My sister played a big part in kicking my 'I can't run' belief to the curb. In the spring of 2013, she started running. Seeing her progress and hearing how much she enjoyed it stuck with me. The competitive nature in me surfaced, and I decided to give it a try. Read more about how I started here. 

Early in her training, she signed up for her first race, the Toronto Women's 8K. She asked me if I wanted to run it with her. I knew this would be a great way to show her how much I appreciated the inspiration and support she had given me in starting to run. How do you say thanks for something that becomes so much a part of your days? Perhaps by freezing our butts of in the rain!

Throughout the week leading up to the race, my sister and I kept checking the forecast hoping that it would change. No amount of checking or wishing changed the forecast though--and on race day I woke up to gusting winds, cold temperatures and pouring rain. Needless to say our texts back and forth that morning were not ones of, "This will be amazing!" I knew that the layers that worked well in last week's STWM 5K would not be enough for this race. Hubby volunteered to make us some impromptu rain jackets from blue recycling bags. I decided on running tights, long sleeve wicking tee, technical jacket, socks, gloves, ear warmer and hat to keep the rain out of my eyes. 

We made our way to Sunnybrook Park, trying to soak up as much of the heat from the car as possible. My hubby, brother-in-law and nieces dropped us at the start and went to find parking. We huddled under the trees with the other runners, everyone desperately trying to stay dry. We shivered our way through the warm up, my sister's teeth chattering away loudly. I think everyone was thankful when it was time to start, in hopes of warming up. Our little cheering section made it to see us off in our beautiful rain gear. 

The start was somewhat of a blur of rustling bags, jackets and runners with their heads down. Thankfully the rain had slowed somewhat. Within seconds, I lost sight of my sister as she surged ahead. I hoped that she wasn't pushing too hard, but also knew that she was younger and fitter than I was, so I smiled and watched her go. The race from the previous week was still fresh in my mind--and body--so I tried to keep my pace slightly slower. I was also slowed down by the puddles along the path as runners moved back and forth on the path ahead to avoid them. At around the 3K mark I had started to warm up slightly, so I tore the plastic bag rain coat off and threw it out in a garbage bin along the path. 

Rachel Hannah (I would come to hear this name a lot more in future races!) blew by in the other direction having already passed the half way point. Many of us cheered in astonishment. Despite the weather conditions, the volunteers along the route were smiling and encouraging. As more runners passed by going the other direction, I scanned the faces for my sister. When she passed, she looked strong and happy, albeit a little drenched by the rain. We exchanged a big smile and cheer. 

Once reaching the halfway turnaround, it seemed that everyone given up on trying to avoid at the puddles and splashed right through. I knew that my pace was a little slower than the race last week, but I still felt the intensity of pushing as hard. The path became busier with the 5K runners joining the route back. Everyone trekked along, seeming especially focused on their own races and getting it done. 

I crossed the finish line feeling spent. I scanned the crowds and spotted my sister proudly wearing her first race medal and smiling. With a hug of congratulations, we shared our stories of the race and joined our slightly frozen fans on the sidelines for a couple photos. 

Despite the rain, puddles, cold and wind we were happy to have done this race together. I was glad to be able to share this moment with the person who had really inspired me to give running a try, and motivated me by example to continue. It was my way of saying thanks. Running was one of the best gifts she could have given me. 

The Scotia Toronto Waterfront 5K was my first ever road race. I started running / walking four months earlier, averaging three training runs and 15-20K a week. In those months, I dipped below 7:00 min/km a handful of times. I was very excited and nervous to experience a large race and all it entailed! 

I got up bright--okay, it was dark--and early on race day. I ate my normal breakfast of oatmeal with peanut butter, banana, blueberries and almond milk. After going to the Expo the day before, I had placed all my race gear on the dining room table. Newbie lessons learned: Nothing new on race day and get everything ready the day before when your brain is hopefully functioning and you aren't nervous or rushed.

Only a couple weeks prior to race day, I had been wearing shorts and tanks on my runs. It was chilly on race day, so decided on running tights, a tank and a running jacket. Newbie lesson learned: Dress for success. Layers that can be removed are definitely a good idea. 

