My goals heading into 2016 were to take on the half marathon distance three times in hopes of achieving a PB, to see how my running developed with working with a coach, and to tackle some shorter distance races. While I nailed a couple of races, the rest of the goal attempts were somewhat soul deflating and incredibly frustrating, especially those that saw me having to walk yet again. I did learn a lot this year and think I really developed some skill while working with Michelle.
Here's a more in depth look at the year in review:
Here's a more in depth look at the year in review:
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Achilles 5K: I was an ambassador for this race, so while much of my focus was on capturing photos and posting updates to social media, I had a secret goal at the back of my mind for the race. I told no one, and when Michelle asked me what I was thinking for the race, I was elusive and said, "We'll see." I went out hard and held on for as long as I could, which was an entirely different race strategy for me. Since trying this at the Zoo Run the fall before but petering out on the hills, I was excited to try on a relatively flat out and back course. I checked in with myself with each kilometre and when I reached the turnaround thinking, hmm, I might be able to do this. The small incline on Spadina was enough to make me lose steam, but turning the corner and seeing the finish off in the distance kept me going. It was one of the hardest last stretches I'd ever experienced. Knowing my friends were watching was a huge motivator and kept me pushing. I crossed the finish with a PB and opportunity to surprise Michelle with what my "We'll see" really meant! It was a confident, strong race, one that I would find myself looking back to for motivation much of the season ahead.
Chilly Half Marathon: There was definitely a domino effect in the planning of this race. Given that the race fell within days of Melly and my birthdays, the suggestion of wearing tutus came up, to add to the party atmosphere. This evolved to it being a JPsTeam event with five of us wearing tutus, matching socks and head bobber thingies. Race Director Kelly gave Jean-Paul and his Team VIP access, so we were able to give the elite runners a bit of a laugh before the race. I'm sure we were quite the sight at the start and received repeated smiles and comments as we went along. I'm not entirely sure what happened to me that day, but after about 3K, my energy was completely gone. My dear friends stuck it out with me through an embarrassing number of walk breaks. They were so wonderful in telling me jokes and stories, I will always treasure that time. Looking back, it may have been the first race I would've turned back and not finished had it not been for them. Instead, we finished together with smiles and memories (and a few hilarious photos!)
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Mississauga Half: This was to be my second attempt of 2016 to achieve a PB in the distance. My training felt good and I was excited to tackle this new to me course. The day before the race, our sweet little 16 year old dog Molly passed away. I debated throughout the day whether to race or not, finally deciding that I would race it for her. With her dog paw tag around my neck, very puffy eyes and an appropriately rainy day, I headed to the start. The first half of the race went well. It was when a song played on my playlist that reminded me of Molly that I broke down, crying and slowing to a walk. The last half was wind, rain, walking, running, feeling regret for racing and just wanting to be done. Having the hugs of my friends at the end helped. To me this race will always be grey, rainy and sad, making me unsure if I will ever be able to tackle it again.
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Mercedes Oakville 10K: As an ambassador for the race I was able to see that this was a well-loved race by locals, especially those with kids. As a participant, I was a little disappointed in some of the organization aspects of the race such as extreme waits at kit pick up and for shuttle buses. Overall it was a cool course through old Oakville and a fun, non-goal race morning with my friends.
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Becel Ride for Heart Run: This was an entirely new event for the organizers of the popular Becel Ride for Heart on the Gardiner and DVP highways. Needless to say it is challenging to put on two entirely different events at the same time, and considering this, it went fairly well. I was a little disappointed with a few aspects of the day including a non-existent turn around point sign, but hopefully if they decide to run this event in 2017 they will have a chance to iron things out. Again, it was a fun opportunity to run with friends and see downtown from the closed highway.
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Chocolate Run 10K: Although a long way to drive to from Toronto, this was a fun race. It was especially fun to watch the kids participate. Both of my friend Melly's daughters participated and did great! The volunteers along the course were exceptional, and the route varied and interesting, including a stretch along the lake. Neither Melly or I had any steam that day, so we ran easy and enjoyed the chatter instead. The post-race treats were definitely yummy, especially the cupcakes that Koren and Jodie brought!
