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Ending the season with a personal - and positive - best!

10/23/2016

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Running designer Toronto Women's 8K
I signed up for the Toronto Women's 8K mostly because I couldn't resist the urge to finish the whole 2016 series!

I chose the 8K distance simply because I'd only ever raced the distance once before, in 2013. Given that it was less than a week after my half marathon, I didn't really expect much. I'd spent most of the week recovering from knee pain and the last of a cold. 

When I'd run this race the first time, it was an incredibly stormy day with rain, freezing temperatures and wind gusts. When I looked at the forecast for race day this time, it looked like it would be a repeat, just without the wind. It was what it was.

I picked up my race kit the day before, and met friends for a very non-traditional glass of wine and appetizers. This is what started the ball rolling for the 'change everything up' race. I joked with Melly and Lisa about all the things I could change for this race my previous...to take the opportunity to throw all those little traditions and 'should do's' out the window and see what happens. 

Instead of my rice, salmon and beans or pasta for dinner? I had my favourite oatmeal with peanut butter, banana and blueberries. I had two decadent cookies Lisa had made for dessert.  I ditched my lucky hair tie for one that matched my shirt. I drank a different electrolyte drink on race day. I didn't have pre-race fuel besides my breakfast. I wore compression socks, shorts and a long sleeve for the race. I warmed up. I changed up my shoes at the last minute. I didn't wear sunglasses. I almost didn't even get my race kit ready the night before as I was so tired. But I figured that was pushing the non-traditional rule just a bit!

I also had the most amazing cheer section ever! Melly, Lisa and Leanne gave up their Saturday morning opportunity to sleep in and instead trekked across the city to come freeze their bottoms off and cheer for me. You girls are awesome!
Toronto Women's race corral
Ready to race
Michelle was racing as well, but the 5K. We warmed up together for a bit before I headed back to get into the corral. I had the chance for one last hug from the girls and I was off. 

I had actually hoped going into this race that I could get a PB given my previous 8K had been my second race ever, but with all of the circumstances of the past week, I wasn't sure. 

The speed came fairly easily. I guess that's what happens when you don't let your legs run for a week!

An earphone mishap had me trying to readjust things on the go and at 1K pulling over to the side for a moment to angrily shove my earphones into my flipbelt. So much for the distraction and motivation of music! I was going to have to listen to the complaints of my brain and legs for the rest of this race. 



At the turn around for the 5K I knew I'd gone out too hard, but also that I was okay. I walked for about 10 seconds to recover my heart rate. Another kilometer. I'd forgotten the slippery pedestrian bridge and the narrow, winding incline to get to it. I could tell I was at the top end of my speed, glancing at my watch I'd been seeing mostly 5:30 - 5:45/km. I walked up the incline and then zoomed past about a dozen people on the other side that were huffing and puffing from the exertion. The wind started to pick up towards the turn around as the valley was more open here. As with every one of the Toronto Women's races, many volunteers called me by name and cheered everyone on individually. Hearing someone cheer specifically for you provides a little shot of adrenaline! I made the turn and headed for home. The next kilometer felt the easiest, and for that I was grateful. I repeated my walk / fly over the bridge section. The course got more crowded as we joined the 5K racers. I headed through the firefighters station as one held out a box of Timbits. UGH! I held up both hands and must have had a great expression on my face as several of them laughed. The wind was definitely stronger on the way back, especially in the open area near the Science Center. I took another walk 'pause' at 7K and glanced at my watch. 44 minutes. What?! Seriously?! I took off. I was going to PB...really PB. I finally approached the last underpass and corner, knowing the finish was about 250 m around the corner. I walked for a moment to catch my breath for the final sprint, knowing that my friends were there, the crowds were there and it was going to take everything I had to sprint it out. That's when I realized Michelle was right there waiting for me. She asked me if frantically if I was okay. I actually laughed and said that I was, and that I was going to get a PB! She looked at me like I was nuts and said, "Why are you walking then? GO!" She took off ahead of me, telling me she would block the wind, the whole way yelling words of encouragement. She peeled off to the side and I could hear the rest of the crew cheering on the sidelines as I focused on just crossing those mats. I crossed and looked at my watch. 47:55, a 6:03 personal best! I quickly found the girls and enjoyed every moment and every hug of celebration, so happy this had happened when they were there to share it with me! Thank you Michelle, Melly, Lisa and Leanne! I texted my husband with several one word texts... I DID IT. Which resulted in a flood of funny congratulatory giphys! Thank you Erick for being my biggest supporter of all. 
Sprint to the finish
Happy camper
Hugs for coach
Cheerleaders at Toronto Women's Run
Michelle and Cathy
Toronto Women's Medals and season finisher shirt
I started my racing season with a PB in the 5K distance, had an amazing 1 mile experience and finished out the season with another PB!

