Yesterday I wasn't able to get out for my planned 6K so today I turned my 4K into 10. It was a great autumn day, cool but clear and for some reason a whole bunch of runners out there, many of whom I've never seen before.
It's the same every year at this time. More runners out but as soon as the temp drops another 5C they all mysteriously disappear. It's a shame because running in the cold is not that bad and on the really cold days you get this sense of achievement and everyone looks at you like you have a screw loose. Maybe I do!
Planning not to run until Sunday when 18K is on the menu.
Hit The Road Web Site.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Summer's back
Not quite summer but it was unusually warm today. After a foggy morning, I went out for a 5K at lunch and managed to get away with shorts. I did wear long sleeves and gloves but I did not need the gloves and probably could have got away without the long sleeves.
The run was good and pretty quick considering the number of hills.
Went back outside at 2pm and it was about 15C which felt very nice.
Hit The Road Web Site.
The run was good and pretty quick considering the number of hills.
Went back outside at 2pm and it was about 15C which felt very nice.
Hit The Road Web Site.
Monday, October 25, 2004
Looking for direction
On Wednesday I planned to continue my easing back into training by doing a light 5K. The light 5K soon became a quick 8K, partly because I knew I wasn't going to get a chance to run on Thursday but mostly because of who I went running with. It's interesting how much faster you go when others are pulling you along.
No other running until Sunday when I went out for a nice slow 16K. Again 'nice and slow' turned out to not be so slow. Although the weather is definitely autumnal now, I was overdressed for the 9C on Sunday morning with my wind pants and jacket on. I did have the sense to leave the gloves behind.
Went for a coffee after and already everyone is talking about the next out-of-town race. On top of that, my Mum wants me to do Las Vegas if I don't get into London this year just so she can come on a holiday.
I'm also thinking of doing the marathon clinic for a spring marathon, either Mississauga or Ottawa.
Hit The Road Web Site.
No other running until Sunday when I went out for a nice slow 16K. Again 'nice and slow' turned out to not be so slow. Although the weather is definitely autumnal now, I was overdressed for the 9C on Sunday morning with my wind pants and jacket on. I did have the sense to leave the gloves behind.
Went for a coffee after and already everyone is talking about the next out-of-town race. On top of that, my Mum wants me to do Las Vegas if I don't get into London this year just so she can come on a holiday.
I'm also thinking of doing the marathon clinic for a spring marathon, either Mississauga or Ottawa.
Hit The Road Web Site.
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Back at it.
Today I got out for my first run since Chicago. The weather has really changed in the 8 days since my last run. I had to pull out a jacket, long pants and gloves.
A good run though and the fall colours are out in force.
As promised, here are some photos from my trip to Chicago....
Buckingham fountain the day before the marathon.
The skyline from the start/finish area.
At the race expo.
The crowd 'partying' at the post race party.
Hit The Road Web Site
A good run though and the fall colours are out in force.
As promised, here are some photos from my trip to Chicago....
Buckingham fountain the day before the marathon.
The skyline from the start/finish area.
At the race expo.
The crowd 'partying' at the post race party.
Hit The Road Web Site
Friday, October 15, 2004
Chicago Marathon Race Report
Seven of us went down to Chicago, four by car and three by plane. We had a riot in the car and were laughing all the way down. The 10 hour drive felt like 2 hours.
When we got there the flyers were still nowhere to be seen so we went out to get some dinner and once they arrived hit the sack pretty early.
The Saturday morning we got up and went for a light 3K jog which turned into about 8K once we had looked around. We then headed for the Expo using the free shuttle bus which was a good idea because the traffic and parking were a nightmare.
The expo was great and very well organized. We arranged to meet up after an hour but none of us were finished so out we went again. After the expo we spent a little time shopping before the pasta party but the legs were now starting to ache from all the walking.
The pasta party was OK but not worth the $25 it cost. We were in bed by about 9:30 ready for the busy day ahead.
