Around the Bay 5k

Last Sunday, I took part in the 5k race of the “rite of passage”, Around The Bay race. This race is being promoted as Older than Boston and is used as a time trial or training run for the Boston marathon, depending on who is running/racing it.

My friends were all doing the 30k, me being the conservative soul that I am, didn’t want to overdo it and jeopardize my racing year. Although I “am” cured of Plantar Fasciitis, I am still fragile, I can feel it sometimes. Ok, this may make me paranoid but I really don’t care. I've never been a dare devil. 

But when I heard that a friend was not able to attend the 5k race, I threw caution to the wind and asked for his registration. I was willing to pay the fee but he gave it to me. All I had to do was pay the $15 transfer fee because frankly, I had no interest in running as Dan, especially when said person is UBER fast!

I’m excited. I’m going to race and I’m going to be with my friends. Best of all, I’m going to be at the race that I had to tell everyone last year that I couldn’t do because I was injured. This was the beginning of the year from hell... Running this race felt like redemption.

Pre-Race Day

I get the rental car Saturday morning then pick up my two friends to drive to Hamilton to pick up our race kits and go to expo. I love that expo. It’s full of deals. I think it’s because it may not cost as much to have a boot there so the savings are passed on to us runners. And what stuff they have. I score a pair of pink Zoot in size 9 for $50! Way cool. I immediately decide to wear them for the race. I also try on a pair of Mizuno but don’t buy them. This I still regret. I get tempted with other deals but I also remember the credit card balance from Paris.

I get my bib number, 8462 and race kit. I couldn’t get the Tshirt size changed so large it has to be. Too bad cause it’s a nice one and technical material instead of cotton! We get the a disposable time chip. I guess they’re cheaper to produce? I’m not keen on those. I’ve seen too many of them on the ground at Sporting Life 10k race. So I tie it extremely well.

We then head out  to Ikea and Costco. By the time we are finished, I’m TIRED!!! Exactly what one is not supposed to do before a race! Home for a well deserved nap then heading over to the neighbours for some pasta. Gotta load on them carbs!!

It has been a while indeed since I’ve prepared for a race. Paris was different. It almost didn’t feel like a race, if that can ever be. So I had to go through my normal routine… Clear out everything and lay out all my stuff on my dining room table. Outfit, shoes with timing chip securely fastened, jacket, gloves, head band, iPod, race belt, Garmin nearby charging. We’re leaving at 6:45 so I have to go to bed early.

Race Day

I slept very well, not nervous at all and get up at 5:30 am. I need time to work up an appetite, get ready/sorted out and maybe deal with last minute stuff. I drink my lovely espresso and eat a little something eventually. Man it takes me a long time to get hungry in the morning, even worse on race day.

Make it over to the neighbours place and off we go. Aestus is feeling a bit under the weather so he’s in his bubble. Thomas is also nervous, I think, but he’s hiding it well, as always. We make it to Hamilton in almost record time and hit Tim Hortons for a coffee/bagel and take in the atmosphere. It’s full of runners! I also see a friend, Sherlita who is doing the 30k. I only have coffee and I come to regret this. I get so hungry waiting for the race to start!

I have to check in my bag because I’ll be finished way before them so we also leave their stuff in the car. We parked it closer to the highway as last year we got stuck in the worst traffic jam eva… not something I want to repeat this year. We get to the Coliseum, I leave them at the Running Room boot and go find the baggage check area. Copps Coliseum is a zoo. Full of runners. This race IS popular, it always sell out and is extremely well supported by the community. Toronto can learn a thing or two about it…

 

It’s a beautiful, sunny but cold morning. No wind to speak of. Perfect day for a race, couldn’t have asked for better temperature/weather. At 9:00 ish we start to make our way outside. Of course, it’s full of runners so the trek to the front door is very slow… one of my former LTR student is doing the 30k and she is petrified. Riddled with second doubts and anxiety, she has this look of pure terror in her eyes. Sean and I get her close to us so they can start together. I get into “supporter/encourager” mode. I want her to do well, I know she will do well. But she has to learn to believe it.

9:30 the gun goes off. And the thousands and thousands of runners are off. ATB really has to start setting up corrals because it’s a free for all. I take a few pictures then make my way to the 5k start line. We’re off at 9:45. I finally get there and seed myself not too far from the front. 9:45, the gun goes off and we do too. I thought I had a good position but I quickly realize that I should have been closer to the front because there are LOTS and LOTS of walkers and they’re NOT power walking, they’re STROLLING!!!

So I do a fair amount of zig-zagging for the first kilometre, passing a lot walkers and runners. My pace is good, not too fast, just perfect. I’m wearing the pink ZOOT I purchased the day before and as always, analyze every single feeling I have in my legs/feet. All is good, a little sensation in my right heel/foot but nothing major and it quickly disappears. Breathing is good, pace is ok, I’m passing people. I had set up the Garmin for 2.5km intervals. When I arrive at the water station, I quickly signalled for water then walked my 1 min break. I start running again before the end of my walking break. The last bit is definitely hilly. Once I reach the top of the last one, Copps Coliseum is in view. Nice. Home stretch! I start thinking about how I want to finish. I feel strong so decide to make it a race and go for it. I start to overtake runners. I like overtaking runners... I turn the corner, crowds are cheering on so I go even faster. Soon we get to the entrance and it’s a steep downhill. I am not worried about it, I’ve done my hills training well. I embrace it and speed down that slope. I turn the corner and then see the finish line, I give all I have left. By the time I crossed the finish line my lungs were burning and I was totally and utterly happy. I had done the race in 28:46:53, not a PB like I thought but still a very respectable time.

 

I get my water, get into the finish area, get handed a plastic bag then realize it’s for the goodies… and a medal! I get a medal! The official photo is really crappy but I don't care, I don't do races for the photos... I do them for the bling!

I slowly make my way to the baggage check, pick up my bag and settle myself to wait for my friends. I feel good, I feel happy I feel accomplished. But most of all, I really feel like I’m back. I slept very well that night...

Next goal is Mercedes Benz 10k on May 8. Bring it on....