My own running journey this spring is taking me to the same place I’ve been for the last 8 years….the start line of the Ottawa Marathon. This year’s edition is slated for Sunday, May 24th. While it’s exciting to race out of town at a major marathon like Boston or New York, there is something very comfortable about running your hometown race. Sleep in your own bed, eat your food, leisurely trip to the start line….those are just some of the benefits of running your hometown race.
Seeing so many familiar faces (runners and spectators) on the race course gives you that little extra push you need when pain and doubt start to creep up on you. It also helps to know the twists and turns of your local race course……I’ve run along the Rideau Canal so many times that I know the race course like the back of my hand. Dow’s Lake, Frank Clair Stadium (before the southside stands were demolished!), the Pretoria Bridge…..all familiar race landmarks that tell me I’m gettin’ closer to the finish!