Boxing Day 10 miler

Let me take you back a bit. In 2005 I started Triathlon and started running. I used to play football, weigh 200 lbs and not eat that healthy. When I took up this sport, I started with a great group out of Port Credit. This consisted of people who have done Ironman, Boston, New York and many other races you can only dream of. In this group I met a guy named Bob Rose. I outspoken 55 year old who was fast! Everyone told me to be careful of this guy and not piss him off. So I did the opposite and pressed on him every chance I could. After he would shatter me every run and bike we would get together and talk about Triathlon, goals and anything you can think of. I need to first give a huge shout out to Bob because I wouldn't be where I am today without is help, inspiration and drive to succeed, in life or triathlon!

After a run on Christmas Day 2005 Bob said we should do the race tomorrow. I had no perception on running at this point and was just completing 12km without keeling over. The race was the Boxing Day 10 miler in Hamilton. At this point I thought it was a 10km and said sure lets do this, not knowing it was a mile race. The race was cold in 2005 and as Bob explains it almost had me at the line but I out sprinted him and finished in a time of 1:12. Now if you know Bob this story has lasted with me to this day and pretty sure forever. After the race we went out for breakfast and Bob said to me, "If you can go Sub 60min on this course, you can call yourself a runner!! Until then you are just a jogger!" This quote has stuck with me.

Now to the present. The temp was amazing, 4 degrees, no rain and no snow!!! my goal was to 58-59min. Something I haven't done on this course before. I come so close and just can't hang on. my goal was simple, take it out for the first 5miles around 5:45 per mile and hang on through the hill section. 5 miles in I was at 29:22 right on pace. I only gave up 20 seconds on the hill section and kept the legs moving. I was pretty much on my own for most of the race except one female runner who was super fast on the downhill and I would catch her on the up hill. To bad the finish was downhill..she got me..haha.

The great part about this race is I went 59:44. A great way to finish off the year! I can call myself a runner and all the hard work is paying off. This medal is the best medal I have because it means a lot to me and to the people who have stuck by me and pushed me to be the best. Thanks Bob!

The race this year was great and I have to also say congratulations to my wife, who is super fast! and ran a 1:23. She is back racing ladies and gentlemen and I can't be prouder! Also Bob did a 1:21 and Kelly did a 1:22. I also have to thank Saucony for the wicked gear and shoes. Their A3 Flats are super fast...just don't wear them when the ground is wet and running through trials..haha..holes in the bottom. Lastly thanks to Gord and the Nomads who are going to help me kill it this year in the run!

All the best and have a Merry Christmas!

2010 is going to be insane. Next year 57 haha