But this run was important. I felt it was really important to exhaust myself as completely as I could, physically. The trouble sleeping and eating, I needed to "clear the mechanism" and this was the best way I could come up with on short notice. I knew I would finish the race.
Walking around alone before the race kind of sucked. I was lonely, and with everything, I still wanted to walk off and drive home. I kept my eyes peeled for people I knew, and overheard some funny conversations (a boyfriend simply telling his girlfriend, who was nervous about her first half, "Okay, have fun" and walk away), a few people worrying about the weather and then finally, some familiar faces - Lisa and Steve! YAY! We chatted and I got hugs.
I lined up a little behind the 2:30 pace bunny. I figured this seemed like a good spot and was equally thrilled to see someone else I knew, from the military, who pointedly asked me "How are YOU?" I knew then that he knew, but it was okay.
The weather was overcast and cool. As the Herc went over to start the race, I hit my watch. We caterpillared for a bit, then finally crossed the start. I decided to make this race as fun and relaxed as I could, except no walk breaks in the first three miles. I wanted a pretty good idea of a comfy five K pace. I also knew I had to stop at every water station, since I was not carrying any. This was also the first race I had ever worn my hair down and back with a sweaty band.
I had to pause briefly at the water station just before 3 miles, but made it there in about 30 minutes - YAY! One runner in front of me had a beautiful Lulu jacket on and was taking it off - if she dropped it, I was grabbing it. She tied it around her waist. I admit to vulturing her for a while to see if the knot would give, but no dice. Pity
The course is a good one, well organized and pretty. I didn't start any conversations for a while, until after the first turnaround, on Wellington, when I started chatting with Jeanette, one of the Super Friends from Gord's with a cape. She stayed with me all the way to the relay hand off, and she was very encouraging and did not leave me until she had to, since she was a relay runner.
At the first pass of the footbridge, she was gone and I was alone again. I found myself smiling a lot, and thanked every volunteer I interacted with. Just before Moray, I passed Speedy Steve going the other way, who called out to me. It was great timing, I was feeling low.
Moray was a little tough, but only because it started to rain on us, vs just misting. The wind on the bridge is cold, and we were wet by then, so it felt pretty crappy. I met my next temporary haven, Michelly, who was suffering. She was also a relay runner, and suffering from shin splints. We chatted about it and I gave her my tips (from my own experience). I let her set the pace and we finished the bridge together. I left her just after that since it was important to me I was mostly on my own.
The voluteers were friendly and kind, cheering even in the damp, and I had a smile for every single one.
I realized I was really hungry, and was really grateful to a guy with a bowl of orange slices. I may have told him I loved him.
Up Woodhaven, this is a pretty area and I would like to live here. Faced the sky and thanked God for stopping the rain, but couldn't remember when it actually stopped. Back up to Portage, I chatted with Arsenio, who was suffering from IT band. I commiserated, since mine was also sore, but I focused on not turning my knee inward, which helped. Danced a little to "Rum and Redbull" a catchy tune from Jamaica. The people around me made many comments that I seemed too happy. Maybe I was!
I was taking turns passing and being passed by this pair of women, it was a joke, but it helped pass the time. Mile 12 was the prettiest mile marker sign I had ever seen, and since I knew it was coming, I ran past the pair again and cackled heartily - a police officer actually called out, "You can't let her get away with that, pass her!"
But that wasn't going to happen. I passed mile 12 and temporarily teamed up with another relay runner - she was hurting, and also had full make-up. I stayed with her until we crossed the footbridge, but she was bringing me down and I had a last minute kick. Away I went and passed four or five people, including one that I nearly ran into since he suddenly went left in front of me without checking. I was grinning as I crossed the line. Fastest time yet - somewhere around 2:35 (clock time was 2:38)
Getting my medal and scarf, I walked out under the grey sky and was shocked when I felt the tears welling. Had a good cry on the way to the car.
I don't think I left everything out on that course, but I certainly left some out there. Home now. Super tired and have a pounding headache. Going to get my ITB worked on and do CrossFit tomorrow (trainer promises to leave my legs alone).
Life continues, as it should, after the Bad passes.
Thanks!