Heading down to the start was awe inspiring. Hundreds, if not thousands of runners heading in the same direction. I had a preferred start and the others were in the open pen so we split up and I immediately lined up for the port-o-potties. By the time I was finished, I just had enough time to run for the start line before they closed the gate on the preferred start and within a couple of minutes the race was on.
The race itself was good and flat and the crowd support was amazing. I saw one of the mountie girls from the Ottawa marathon in the first K.
My garmin was having trouble finding any signals so by the time I hit 5K it read 3.02K. My pace was good up until the 35K mark when I slowed down considerably. For some reason I had started taking gatorade very early in the race and now I was getting sick of it. I did manage to stick to my 10 and 1's but I missed a few of the early ones because I wasn't paying attention or the crowd was too loud.
Came across the line in 3:53 and felt pretty good, got all the free food I could and the beer and headed for the reunion area.
The reunion area was like a zoo and it was now getting very hot. Eventually found one of our guys who was having trouble with cramps so he just lied on the floor for a while and when the third member arrived we decided to head for some shade. It was about then that he started to throw up, right in the middle of all the runners. We took him over to the medical tent and waited for him to come out. When he did he was like a new man. I don't know what they gave him in there, but it worked.
We then started the mile long walk back to our hotel and it was like the land of the living dead. All the hobbling runners walking slowly north, wrapped in their thermal blankets.
The post race party was good but mostly because of our crowd. There were a lot of people sitting around on the dance floor so we headed out to hit the local bars and clubs.
At 4:30am we finally got back to the hotel after about 10 beers and surprisingly got up a couple of hours later without a hangover.
The drive home seemed a lot longer than the drive down but I had a great time with the rest of the Chicago Mob Squad.
I plan to download my camera this weekend so maybe we will have some more photos soon.
Hit The Road Web Site
When we got there the flyers were still nowhere to be seen so we went out to get some dinner and once they arrived hit the sack pretty early.
The Saturday morning we got up and went for a light 3K jog which turned into about 8K once we had looked around. We then headed for the Expo using the free shuttle bus which was a good idea because the traffic and parking were a nightmare.
The expo was great and very well organized. We arranged to meet up after an hour but none of us were finished so out we went again. After the expo we spent a little time shopping before the pasta party but the legs were now starting to ache from all the walking.
The pasta party was OK but not worth the $25 it cost. We were in bed by about 9:30 ready for the busy day ahead.
Heading down to the start was awe inspiring. Hundreds, if not thousands of runners heading in the same direction. I had a preferred start and the others were in the open pen so we split up and I immediately lined up for the port-o-potties. By the time I was finished, I just had enough time to run for the start line before they closed the gate on the preferred start and within a couple of minutes the race was on.
The race itself was good and flat and the crowd support was amazing. I saw one of the mountie girls from the Ottawa marathon in the first K.
My garmin was having trouble finding any signals so by the time I hit 5K it read 3.02K. My pace was good up until the 35K mark when I slowed down considerably. For some reason I had started taking gatorade very early in the race and now I was getting sick of it. I did manage to stick to my 10 and 1's but I missed a few of the early ones because I wasn't paying attention or the crowd was too loud.
Came across the line in 3:53 and felt pretty good, got all the free food I could and the beer and headed for the reunion area.
The reunion area was like a zoo and it was now getting very hot. Eventually found one of our guys who was having trouble with cramps so he just lied on the floor for a while and when the third member arrived we decided to head for some shade. It was about then that he started to throw up, right in the middle of all the runners. We took him over to the medical tent and waited for him to come out. When he did he was like a new man. I don't know what they gave him in there, but it worked.
We then started the mile long walk back to our hotel and it was like the land of the living dead. All the hobbling runners walking slowly north, wrapped in their thermal blankets.
The post race party was good but mostly because of our crowd. There were a lot of people sitting around on the dance floor so we headed out to hit the local bars and clubs.
At 4:30am we finally got back to the hotel after about 10 beers and surprisingly got up a couple of hours later without a hangover.
The drive home seemed a lot longer than the drive down but I had a great time with the rest of the Chicago Mob Squad.
I plan to download my camera this weekend so maybe we will have some more photos soon.
