kept going and going like they forgot they were supposed to be screaming.  I remember one lady commenting on how strong I was running and that made my adrenelin kick up even higher.  I came over that finish line faster than I have ever finished a race, which probably means I should have pushed myself harder out there.  But it sure felt good to come over that line feeling like that, rather than not having an ounce of energy!  

I got my medal, which was really nice, grabbed some water and checked out how Janet was doing, how Christine had faired in her quest to place in the military division and checked out Derek's tumble injuries.  I never did find out my actual time - Heather said she thought it was about 3:12.  Slower than last year when I had my IT problems, but it was a different, more difficult course, and this year I just haven't been as concerned with time as with feeling good at the end of the run.  And I felt great!  Ate the super dinner that was provided in our race registration, sat around talking to friends in the nice warm sun, tried to win a door prize (lost on that one), ate popcorn, krispy kreme donuts, just made a general pig of myself, I think.  

For anyone who is interested in trail running, get out on the trails and practice lots of hills -- ups and downs, because the downs are as hard as the ups -- because this is the race to go to.  It is the best quality race with the best organization.  The trail was very clearly marked and there were tons of volunteers to direct us and lots of help at the aid stations.

For $60.00 we got a Saucony bag, a finishing medal, a free hammer gel and Nutril bar (I might have that name wrong), a lunch of grilled chicken on a bun, three salads, soup (it was carrot - I wouldn't recommend it - tasted like what you get in those jars of baby food!), salsa and nachos, fresh fruits, cut up carrots, a choice of apple, strawberry or blueberry pie, iced tea and lemonade, cans of pop, coffee, Krispy Kreme donuts, popcorn and all the food out on the course.  Oh and these new hydrating cups that they have patented and had at the water stations for us to try out.  I will take a photo to post to show you later.  And they personalized our bibs with our names on them - I love when they do that!  

This is a great family event - they even have a tent set up with a plasma tv for the kids to watch Toad Patrol - the cartoon which the run is based on.  

I cannot say enough good things about this race.  It has to be one of the best in Canada.  Definitely worth taking up trail running!!!  Thanks George and Peggy Sarson for organizing this great event!

[Janet]

Great Report Jane!,  Don't think I could have described it any better myself.  Can't wait to see the pictures.  Anyway just wanted to let everyone know that I'm feeling better today, IT wise, and also pride wise.  Gotta tell ya for those that haven't experienced a DNF, it's quite an emotional event, but I know today (and even yesterday) that I made the right decision.  My body said it was done, and I had to listen to it, which is better than doing some serious injury to myself just for the sake of pride (well and a medal). 
 But the  race was great otherwise, I had a great time, and I look forward to next year and "Conquering" the Toad.

Janet

[Christine]

Hi All

I just finished my  2nd of 3 exams this morning, so I now have time to give  my two cents t the day.

I whole-heartedly agree with Jane about the organization of the event....fabulous...right from the registration on. Among my own memories, I too will share with Jane the memories of running through the 'Scotland highlands' and  then into the 'rainforest' with all the birds chirping. Those changes in surroundings are the best highlight of trail running I think.

Well - the day started the same as the last event I did with my brother. We understimated the travel time and directions and showed up moments prior to registration close. Our fan base was in a separate car (mom, husband and Evan) so I was mostly concerned that they wouldn't make it for the start but they did.

Kirk decided to have a coffee prior to start (can you belive it?) but then this is the guy who has only run about 4 times since the half I did with him last Marchl!

We took off in good company with Jane and Janet and we were well equipped with new trail shoes from Sandy's shop (Kirk had only worn his a few times). We split off from the gals after a bit and then just kept on truckin'. I started to feel my knees ache around 10K and thought "oh lordy...." but hoped the motrin I took prior to start would help fend off any major pain. The course WAS more difficult than I expected and I was a little surprised that it took 1hr 20 do to the first loop of 12.5K.

 Into the second loop, Kirk went ahead as it was a real challenge for me to keep up. I walked up all the hills and my knees were so sore, I had to  come down them straight-legged to avoid over flexion. I finished around 2:45 and was surprised that the second loop only took me 1hr 24 as it seemed as though I walked A LOT!

Kirk did amazingly  well...2hr20 something, but it's unbelieveable to see some of the times people come in!

The best parts of the day were definately seeing  our support/fans after the first loop and at the end. Everyone had such big smiles and were so encouraging (Heather!).

I would recommend this race to anyone. I'm still hobbling today but it's a good hobble right?

Jane, Janet, and Heather: Nice to spend the day with you and thanks for taking pics Heather. Jane you are ALWAYS an inspiration for me to try these things, and Janet, the fact that you attempted to do another trail race so soon was an amazing feat in itself....go easy on that body of yours!