It was a good day, and another great learning experience. There were things that I did well, and other things that I could have done even better. Today, and in the season. I'm excited to put what I have learned into my training for 2017!
8 Comments

Scotia Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon - a day of humidity, hugs and hurdles

10/20/2016

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2016 marked my third Scotia Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon and fourth STWM race. This year was extra special as I was a Digital Champion as well as a participating as a part of JPsTeam. 

After two not-so-great half marathons earlier in the year, I'd made STWM my goal, thinking that the familiar course and focused training all summer would be my best bet for a personal best (PB). I'd thought, if I don't manage a PB here, I won't get one anywhere. I further thought that without a PB maybe I would forgo this distance in the future. 

A lot of eggs in one basket! 

And of course despite taking every cold prevention possible, I caught a cold a week before the race. The rest of the week I went into operation cold recovery.  I sadly chose recovery over the Torch Relay launch on Thursday night.

​Feeling a bit better, I attended the race press conference and expo on Friday and easily could have seriously spent the entire day there. You can read about me playing media girl here. 
On Saturday, a couple dozen members of JPsTeam cheered on Jean-Paul Bédard as he headed out on the first of four marathons in 24 hours. CTV's Colin DeMelo was there interviewing JP (and Melly!) and filming the entire thing and it aired that evening on the news. ​
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As I got my race kit together on Saturday afternoon and ate my pre-race dinner Saturday evening I continued to check social media for updates on JP's progress. For the first time ever in a fall race, I chose shorts and my JPsTeam tank top to wear. It was still hard to believe that the humidex would make the morning feel like temps were in the upper twenties. 

I woke up race day feeling good, and calm. I hadn't run since early in the week. My cold symptoms had decreased, but I had no idea what running 21.1K would do.

Melly and I wanted to see JP finish his third marathon on Sunday morning, so we met on the dark closed streets near the race finish. We found Mary-Anne who looked remarkable for someone who had had no sleep. We came across Alan Brookes and wished him luck on the day ahead.

After wandering and waiting on empty Bay Street, JP turned the corner with his running entourage (he never ran alone for any of the marathons in those 24 hours). After quick hugs, we watched him cross the finish in the dawning light. Off to the elite area he went to regroup for marathon number four. 
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Melly and I made our way over to University, where I'd planned a meeting spot for as many Digital Champions, JPsTeam and running friends as possible. Within 30 minutes the quiet street (and portapotties) were filled with runners. 
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I always love this part of the day. The excitement, the hugs, the smiles. I was also happy that I got to meet Sara and Rachel, two social media running friends in person. 

With selfies and a group shot acquired, we dispersed to our various corrals. Pretty much as soon as the first corral was released, it started raining. I was glad that I hadn't overdressed, as more clothes would've meant more weight once they were wet. As my corral was released, I actually laughed out loud because they were playing Dancing Queen over the speakers. At the Mississauga Half earlier this year, it had been a song on iPhone that had derailed me remembering the loss of my little dog. This song was another reminder of fun days with her, but this time I was able to smile, laugh and push on. 

Having run this course two times previously, I knew the parts I'd done well on, and where I'd struggled. I was happy with my pace up University as I managed to stay steady and not go out too fast. My pace and energy were okay along my favourite sections across Bloor and down Bathurst. Not as fast as previous years, but perhaps the steadier pace would help me in the last kilometers.

I reached Lakeshore, happy to see that I was in time to watch the women's leaders passing. This is another favourite section for me. I enjoy seeing runners pass in the opposite direction, looking for familiar faces is a great distraction which tends to give me a boost.

​I reached 10K and checked my time. I'd just managed to hold my pace to stay within PB reach, but I was finding it extremely hard to do so. I was already running 30-45 seconds slower than my coach had told me I could do based on my fitness. If I could maintain the same pace for the next 11.1K, I'd see a PB. But I was headed into the hardest part of the course for me, complete with a couple inclines. I took inventory of how I was feeling... basically wiped, slightly lightheaded, with both knees getting increasingly sore. Knowing my family was tracking me online, I decided to see how the next 5K went and then reevaluate. Over those kilometers I quickly realized there was no way I'd be able to hold on.  At the 15K mat I decided that was it.