Hit The Road Web Site
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Already planning for London
It's only been 3 full days and I've already worked out my training plan for the London Marathon and I don't know if I've been accepted in the lottery yet!
I promise I will get the Chicago race report out soon!
Hit The Road Web Site.
I promise I will get the Chicago race report out soon!
Hit The Road Web Site.
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Some photo's from Chicago marathon trip
I'll post a full race report when I have more time, but here are a few photographs in the mean time:
Our short run the day before the race to check out the start line.
At the pasta dinner.
The Chicago mob squad!
Hit The Road Web Site
Our short run the day before the race to check out the start line.
At the pasta dinner.
The Chicago mob squad!
Hit The Road Web Site
Chicago Marathon
The Chicago Marathon was a blast. Here is the congratulations e-mail...
Congratulations on finishing The 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon! You achieved your goal and ran 26.2 miles. We hope you will take the memories of your LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon experience with you forever.
This year’s Marathon was a great success with clear skies and temperatures in the high 50's. Over 33,125 runners finished this year’s marathon, and you were one of them! Your chip time was 3:53:43 and you placed 8603 out of 33,125 finishers. Here are this year’s top finishers:
Top 3 Male Finishers:
1. Evans Rutto, 2:06:16
2. Daniel Njenga, 2:07:44
3. Toshinari Takaoka, 2:07:50
Top 3 Female Finishers:
1. Constantina Tomescu-Dita, 2:23:45
2. Nuta Olaru, 2:24:33
3. Svetlana Zakharova, 2:25:01
Top Male Masters:
1. Craig Fram, 2:29:29
Top Female Masters:
1. Jenny Spangler, 2:33:35
Top Male Wheelchair Finisher:
1. Joshua George, 1:36:13
Top Female Wheelchair Finisher:
1. Miriam Nibley, 2:05:51
Thank you again for being a part of The 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. We hope you will join us again on October 9, 2005.
Sincerely,
The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Staff
* 1 *
VISIT OUR WEB SITE FOR RACE DAY NEWS, SEARCHABLE RESULTS, PHOTOS AND MORE!
Visit our Web site at for highlights of The 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. Read news stories from LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon columnist Bob Richards, search for your splits and finish times, watch streaming videos from CBS 2 CHICAGO, view Race Day photographs and more.
* 2 *
GREETINGS FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT MARATHONFOTO!
Congratulations on finishing The 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon! We just wanted to let you know that were at the race to record your achievement by taking photos along the course and at the Finish Line. Soon we will be sending you an e-mail that will include a link so that you may view your photos online and we will mail proofs to your home.
MarathonFoto recognizes how hard you have worked to make it to the Finish Line. Congratulations on your success. For more information, visit our Web site at.
* 3 *
GET YOUR PERSONALIZED RACE DVD FROM GOACTIONVIDEO
Now YOU can own a DVD of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon event that shows YOU in the race. This HIGHLIGHT VIDEO covers the entire race day and has 4 shots of YOU included. The first is at the Start Line, the second is at 15K Split , the third is at the 35K Split, and the fourth is YOU crossing the Finish Line. Visit to order your Race DVD.
* 4 *
LIMITED EDITION KORBEL BRUT LASALLE BANK CHICAGO MARATHON COMMEMORATIVE CHAMPAGNE
Limited Edition Korbel Brut LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Commemorative Champagne is now available for purchase online for delivery to select states. Visit to order your Korbel Chicago Marathon Commemorative Champagne.
You must be at least 21 years old to purchase this product. When the champagne is delivered, a person of legal drinking age must sign for the package.
* 5 *
TIFFANY COMMEMORATIVE STAR
To commemorate your Marathon experience, Tiffany & Co. has created a LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon paperweight that can be custom-etched with your name, date and finishing time. For more details, visit our Web site at or stop by the Tiffany & Co. store at 730 North Michigan Avenue to make your purchase.
* 6 *
CONGRATULATIONS FROM CROSSING THE LINE
To commemorate your Marathon accomplishment, Crossing The Line has created a family of products based on original artwork that can be personalized just for you. Visit our Web site at for more details.
