Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Short and Sweet

Posted by CheapRunnerMichelle

So I guess I'm up for the #fcrr recap número trois today. I ended up signing up for the 1/2 marathon. This is the third year in a row I have participated in this race. Three years ago I did the 5k, last year I did the 10k and then the 1/2 this year. All week the forecast was calling for rain...whomp...whomp. We woke up on Sunday morning, and although it was veeerrrrry chilly - ☀ the sun was shining.

The week leading up to the race I had had 2 pretty good training runs, and had gained some confidence back after Around The Bay last month, so I was completely relaxed and not nervous at all leading up to race morning. We toed the start line, and the race started right on time (ok let's back up a minute...at this point the only thing I was nervous about was the fact that I had not been able to "take care of business" in the bathroom before the  race). I had decided to do the 8:1 run/walk again in hopes of finishing feeling good and strong. The course was very well marked, including each and every water station.

At the 1st station in fact the volunteers were even wearing a sign indicating whether they were handing out eLoad or water. All the stations were laid out the exact same way and clearly marked with signage ahead of time - this is a HUGE race+. At every turn that we had to make, not only were there volunteers there to coral us in the right direction, but there was signage marked with arrows and directions. Each KM marker was clearly marked for the race you were participating in. The volunteers were all super friendly and very encouraging. I really enjoyed the race course. We ran through our city's downtown streets, through the University of Western Ontario, on some of the downtown running paths and back through some pretty nice neighbourhoods. The sun was shining, and I was just focused on enjoying myself and being present in what I was doing. My legs were not great later into the run - but I made a conscious decision to enjoy myself the entire time and keep a smile on my face.

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I was a little disappointed that race day did not translate as well as my training runs had been, but not every day is a great day, and I am totally at peace with that. I realize that I am never going to be like my 2 fellow cheap runners that typically place at races - and I am totally fine with that. So more then anything, going into races, I want to do my best that day, enjoy myself and be grateful that I am even able to be there participating! So with that being said - mission was accomplished. It wasn't my best 1/2 marathon time, but I'm ok with that. #4 is now in the books! This was a great race, a great course, and I look forward to participating again next year!

Kennedy and I are leaving early tomorrow morning to head to Orlando for our race this weekend. I think the running is going to be the easy part...I think the scavenger hunt clues are going to do me in. Although Mike tells me I can be charming enough to ask other people for the answers...fingers crossed.

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Boy oh boy...I'm not sure that my brain is ready for this. I'll try and post some pics on IG, so make sure you're following me, so that you can tag along in our adventure! I'll see you on the flip side.

...no questions today...instead..tell me something random about you or or week so far

8 comments:

  1. I finally get to go for lunch with you today! That is random since it has been weeks since both of our schedules have allowed this :) See you soon!

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  2. http://raz-family.ca/RunKristiApril 30, 2014 at 4:56 PM

    I laughed when I read the "taking care of business" part. Seriously, that is absolutely my most stressful part of race mornings! Something non-runners just wouldn't understand.
    Glad you enjoyed the half, that is what it is all about... We are all so fortunate to be healthy and able to take part in this sport, regardless of times.

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  3. Maybe because I'm tired but I don't have a clue on that last question! Have a super time this weekend with Kennedy!

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  4. Yes!!!! It was nice to be able to get together!!!

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  5. I think pink and or leopard print should really be part of any outfit...lol

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  6. #nonrunnersjustdontgetit luckily though...I didn't have to go during the race though either

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  7. That's the only part I'm nervous about...I can't seem to figure any of them out...oh well...just going to have fun with it!

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  8. Amy @ fitnessmeetsfrosting.comMay 9, 2014 at 8:29 PM

    LOVE your positive attitude about races! I doubt I will ever place too so I love how you just want to do your best! I need to remember that :)

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