This is a recap of my experience at the 2024 Ottawa Tamarack Marathon. It was my second time running this marathon, and I had been training for several months with the hope of improving my time from the previous year. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned.
Pre-Race Preparations
The journey began on May 25th when I boarded my Porter Airlines flight for a direct trip to Ottawa. The flight was smooth and on time. After collecting my bag at the airport, I took an OC Transit bus to Lansdowne Park to pick up my race bib and shirt at the Expo.
Upon arriving at the park, I was met with a very long line that stretched around the building. Luckily, I arrived at the right time as more people joined the queue behind me. Despite the long line, it only took about 30 minutes to get inside and retrieve my bib number.
Settling In
Afterwards, I intended to have lunch in the area but found it to be very busy. Instead, I decided to head to my hotel, the Marriott, which was the official event hotel and hosted many of the runners.
Once checked in, I went out for a late afternoon lunch on Sparks Street, a pedestrian street, where I dined at a place called Brixton Pub. Later, I watched the 5K runs that took place downtown, which had a large turnout.
Marathon Day
I slept well that night and woke up early to get ready for the marathon. I walked down Sparks Street to the city hall area, which served as the start and finish line. In the corral area, I positioned myself in the 3:20 section, aiming for a 3:10 finish as I felt confident. The weather was perfect, with a slight cloud cover but warm temperatures. I even met a few people from Thunder Bay in the corral.
The Race Begins
The race started with the elites going first, followed by the rest of us after a 5-minute delay. Thousands of people participated. I felt good and maintained a 4:44 pace, aiming for a 3:10 finish. I carried six GU gels and relied on Nuun hydration at the aid stations, which I was accustomed to.
The Struggle
Initially, everything went smoothly. By the 12th kilometer, I was still feeling good and confident. However, at the 23rd kilometer near Parliament Hill, I suddenly felt light-headed, dizzy, and had stomach cramps. I had to slow down to see if I could recover, but I couldn't. I stopped at an aid station to hydrate but ended up having to jog slowly due to severe leg pains.
The Marathon Becomes a Challenge
By the 29th kilometer, I realized my goal of a personal record was out of reach. It became a matter of just finishing the race. I took a selfie to mark the moment and continued with a mix of jogging, running, and walking. From the 25th kilometer to the end, I also found myself frequently visiting the port-a-potties.
The Finish Line
The last 3 kilometers were particularly tough. I had to walk as the pain in my legs was too intense to run. Despite this, the atmosphere was positive, and the warm sun was a welcome change. The final stretch felt like forever, but I eventually crossed the finish line.
Post-Race Reflections
After finishing, I focused on rehydrating and felt better after drinking several glasses of water. I received my finisher medal, which felt well-earned given the day's challenges. I then stood in line for my post-race snacks and a free non-alcoholic beer, which helped me recover further.
Looking Ahead
Overall, I had a good time at the Ottawa Tamarack Marathon, despite the setbacks. I believe my nutrition plan, particularly the frequency of my gel intake, contributed to my stomach issues. Next time, I plan to space out my gels to every 40 minutes. Now, I look forward to my next event, the Grandma's Marathon at the end of June 2024. Stay tuned for more updates, and onward to recovery!