Hit The Road Web Site
Congratulations on finishing The 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon! You achieved your goal and ran 26.2 miles. We hope you will take the memories of your LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon experience with you forever.
This year’s Marathon was a great success with clear skies and temperatures in the high 50's. Over 33,125 runners finished this year’s marathon, and you were one of them! Your chip time was 3:53:43 and you placed 8603 out of 33,125 finishers. Here are this year’s top finishers:
Top 3 Male Finishers:
1. Evans Rutto, 2:06:16
2. Daniel Njenga, 2:07:44
3. Toshinari Takaoka, 2:07:50
Top 3 Female Finishers:
1. Constantina Tomescu-Dita, 2:23:45
2. Nuta Olaru, 2:24:33
3. Svetlana Zakharova, 2:25:01
Top Male Masters:
1. Craig Fram, 2:29:29
Top Female Masters:
1. Jenny Spangler, 2:33:35
Top Male Wheelchair Finisher:
1. Joshua George, 1:36:13
Top Female Wheelchair Finisher:
1. Miriam Nibley, 2:05:51
Thank you again for being a part of The 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. We hope you will join us again on October 9, 2005.
Sincerely,
The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Staff
* 1 *
VISIT OUR WEB SITE FOR RACE DAY NEWS, SEARCHABLE RESULTS, PHOTOS AND MORE!
Visit our Web site at
* 2 *
GREETINGS FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT MARATHONFOTO!
Congratulations on finishing The 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon! We just wanted to let you know that were at the race to record your achievement by taking photos along the course and at the Finish Line. Soon we will be sending you an e-mail that will include a link so that you may view your photos online and we will mail proofs to your home.
MarathonFoto recognizes how hard you have worked to make it to the Finish Line. Congratulations on your success. For more information, visit our Web site at
* 3 *
GET YOUR PERSONALIZED RACE DVD FROM GOACTIONVIDEO
Now YOU can own a DVD of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon event that shows YOU in the race. This HIGHLIGHT VIDEO covers the entire race day and has 4 shots of YOU included. The first is at the Start Line, the second is at 15K Split , the third is at the 35K Split, and the fourth is YOU crossing the Finish Line. Visit
* 4 *
LIMITED EDITION KORBEL BRUT LASALLE BANK CHICAGO MARATHON COMMEMORATIVE CHAMPAGNE
Limited Edition Korbel Brut LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Commemorative Champagne is now available for purchase online for delivery to select states. Visit
You must be at least 21 years old to purchase this product. When the champagne is delivered, a person of legal drinking age must sign for the package.
* 5 *
TIFFANY COMMEMORATIVE STAR
To commemorate your Marathon experience, Tiffany & Co. has created a LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon paperweight that can be custom-etched with your name, date and finishing time. For more details, visit our Web site at
* 6 *
CONGRATULATIONS FROM CROSSING THE LINE
To commemorate your Marathon accomplishment, Crossing The Line has created a family of products based on original artwork that can be personalized just for you. Visit our Web site at
Hit The Road Web Site
Sunday, October 10, 2004
LBCM Runner Update
Anthony Denford @ Final time (unofficial): 03:55:51.95, LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon; powered by Active.com
LBCM Runner Update
Anthony Denford @ 30 K mark: 02:40:07.45, LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon; powered by Active.com
LBCM Runner Update
Anthony Denford @ Halfway: 01:51:16.80, LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon; powered by Active.com
LBCM Runner Update
Anthony Denford @ 15 K mark: 01:19:20.85, LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon; powered by Active.com
LBCM Runner Update
Anthony Denford @ 10 K mark: 00:53:27.35, LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon; powered by Active.com
Thursday, October 07, 2004
R.U.N. Track Test
This is a test of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Runner Tracking Service, powered by Active.com.
Here you go.... My blog will be automatically updated as I cross the timing mats in Chicago on Sunday!!!!!
Final preparations are going well and I'm nearly all set to leave tomorrow. The day has finally come.
