“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”
I wrote about my first half-marathon attempt here on TRB back in 2023. I probably shouldn’t say “attempt,” since I finished the race, but my knee gave out after 10KM and I had to sort of run-walk the last seven kilometres.
That was demoralizing.
Worse was a sports medicine doctor who told me, “You should train a full year for a 5K. Then the next year, train a full year for a 10K. Then the following year, or the year after, train for the Half-Marathon.”
Sage advice for a normal human, but that advice made my head explode. There was no way I was going to wait four years to try this again.
I took seven months off from running; October of 2023 to May of 2024. I started back slowly and didn’t do more than 5KM until January of 2025.
Yeah, maybe I could have trained for the half-marathon in the fall of this year, but just look at that photo above with the cherry blossoms! It doesn’t get any better than that!
Special thanks to long-time blog reader, Sigruper, for being an unofficial running coach in my stable of people whom I pester with questions.
I texted him on the weekend and said, “I’ve done everything I can to get my knee ready. Yoga, massage treatments, foam rolling, and ice baths.”
Being an older chap, he sarcastically wrote back:
“It’s so hard being in your 40’s….”
😭
True that.
Makes me want to do better next time.
Special thanks to blog reader Anwar for providing me with some running advice and encouragement over the last few months. A little goes a long way.
And a shout out to @thebibbygroup, aka Chris Bibby, who probably holds the record for most combined real estate sales and marathons. The poor guy is probably at his in-laws for a nice family dinner when his phone goes off and it’s some real estate agent asking, “Would I be crazy to wear leggings in this weather? What’s the ideal temperature for a racerback?”
But he answered!
Full transparency: I’m writing this from my bed, with massive ice packs on both knees. My wife brought me my laptop.
“Anything else, sire?”
She deserves a shout out too, considering had a slumber party with the kids in the basement on Saturday night so I could go to bed at 8:00pm and be completely undisturbed.
Alright, thanks for indulging me.
I expect the TRREB stats to be released on Monday or Tuesday and that will be the topic of conversation when I return here on Thursday.
Actually, I partially expect that to be the topic of conversation on this thread over the next few days because I know you guys… 🙂
Nick
at 8:15 am
The fact you did it is amazing! Congrats Dave!
Francesca
at 8:33 am
Congratulations David! Your daughter is adorable and the cherry blossoms look beautiful in the background. Rest up so you can write the Thursday blog edition!
Kate
at 8:42 am
David, you covered your little girl’s face with the blog title! We want to see that ‘proud of daddy’ smile!
David Fleming
at 4:41 pm
@ Kate
It really depends on the size of your screen.
On my home computer, her face is covered. On my work monitor, it’s just below her.
I’ve added the photo below.
That’s very sweet, thank you!
Anwar
at 9:14 am
David I’m so bummed I couldn’t do the race this time but happy to hear you finished! Maybe the TCS Waterfront Marathon in the fall?
Derek
at 9:35 am
Awesome, way to go!
Max
at 10:30 am
Where did you get that awesome hat?
Zoolander reference?
David Fleming
at 4:41 pm
@ Max
The Instagram algorithm knows I’m a 44-year-old dad so it’s always sending me the appropriate ads for 1980’s and 1990’s themed clothing and accessories.
I can’t recall exactly where the hat came from but probably 80’s Tees or Tee Public. I have been known to frequent those two establishments for my essential Dad-wear…
I was called out on the street in New Orleans once for my “Bayside Tigers” shirt.
In Punta Cana, a gentleman asked me by the pool where I got my “Save Ferris” t-shirt.
“Save The Clock Tower” really helps me make friends with like-minded individuals.
My brother threw my original “Karate Kid” shirt in the lake two summers ago and I haven’t been able to replace it.
“Cocktails Bar & Grill” is a staple in my collection, as is “Stratton Oakmont.”
I had “Top Gun” before the second movie came out. Now it feels try-hard-ish.
I can’t fathom how many pieces of “GI Joe” clothing I’ve had over the years.
Anyways, I couldn’t find my Toronto Realty Group hat before the race so I threw on the “Cool Story, Bro” hat.
The line in Zoolander was, “Cool story, Hansel,” but it turned into a meme after that, then died out, then I got the hat.
Damn, I really am that 40-something dad now eh?
Graham (a.ka. the real deal over wok under paid)
at 7:59 am
As a 44-year old dad myself, I’ve been known to rock some Retrokid wear featuring The Raccoons, Telefrancais, or Wok with Yan. A French speaking pineapple is always a conversation starter.
Dycer
at 12:35 pm
Exciting event! The energy around the Toronto Half-Marathon is always inspiring. At Arryn.ai, we love seeing communities come together to celebrate health, resilience, and achievement.
Sirgruper
at 6:26 pm
David.
Great run and great pic. Soon your daughter will run it with you! 😉
You did great and especially for the amount you prepared. I agree with Anwar, sign up for the Scotia Waterfront. Yesterday’s race had tons of hills which are tougher on the knees. To prepare, take your time and lengthen your long slow runs until you get to 26-28k. Do those with a walk run method to give your knee a break (Read Jeff Galloway’s method). And from an “old chap”, aren’t we both glad running is not our day job:). Congrats
DAF
at 12:31 am
A Jewish Mother will always aspire for more from her beloved son(s)! Average for your Mother is fantastic in the generous, forgiving WASP world. I give you a Mazeltov for your Marathon (half or quarter or whatever it was)!