Kevin O'Neill - Marshall University Marathon - 2:56
Dan Revell - Mississauga Marathon - 3:27:53
David Reckzin - Hamilton Road2Hope - 3:14:50
Ryan Blake - Hamilton Road2Hope - 3:11:09
If you look up the results of these races, they were not near the elite winning times, they were not on the podium for their age group, nor is there any indication that this race was a victory...if you look at the stats. As athletes, we learn to read between the stats and find victory in every race we do. For Dan, Dave, Ryan, and Kevin, victory was a ticket to Boston!
Perhaps it was some prophetic insight on the Adidas design team for the Boston 2012 colour coordination, choosing fire orange as one of their colours, because the 2012 mid-April race was ran in mid-July weather, reaching 30C BEFORE the humidex. But like all good and strong Canadian runners, they knew that a little heat wasn't going to stop them from achieving their dream. If -30C wind chills and snow storms can't stop them from training, +30C and no wind won't stop them from racing: "at one point, I stopped sweating!" Rex was quoted when asked about the race. Although he was on pace for 3:15 - 3:20 after 5km, the realization of the heat and the urge to complete this epic race was more important than a PB. The stats would say this was Rex's worst marathon, but any racer knows that it's not the time that matters in Boston, it's the experience.
Kevin O'Neill - Boston Marathon - FINISHER
Ryan Blake - Boston Marathon - FINISHER
David Reckzin - Boston Marathon - FINISHER
Dan Revell - Boston Marathon - FINISHER
stats don't lie, but they also don't tell a story. It was a great achievement and accomplishment by these four gentlemen to run the Boston marathon and receive their Finisher's medal. Congratulations Baydogs! You are all inspiring on what can be achieved with your enthusiasm, positivity, and athletic achievements. Way to set the bar for what will be a great 2012 season for the Baydogs, from first triathlons, to first (and multiple) Ironman races. It's going to be a wild ride, and Boston was an epic prologue!
