59:03

Race Kit!

The time it took me to run the Longboat Toronto Island 10k race.  I had gone from no running or exercise at all until April, to running almost 40km per week.  Rookie mistake.  BIG rookie mistake.  And my knees paid the price, causing almost crippling pain when I ran longer than 10k.  So what was meant to be a 'free' way to get fit and challenge myself, turned into the most expensive exercise I've ever undertaken.  Extra running kit, gym membership to allow me to exercise when I was resting my knee from running, visits to the chiropractor, new running shoes and energy chews/gels for the Long Slow Distance runs (running for almost 2 hours can burn through approx 1300 calories so you need to replace them or burn out during the run).

I had put in the time and gotten up 4-5 days per week at 5:30 and left the house whilst it was still dark in order to complete my runs before Nick needed to go to work.  Having Hazel my running partner meet me outside was the perfect motivator on those dark mornings.  Together we pound through the trails in High Park, down to the lake and along the board walk - either over the Humber bridge going west, or past the CN Tower going east.  But Hazel wasn't able to take part in this race.  And as it was my first ever, I was a nervous wreck.  I had read all the info on what to eat/not to eat before a race, what to drink during and race etiquette.  But what I hadn't counted on was just how anxious I would be.  I couldn't finish my breakfast because my stomach was tied up in so many knots.  And then I was worried I wouldn't have enough fuel to get through the race.  I was worried that I was wearing brand new trainers (another big NO NO) and that I didn't know how my feet would fare.  I was worried about the fact that the subways only start running at 9am on a Sunday here, so I would have to take an unfamiliar bus to the Ferry Terminal.  I was more worried when face with all the various detours en route.... I think I went to the bathroom like, a gadzillion times.  Seriously, my mind was saying that it would all be fine, but my body was freaking out!

When we got to Centre Island, both of the kids competed in the Kids' 1km fun run, and got medals for their efforts.  I snuck off - to the bathroom again.

Jasmine was not impressed with how long 1km actually, really is

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I went, I raced and I conquered.  I started out at a comfortable pace and maintained it, speeding up in the last 3km, despite a side stitch and a glaring sun, to pulling off a mad sprint at the end to be met by...... errr, none of my family at the finish line.  Nick and the kids got there too late to see my impressive dash across the line.  I was too busy passing out on the grass at the side to be too disappointed, but it would have been nice.....  At least Ben saw me in the crowd at take off and waved, and Jasmine saw me along the route at about 7.5km and called out to me and waved.  Both were a massive boost.

Yeah I'm alright me, I'm allll right

Feeling a little better and ready for my family shot

 

The queue for the post race BBQ!

My finishing position and time

So, two weeks from now and me and Hazel will compete in the Island Girl Half Marathon.  Bring it on!!!