Magoo takes Waterloo

[Magoo]

Yesterday was my second Waterloo Marathon and my first ever overall win. I was apprehensive about this race midweek because I’ve been mainly jogging easy at night since the Bay race and I had been adjusting to work after my parental leave. Despite my fears I showed up because I had made the commitment to my K/W family that I would be there. My lucky aunt was going to be there as well. She was at all of the games of my 12 goal soccer season in grade 8 in 1988. When I got there they gave me the number 808 (state) which I thought was really cool and lucky as well.

The race was very chilled out or at least I felt relaxed. The first km I talked to Rob who laid out his plan to run 4:10 kms. I knew he could be relied on to stick with his plan and not get involved in the nonsense up front. As we were talking a guy with a water belt took off really fast. When was the last time you saw a fast guy with a water belt? I was suspicious. I left Rob to keep my eye on the front runners. The first 10k I ran with some older guys who were running beyond their abilities. They told me to move on.

By 15k I caught up with second place. He looked super fit and I had him pegged as a contender but he revealed his weaknesses as we chatted. We kept a relaxed rhythm and talked the next 15k. Neither of us liked the gravel roads on the new route. They were soft from rain which made for some slower running. This guy surged a lot. He didn’t like it when I would take the front. He really helped keep the pace respectable. I wasn’t following a watch at all at this point. I just ran on feel and instincts. He was sure that nobody was going to touch the leader who could barely be seen, but I was still convinced the water belt guy would fall apart. By 30k his tone changed and he said “I think your right. He doesn’t look strong.”

I slowly turned up the intensity and my companion said goodbye at the Montrose covered bridge. The chase turned the last 12k of the race into something fun and interesting. The race had passed by so quickly with the changing company and strategy. As the leader got closer he looked more and more catchable. With 8k to go I knew the guy was toast and the race was mine. I overtook the leader at 38k and he tried to start some small talk which I did not have time for. Things were a little more difficult at this point. It got real windy. I wasn’t chasing. The half k markers didn’t match the full. I ignored these details held my head up and kept my momentum forward.

With 800 metres to go I looked back. All I could see were half marathoners. I looked again, same thing. My dad was at the corner. I asked him if anyone was on my tail. He said “No. Just go Kyle. You’re the first one. I eased up exchanged some quick high fives with my family and friends. I never got to break the tape which was kind of disappointing but who cares. I was sitting down and was having my chip taken off, when suddenly Rob blazed in. That took me by surprise. I forgot about him.

I had no idea what my time was until the award ceremony. I wasn’t thrilled or disappointed. The placing and strategy was more important. The 2:55:13 was my weakest time in the last two years. The key to the race was being in a position where winning was possible. I spotted the cracks in the leaders first and was able to capitalize. I got a cheque shortly after the race and a cool family party with my k/w crew. Cheers to the family, friends and maniacs who made it a great day.

[moof324]

Congrats Magoo! Great race, good strategy, way to win! And never forget about Robbie-T!

[Nicholas]

Cool win!! Most of us worry about times, AG placing and PBs in races, not on whether anyone is in front of us. Congrats on the first place and on a well- executed race strategy. "Take the money and run", or should that be "Run and take the money"???

[Robbie-T]

Great run Kyle!! It was a fun run. I saw you looking back a bunch of times in the final km, it was fun to be that close at the finish.

Congrats again!!

[Sir Crashalot]

Woo! Hoo!
#1!!!!

[Hermes]

Running to win! What a thrill!!! And to know you can go even faster. Look forward to your next report.

[ian]

Your "weak time" is still pretty impressive for this time of year in those conditions. Congrats on a nice tactical race.

[seuss]

very cool to read about your brilliant execution. i learn a lot from these kinds of reports.

congratulations.

[getfit]

very cool to read about your brilliant execution. i learn a lot from these kinds of reports.

Yes, I agree. It's great to get some insight into what the winner is thinking. Congratulations

[casual-runner]

Congratulations It seems so easy from your report.

I didn't know that that you are a maniac while I was taking pictures. I discovered it when I returned Home.

Here some pictures:

[BaldGuy]

Between your report and Rob's, we've been treated to a really cool look at this race from the guys up front. I wonder what Water Belt Guy's report would be like? Thanks for sharing your thoughts and strategy. Sounds like you ran a really smart race and made the right choices at the right times. Wow!

[chunkymonkeymelonhed]

Nice, nice, nice.

Congrats!

[cgraham]

Great job out there - sounds like you ran the race pretty much perfectly from a tactical point of view. Very well done.

It sucks that they didn't have a tape for you to break. A nice cheque probably helps make up for that though.

Congratulations!

[HCcD]

Wooo Hooo, Way-da-Goooo Magoooo ... Congratulations :clap::clap:

[Jo-Jo]

As we were talking a guy with a water belt took off really fast. When was the last time you saw a fast guy with a water belt?

So...that's my problem. Thanks

Kidding aside...congrats on a great race and your win.

I love reading race reports where strategy is discussed...I learn something from them.

[Edward]

Great race Kyle. You da man.

Don't spend the money all in one place.

[blank]

Great race!

Really enjoyed your perspective up front;, very cool!

[Strider]

Thanks for that report. Congratulations on the win. It was definitely cool putting together yours and Robbie's report into the different perspectives of the race at the front.

So, if there had been 1 more km, do you think Robbie would have caught and passed you?

[Run26.2]

With 800 metres to go I looked back.
.

Don't look back! Somebody might be gainin' on ya'!

Congrats on the win.....and I agree they should have had a tape for you to break at the finish!

[Robinandamelia]

Congratulations!! Great pics too.

[La]

Great race, great report! Congrats, Kyle!

[UltraQueenga]

Holy smokes! What an awesome performance and a captivating report! I just read Chris' report from the Hartwell Challenge and now your and I am just amazed at what racing at that level is. Very cool to have met you speedy guys.

[Marg]

So cool to hear what went through your head that morning.
Congrats on a superbly raced race.

[Doonst]

Outstanding Magoo! Racing for position, so exciting. To be at the front right at the 42.2 mark, that's all that counts. I'm sure this is just the first of many victories. Thanks for sharing.

[pts]

Congratulations, that is amazing!

Did you split the cheque with your lucky aunt?