Marathon Magic
By definition, the word magic refers to the use of unseen forces to influence events or human behaviour. In the practice of running, magic is inevitable.
For myself, running began as a solo endeavour to process my thoughts and emotions, reconnect with nature, and to stay in shape physically. After a couple years of consistent practice, I’ve come to realize that running is so much more. Running is the act of discovering new versions of yourself. Running is saying yes to the universe. Running is caring for yourself so that you may be able to care for others. Running is choosing to do something difficult for the greater good. In a sense, being a runner has nothing to do with running at all.
The BMO Vancouver Marathon takes place every first Sunday of the month of May. Training for a Spring marathon means putting in the hours through the Fall and Winter seasons. It’s akin to a hibernation of sorts, albeit, slightly more active than a traditional hibernation. For 12 to 18 weeks, we slowly build up weekly running mileage with easy runs, tempo runs, track workouts, and long runs. Staying consistent is the key to success with this sort of thing. There are no shortcuts in the sport of running— it exposes everything, good and bad.
Here in the city of Vancouver we are lucky to live so close to nature. We have some of the best hiking and running trails that our world has to offer. In my marathon build I introduced a good amount of trail running hoping to add some variety and resilience to my training. This, along with a strength session in the gym once a week has done wonders for my body, keeping most injuries at bay. Running on tarmac is very unforgiving on the body. Being able to break up some of the mileage with trail running felt right for me. In doing so, I also came to meet some pretty cool people.
Racing 42.2 kilometres is not easy for anybody— no matter your fitness level or mental fortitude. Whether it takes you three hours or six hours, there will come a point in the race where everything hurts and you just want to stop. But this is why we do it. Getting to this point of discomfort and still choosing to smile and press on is what it’s all about. It’s a metaphor for life— finding joy amidst the struggle.
This year’s Vancouver Marathon was a special one. The sun was shining and the vibes were high. At the start line you could feel the energy and excitement of the thousands of people who have trained for months. This energy was then harnessed and propelled by the amazing crowds of supporting family and friends. Throughout the beautiful and undulating course, fans on the sidelines were seen holding signs, cheering loud, playing music, and handing out carbs and hydration. The city and its population was being moved by magic.
The course took us from Queen Elizabeth Park west along 49th Avenue to Dunbar Southlands and north up the side of Pacific Spirit Park where we were met with the notorious Camosun Street climb. After a steady effort, we continued west along 16th Avenue and onto Marine Drive. We enjoyed beautiful views of West Vancouver over the Burrard Inlet while descending into Spanish Banks and Kitsilano. This is where the crowds really started to pick up. Having just crossed the halfway mark of 21 kilometres, the energy from supporters here was so timely. Running through Point Grey Road and onto the Burrard Street Bridge felt like one huge party. This energy was sustained through English Bay and into the Stanley Park Seawall— at which point, we were about 32 kilometres in. It was at this distance that we were met by the infamous “wall” of a marathon. Bodies were hurting and minds were dull. The last 10 kilometres around the Seawall were some of the most gruelling and quiet miles of the race. Nothing but the sound of footsteps and breathing all around you. It was during this time that I noticed many runners supporting one another with words of encouragement or a pat on the back. As we rounded the corner into Coal Harbour, cheers from the crowds came roaring back. The grand finale of running down Pender Street among the deafening cheers of the crowd was pure bliss. Big smiles, tears of joy, and grimacing faces were seen on everyone around.
It was so inspiring to see the burst of emotion from my fellow runners as we crossed the finish line together and hobbled our way forward to receive our hard earned medals. I can’t wait to do it all again next year.
The marathon is magical.