Beaches Jazz Run: This run was always much loved by the running community. This was the first year for it to be chip timed and have medals instead of being a training fun run. Given my past summer overheating experiences with the Leslie Street Spit, I chose the 5K route. It wound up being a huge JPsTeam party and everywhere you turned there was another Team member cheering and waving.
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Toronto Waterfront 10K: Having lost my favourite Toronto Yonge Street 10k, I really didn't want to love this race, but in the end, it was hard not to. I'd say the absolute only downfall of this race is the timing in the year with potential for a hot day, which is exactly what happened. Everything else was amazing, cheer stations, medal, vibe, route (besides that darned hill on Lakeshore!) I went out aiming for a PB but the heat did me in and found me taking dreaded walk breaks fairly early on. Regardless, it was a fun day for JPsTeam to run and cheer our friend Jodie across the finish line. Maybe 2017 will see a PB attempt here?
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Toronto Women's 5K: The second race I'd ever done was the 8K in this series in 2013. In an effort to see what I could do in the shorter distances I decided to register for the whole 2016 race series. The races are so close to home and well organized, it's hard not to sign up. I can leave an hour before the race, park, warm up, visit the washroom, race and be home at 10:30. The first race came on the same day as the extreme heat that hindered those racing in Ottawa. Organizers shortened the half marathon distance and eliminated the age awards to discourage runners from going too fast. I felt fine for the first 2 kilometres when the heat definitely affected me and I struggled for the remainder of the race.
The second of the race series 5K I felt very strong throughout and finished just shy of my earlier in the season PB. Coach Michelle told me if it had been a straighter course I'd surely have seen a PB.
The second of the race series 5K I felt very strong throughout and finished just shy of my earlier in the season PB. Coach Michelle told me if it had been a straighter course I'd surely have seen a PB.
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B&O Yorkville 5K: I had high hopes that this race was going to bring me a 5K PB after coming close at Toronto Women's. What I didn't expect was the extent of the incline on the second half of the race. I think I may have used up too much nervous energy in my warm up and first two kilometres and ran out of steam in the last portions of the race. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the 5K race championships and love my swag NB wind cheater jacket.
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5th Avenue Mile: This was both my first destination race, and shortest race ever! Michelle, Allison, Carmy and I planned an entire girls road trip to New York around the race. Despite having never even run a mile, I managed to surprise myself and Michelle and pull off a time faster than we both thought I'd do. It was an incredible moment and although my lungs and throat burned from the speed, knowing it was from running fast It made it hard to wipe the smile from my face.
RBC 15K: This race is by far one of my favourites due to the incredible organization, vibe and party atmosphere. I was honoured to again be asked to be an ambassador. We had lots of fun events leading up to race day and were decked out in fun yellow ambassador shirts for the race. I chose the 15K distance and ran the entire race with friends. We exchanged some great stories along the way and got to celebrate Allison's longest ever distance run (she'd done a long run before the race!) in training for her first marathon. It was an amazing day raising money for an important cause.
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STWM half: I'd placed all my PB eggs in one huge basket of hope for STWM. After two bad experiences in the spring, I was ready to tackle the race I knew well. That was, until I caught a cold one week out. I felt like it was largely gone by race day, but alas, combined with the extremely unseasonal warmth and humidity, I, like many others, faded around the halfway mark. I felt happy about my performance to that point and managed to push until 15K when I knew a PB wasn't within reach. I wound up finding Melly on who was hurt and we hobbled to the finish together. It wasn't a great race, but it was a great day, supporting JP in his quadruple marathon finish and cheering on many other friends along the rainy uphill stretch of Bay Street. I was also incredibly pleased to represent this amazing race as Digital Champion.