Racing a half marathon after being sick all week was ambitious but looking back, I'm glad I took the risk and am really proud of pushing and achieving as much as I had in the first 5, 10 and even up to 15K. I had no qualms about finishing the rest of the race as slowly as I needed to. 
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Around 17K as I was thinking of all this, my phone rang and texts started flooding in. "I'm hurt." It was Melly. I quickly called her and we determined that she was only about 500 meters behind me. "I'm waiting for you," I told her. She told me not to, but I explained that my race was done. I'd already resigned myself to walk the whole way if I had to. I am not sure she believe me at first, but sounded relieved none-the-less. I quickly called Erick and told him not to worry if the blip on the on-line tracker had suddenly slowed. I asked him to contact our family members to let them know what was happening.
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Melly caught up and we proceeded to trek along the last 3-4 kilometers walking, crying, hugging, seeing friends...and sometimes running. My knees seized up painfully each time I ran. We managed a nice sprint along the final 200 meters, managing to get ahead of a pace bunny and group and finished arm in arm. ​There was no place I rather be. 
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After a bit of wandering and recovering, we watched the awards ceremony and then lined up for coffee. It was the perfect time to give Melly the Nutella medal Erick and I had made for her. To help raise funds for JPsTeam, Melly had given up Nutella for 165 days before the race. The race finish signified that she could have her precious snack back again. Along with the medal, I'd given her a little jar which she promptly opened and ate, much to the amusement of everyone around us (and anyone watching on Facebook live). 
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The next few hours were spent wandering around Nathan Phillips Square and the finish. We found and hugged friends, cheered friends up Bay to the finish. Slowly our day was evolving into another kind of PB. 
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Much sooner than anticipated, we received word from Lisa (our texting tracker) that Jean-Paul was headed for the finish. Our little group was allowed through to the VIP area just as he crossed the finish to the huge cheers of those around him. We managed to catch up to JP, Mary-Anne and Edison for more hugs and tears.  

I gave JP the other medal we'd made which was on behalf of JPsTeam for his incredible accomplishment. A few more tears were definitely shed by everyone. 24 hours. 4 marathons. It was impossible to not be impressed. It was an amazing way to finish an incredible day. 
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Thanks Canada Running Series for having me as a Digital Champion this year. I greatly enjoyed the experience. STWM is always a PB in my year!
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Fan girl plays media girl for the day

10/14/2016

2 Comments

 
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Approaching Scotia Toronto Waterfront race weekend, I asked Canada Running Series if I could cover the press conference as a Digital Champion. Happily they agreed!

​I arrived at the expo and received my media badge (!!!) I made my way to the main stage area, finding many of the seats already filled.  It's been said that this year's elite field is the strongest in STWM history.  I would have loved to have seen my face when I realized it was those elites that were sitting in the seats around me! 

The press conference introduced speakers including race director Alan Brookes, Toronto city Councillor Mary Fragedakis and Shane Dolgin from Scotiabank who announced that the sponsorship of the race would continue for another five years! 
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This year's race has a very special focus on the charitable side. Each year STWM has many different charities that participants can raise funds for. If you are a follower of my blog you will know that as a Digital Champion I support Jean-Paul Bedard's #JPsTeam which benefits The Gatehouse and Little Warriors. Alan Brookes introduced representatives of several of these charities to present the race bibs to the top elite runners of the race. ​
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Robert MacDonald of the Toronto Rehab Foundation presents Kenyan runners Ishmael Chetan and Julius Arile with their bibs. ​
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Casey Panning of the Toronto Humane Society presents Ethiopian runners Ashete Bekere and Seboka Diababa with their bibs. ​
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Jennifer Lui of Skylark Children, Youth & Families presentsEthiopian runners Sure Demise and Fatima Sado with their bibs.
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David Bambek of Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada presents bibs to Eric Gillis and Ed Whitlock.
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David Charcoals of Epilepsy Halton and Peel Region presents bibs to Krista DuChene and Rachel Hannah.
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Tina Gaisin of Gilda's Club of Greater Toronto presents bibs to Leslie Sexton and Tarah Korir. ​
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Alexandra Preface of Asperger's Society of Ontario presents bibs to BC girls Erin Burrett and Dayna Pidhoresky. ​
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The press conference ended with a group photo of the charitable presenters and elite participants who then had the opportunity to sign the wall before thousands of race participants that would be attending the expo on Friday and Saturday. 
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Love these two!
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Allison and her friends Trudy and Dani are running their first marathon on Sunday!
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Thanks Cananda Running Series for the opportunity to be here today. I had as much fun as this bunch!
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    Cathy V

    Running. Design.  Family. Dogs. Gardening. Food. Crochet. Canadian. 
    ​Order varies. 


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