Hit The Road Web Site
Here you go.... My blog will be automatically updated as I cross the timing mats in Chicago on Sunday!!!!!
Final preparations are going well and I'm nearly all set to leave tomorrow. The day has finally come.
Hit The Road Web Site
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
There's nothing more that can be done
Actually the heading was probably true a couple of weeks ago. I did my last 6K before the marathon today in great conditions with plenty of sunshine. I felt like I was taking it pretty easy but I was still back in around 29 minutes.
Now I just need to pack, travel and run! I set up e-mail notifications for each time I cross a timing mat so that the family can keep track of me on Sunday.
I will update you with all the weekends details on Wednesday of next week.
Hit The Road Web Site
Now I just need to pack, travel and run! I set up e-mail notifications for each time I cross a timing mat so that the family can keep track of me on Sunday.
I will update you with all the weekends details on Wednesday of next week.
Hit The Road Web Site
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Final preparation
Today I went out for a quick 6K at lunch. The weather has suddenly turned autumnal but it was nice and sunny and the cool temp did not force me into more than my usual shorts and T-Shirt. The run felt good and the time was good so I think Chicago preparation has gone well.
Just 5 more days and we'll know for sure.
Hit The Road Web Site
Just 5 more days and we'll know for sure.
Hit The Road Web Site
Monday, October 04, 2004
Run for the Cure and things for Chicago
On Saturday I did my last long run before Chicago, a quick 16K non-stop. It was raining all morning but was sunny by the time I got out. I took a hilly course from my house down to the waterfront trail and there was a strong wind coming from the north but it wasn't too bad a run.
On Sunday I went to the Run for the Cure to see my wife complete here first 5K. She did a great job and looked good coming into the finish. It was interesting to watch a race rather than doing it!
So time to think about Chicago........
Things to remember to do for Chicago...
Charge Garmin
Pack running shoes
Socks
garmin
shorts
short sleeve shirt
long sleeve shirt
jacket
hat
water belt
gels
band aids
Tape for back
scissors
garbage bag
sun glasses
race belt
race confirmation
body glide
ice pack thingy
blister blockers
epsom salts
directions to hotel
directions to expo
directions to pasta party
directions to post race party
Cell phone
Nail clippers
Gloves
Maybe more....
Hit The Road Web Site
On Sunday I went to the Run for the Cure to see my wife complete here first 5K. She did a great job and looked good coming into the finish. It was interesting to watch a race rather than doing it!
So time to think about Chicago........
Things to remember to do for Chicago...
Charge Garmin
Pack running shoes
Socks
garmin
shorts
short sleeve shirt
long sleeve shirt
jacket
hat
water belt
gels
band aids
Tape for back
scissors
garbage bag
sun glasses
race belt
race confirmation
body glide
ice pack thingy
blister blockers
epsom salts
directions to hotel
directions to expo
directions to pasta party
directions to post race party
Cell phone
Nail clippers
Gloves
Maybe more....
Hit The Road Web Site
Friday, October 01, 2004
Winding down
Went out at lunch for a quick 5K. I cannot believe it's October already and the temps are still in the twenties and it's sunny.
It's been a long time since I've only run 5K so I did my old loop. I got stuck at a traffic light for about a minute and still managed a sub-5 minute/K time even though I left the timer running.
Well the legs are feeling good and this time next week we will be on our way to Chicago so it's getting very exciting. I need to start planning what to take and the logistics of the whole thing.
Tomorrow I plan to do a 16K run at race pace and Sunday is the Run for the Cure which will be the wife's first 5K race so I will be going along to cheer.
Hit The Road Web Site
It's been a long time since I've only run 5K so I did my old loop. I got stuck at a traffic light for about a minute and still managed a sub-5 minute/K time even though I left the timer running.
Well the legs are feeling good and this time next week we will be on our way to Chicago so it's getting very exciting. I need to start planning what to take and the logistics of the whole thing.
Tomorrow I plan to do a 16K run at race pace and Sunday is the Run for the Cure which will be the wife's first 5K race so I will be going along to cheer.
Hit The Road Web Site
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