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Toronto Women's 8K: Given this race was only a week post STWM, I had my reservations. I chose to do the 8K as I felt that I'd already given all I had on the 5K course earlier in the season and I knew I'd just be disappointed if I tried for a PB while still recovering. I was astounded to have my friends Melly, Lisa and Leanne come to cheer Michelle (running the 5K) and I on. I started clicking off kilometres, feeling strong. At the half way point I was pretty sure I would be able to continue at the same pace. I walked up the slippery overpass hill to keep my heart rate from going insane (and from falling on my butt) but otherwise kept running. As I approached the turn for the finish, I slowed to a walk for a moment to catch my breath for the sprint to the finish. That's when I saw Michelle waiting for me, obviously wondering what was happening and thinking the worst. When I told her nothing was wrong, I was going to PB, we laughed and took off with her cheering at the top of her lungs ahead of me. Just like the Achilles and 5th Avenue Mile, it was an incredible feeling of strength, confidence and having given it all.
Tannenbaum 10K: This race is extra special for me. It's in my neighbourhood, has an amazing vibe and this year, race director Dave asked if I'd like to design the medal for the race. Of course! Members of JPsTeam and friends decided it was a good opportunity to dress up. I wound up running the whole race with Allison and Nicole and we enjoyed the fun atmosphere. Always a great race to end the season.
Other fun run events of 2016:
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So, what's in store for 2017?
HALF MARATHON / RELAY:
Despite swearing on the STWM course that I was done with half marathons after three strikes in 2016, I've put a lot of thought into what I think it would take for me to achieve one. I've looked into the different courses and will try just one more (I know, a runner's famous last words) as a goal race. I will also be doing the Niagara Falls Women's Half Marathon, but this will be an event that is focused on women and friends and the amazing race course. I'm also an ambassador which makes it so fun to really learn about a race! I'm totally excited to be part of a team of 12 runners doing a two day, one night relay from Cobourg to Niagara Falls with the Ragnar Series.
10K, 8K & 5K:
I'm hoping to take on the 8K and 5K distances again this year. I've looked at a few races and have a couple possibles narrowed down. I've also accepted an ambassadorship for the Achilles 5K, so again, maybe "We'll see" what happens!
10K? This is my most raced and possibly most struggled with distance. I know it takes a certain course and the right day for me to have a chance at ever improving my current PB.
Short and sweet:
Just after posting this recap I signed up to be an Ontario Master's Athlete. The season starts with indoor track and field races. Last winter I had the chance to watch and cheer for Michelle as she raced this series and even broke an amazing record! Let's just say it was the inspiration I needed to sign up myself. This is all very new, so we will see how it goes!
And of course still organizing and participating in tons of fun runs and events with the amazing JPsTeam!
HALF MARATHON / RELAY:
Despite swearing on the STWM course that I was done with half marathons after three strikes in 2016, I've put a lot of thought into what I think it would take for me to achieve one. I've looked into the different courses and will try just one more (I know, a runner's famous last words) as a goal race. I will also be doing the Niagara Falls Women's Half Marathon, but this will be an event that is focused on women and friends and the amazing race course. I'm also an ambassador which makes it so fun to really learn about a race! I'm totally excited to be part of a team of 12 runners doing a two day, one night relay from Cobourg to Niagara Falls with the Ragnar Series.
10K, 8K & 5K:
I'm hoping to take on the 8K and 5K distances again this year. I've looked at a few races and have a couple possibles narrowed down. I've also accepted an ambassadorship for the Achilles 5K, so again, maybe "We'll see" what happens!
10K? This is my most raced and possibly most struggled with distance. I know it takes a certain course and the right day for me to have a chance at ever improving my current PB.
Short and sweet:
Just after posting this recap I signed up to be an Ontario Master's Athlete. The season starts with indoor track and field races. Last winter I had the chance to watch and cheer for Michelle as she raced this series and even broke an amazing record! Let's just say it was the inspiration I needed to sign up myself. This is all very new, so we will see how it goes!
And of course still organizing and participating in tons of fun runs and events with the amazing JPsTeam!
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