Taking this quick photo at home before a race would become a tradition started on this day! Newbie lesson learned: Take photos! You will want to remember these moments!

My hubby kindly drove me to the start and then planned on navigating his way to just south of Nathan Phillips Square to hopefully see me pass by just before the finish. It was still dark when we left. Seeing the taxi in front of us with the licence plate 'eleven 11' felt like a sign that today was going to be a good day. (Anyone else who sees 11:11 on the clock all the time will understand!) Traffic on all roads surrounding the CNE was crazy! Newbie lesson learned: Always leave even more extra time than you think you could possibly need in case of traffic jams. Better to be early than to be using up nervous energy trying to get there--or having to run to get to the start! We eventually made our way to near the Princes Gate where hubby dropped me off.

I made my way towards the corral flags blowing in the early morning breeze. I ducked into the Direct Energy Center to use the washroom, but sadly the washroom doors were locked. I rushed out to join the long lines of people at the porta-potties. Newbie lesson learned: Expect lines at for the washrooms. And remember what your mother told you--it's always better to try to go just in case!

As I made my way toward my corral entrance, I passed the start and really started to get excited! Unsure of where to place myself in the corral, I made my way into the middle, among a lot of very hyper runners. Many people were dressed in costume or were there as groups supporting a charities. I was amazed at the number of kids, but more, just the sheer number of people (flash forward to other CRS races in 2014 and I would realize this was nothing!) 

When the coral was released, I took a deep breath and moved along with the crowd to the start. As I passed over the start mat, I fumbled to press the button on my iPhone's earphones to start my running app. With all the noise I didn't hear the start announcement, but I wasn't about to double check by pulling the phone out of my running belt. 

As I made my way through the start area, I was faced with walls of runners, some going a lot slower and many in big groups running together. I started darting left and right to get around them. Dart left. Run. Another wall. Dart right. Run. Repeat. Newbie lesson learned: Do not waste energy running around other runners. Looking back, I would have been better suited signing up for a faster corral so the runners were closer to the pace I was going. 

Since I had worn my running belt with a small bottle of water in it, I cruised through the water stations and used them as a reminder to have a couple sips of my water. When I saw the first kilometer marking, I realized my running app wasn't working, so had no clue as to how fast or slow my pace was. I just kept going. I recall saying in my mind, 'Just keep running...' like Dory from Finding Nemo would say if she was a runner and not a fish. 

I was pushing hard, harder than I felt I ever had. The little uphill section of Lakeshore Boulevard near Spadina slowed me down drastically. I could only imagine what my heart rate was at the moment! I slowed to a fast walk using the opportunity to pull off my jacket and tie it around my waist. The little break allowed me to catch my breath, plus cool down. Whew, okay, better. 

I saw signs for the half marathon and marathon split, and then it was time to turn up Bay Street. Thinking I was closer to the finish than I was, I picked up the pace for about 300 meters and before seeing the next distance sign. Eek! I think I just used up my last energy burst! The number of cheering spectators along the side of the street started became a good distraction, and I started scanning the crowds my hubby and dog. Suddenly, there he was! I somehow managed to yell his name, wave and smile. Seeing his proud smile back and hearing his cheers gave renewed that little burst of adrenalin and carried me the last meters to the finish.

That hint of pink near the Brooks flag is me. Hubby had been snapping photos as he scanned the crowds. In the excitement of me running past we traded a photo op for smiles and cheers! 

Just past the finish chute...I am somewhere in there lined up to get my first medal!

Of course my running buddy had to be there for my finish. She ran every single kilometer with me--except the 5 today! After getting my medal and food and taking some photos, hubby and I were walked towards where he had parked the car. We saw a bunch of racers gathered around people on computers. Could it be that I could find out my results already? Given my app mishap and uncertainty with the clock at the finish given the staggered time for the different corrals, I had no idea what my finish time was. The girl at the desk looked up my bib number. "31:43..." she said. I asked her to repeat it. "31:43..." she said again. Wow. Anyone around me would have seen a very goofy smile on my face. I had run my first race, and I had run it faster than any time I have run before! 

Sweet success.