Sue: we missed you greatly but knew that you were in the right place as there will always be another race...

Enjoy your get-together tomorrow night. I will be thinking of you all and what a great bunch of people to know...Hmmm...what event to do next?????.



Fondly,

Christine

[Jane]

What a great post, Christine!  Thanks for the compliment.  I was pleased to introduce you to such a fun event.  You know, even when the weather is bad, the Run for the Toad is still lots of fun.  We just had the added bonus of good (if not a little warm) weather this year.  I'll let you know if I see the photos go up on their site.  I got my photos that Heather took downloaded at work today.  However, they are in Heather's room now and she is asleep, so will have to post a couple of them tomorrow.  I also have a few from PEC, including Robyn May coming over the finish line which I will post tomorrow too. 

Back to what is next -- Christine, are you going to do Sandy & Elizabeth's trail run on 6 November??

[Sue]

Great race reports girls!  Hope your feeling better Janet!  It must have been difificult not to finish.  I see you are already looking forward the beating the Toad next year!  All of us newbies are all learning so much from those who finished and from those who didn't finish! Thank you!
Jane and Christine congratualions on your race!  Sounds like a great race and that you all had a great time!
Sue

[Jane]

Well, now that I bored you with my lengthy report, I have managed to download the photos.  A lot of them were blurry because we were  LLLLLLLLLL LLLLLLLLLL so fast so I am only going to post a few.  

A couple of before photos.






The start!!



Yes, apparently there is actually a real live Toad (although we were too busy running through the woods to see him).  He was even a dancing toad!




Jane and Janet at the half way way point



Christine coming over the finish line



Then the batteries in the camera died.  Christine has some later ones though that she has said she will be downloading.


Not sure how to make these photos bigger so you can see them.  Usually I have the opposite problem!

Fixed...Helper ;-)

Thanks Helper.  I had to change the last picture as it was a repeat of the one of Janet and me.  So I had to substitute the one of Christine finishing.  I think I figured out how you changed the width and height pixels...  Jane

[Nancy]

Fantastic report Jane!!!!
Belated Happy Birthday!!!!

[Nancy]

ps jane,
Nice pics! You are the official poster girl for our theory: Runners get better looking with age.

[Jane]

Nancy, you are REALLY late!  You missed it by 11 months and 15 days (which means you are actually 16 days early!)

[Nancy]

OOPS...I thought your B-Day was Oct 1st!! ???

[Jane]

Well, the truth is out..... Janet wanted everyone to think that she had IT problems last weekend, but Heather and I cannot keep this terrible secret any longer......  Janet overindulged in some sort of Monkey's Tutti-Frutti Explosion drinking fest at the Rain Forest Cafe on Friday evening and was in no condition to complete her race on Saturday!  If you don't believe me - I have the proof....

Here is Heather drinking a wholesome Rikki's brownie smoothie and Janet was into the first of those paralyzing Explosions......



I was drinking water, as I knew I had to hydrate....  There was Janet with yet another one of those Explosions....



It was so bad, Janet swore she saw Elephants in the restaurant....  I don't remember seeing any, do you Heather?



By the time we left the Rain Forest Cafe, Janet's head was spinning and everything looked like this....



When we finally arrived at the hotel, Janet just flopped into bed and passed out.



We had to drag her out of bed in the morning while she kept muttering something about a fruitti-tutti hangover.....

So now you know -- THE REST OF THE STORY!!!

P.S.  This was printed with Janet's permission -- or at least she said to do it that night after she posed for the photo of her passed out  in the bed!  I hope you were serious, Janet!!  

[Janet]

Well Jane,
 Now my secret is out!  Here I thought that dancing toad was all a bad dream, then I see him here on the website.  AAAH.  I do have the passed out look down pat though don't I?   Those drinks were delicious though, but I will have to mark alcohol in the do not do list before a race  (ha ha).

Janet

P.S The pictures did turn out great though.  We might have to include the international stop of Toronto's Rain Forest Cafe on our itinery next year.

[Jane]

Hmmmmm - I don't recall seeing a dancing toad -- must have been when I was pigging out on my Kit Kat bar in the middle of the long hot field!  Sorry - I couldn't remember what the drink was called.

I wish they would get the photos posted on the Run for the Toad website.  It seems to be taking FOREVER!  We need them to hire Adam!!

[Jane]

Christine dropped off a disk at my house yesterday with a couple more photos from our Run for the Toad.  Here are the best ones....



Me approaching the finish line



Two happy runners!



The Quinte area runners and our cheerleader, Evan.  I was going to edit out the man sitting to the left, but then I thought, hey, maybe some of you might like him!   :D ;)