05/25/2026
Yesterday was the , and a fun day it was. Every race day is a great day. Always happy, always hopeful, always thankful. But I knew it wasn’t gonna be my day when Level 1 of the pain train started around km 18. I did what I could to make the most of it. Swallowed my own puke a couple of times (can’t lose those electrolytes!). Tucked in behind faster runners as they passed me in attempt to draft and pace off of them….but couldn’t hold it. Even took the singlet off late to lessen the ni**le chafing (in all my years racing never had the Andy from The Office experience….haha!). Sheesh, it was a painful race. But that’s part of the experience, searching what your limits are that day. And the crazy part? I still loved it, and I’ll do it again!
There were many positives. Running into so many runners from Central Alberta throughout the day. Seeing good friend & GRIT athlete cut so much time off her marathon from last year. Seeing my beautiful wife .nicole along the course to support us, like she’s done for the last 25 years.
I did fall short of my goals for the day. I really wanted under 2:55. And to qualify for the NY Marathon. That is yet to be determined. But I did come in 3rd for my age. The announcer dubbed me “The Shirtless Wonder” for being the first one across the line with no top. And I did come under 3 hours. When I tuned 40 I wrote down a goal that I want to run a sub-3 hour marathon every year of my 40’s. So I can tick that off, just a couple of years to go.
Although not completely satisfied, not disappointed with my time either. The race plan was executed, the effort was there. And honestly, the clock was exactly where my run fitness is currently at. And Calgary put on a great show. The Elvis impersonator. The choir singing Guns ‘n Roses. The non-stop energy of the performers through Chinatown. The beer garden post race. All of it was so well done. What’s next? Who knows. But I’ll keep racing because I love it, and I love the friends I’ve made through running!
