Being someone else

My new identity :)

Not the best photo...

For a day yesterday, well, during a race that is, I was someone else. I've never ran a race under someone else's bib before and while it felt ok (no guilt for this MIT!!) it was definitely strange. For example, I had no idea of her last name, nor her expected finish time. I somehow felt I had to do well and avoid letting her down :) The high end of her expected time was 1:36 and I did 1:45 so I think I did well.

Because I didn't have a lot of time to prepare, i.e. obsess over, for this race, I went without a real plan. I knew I wouldn't be racing with music, I still haven't replaced my iPod and there is no way I was running 16k with the iPhone. It's bulky and fiddly. Ok for short runs but not for a race. I still carried it in my belt as it is a must to track your friends but decided to be a grown up and run without music. I also looked at the route and realized there would be TONS of water stations so left the water belt at home. No need to carry extra weight :)

So firmly in racing mode, I laid out my racing outfit the evening before: black/blue running skirt with matching blue sleeveless top. Elegant, comfy and well, I look good in it! I wanted to wear the Saucony Mirage (they match lol) but decided last minute to wear the Fastswitch as they are the ones I plan on racing in Montreal with.

I had a good dinner, again, no wine (haven't had wine in a month and I don't really miss it... nah, who am I kidding??? I AM missing it but I'm determined to make it through!), plenty of water. Had my chips in the afternoon, napped a lot due to my headache yet was able to go to bed at my normal time and fall asleep not long after lights out. Got up at 6:30, had my espresso, oatmeal, put running outfit on, checked the Garmin and made my way to the neighbours to find out my new identity then head over to the race to meet my running peeps. This is an easy one to get to, it's just 5 minutes walk to the start line.

The happy couple!

I like to arrive early at a race. I like the excitement, the energy. I'm not really nervous but I'm hoping the clouds will stay where they are, in front of the sun. I also got to meet someone very special that morning. A fellow runner from Scotland who has been very helpful to me in my challenging weeks of training. She is here to visit but primarily to attend a very special wedding. Two people from probably very different background but united by a common passion, running, met at the Running Room, fell in love and will marry on Saturday. So it IS possible to find love...

The bride to be, JuneAnn

So after I finally meet Helen and get my hug, we hang out a little bit but then it's time to make our way to the start line. Many in the group were doing the run as a "fun run" with the bride and groom to be. Since I was "racing" it, I made my way to the corral with my friend Vicky who had left her Garmin at home. We ran together for about 5k, then she felt good so decided to push on. I kept my pace, didn't want to burn out. This was a test in strategy. I wasn't going for anything in particular but I wanted to keep an even pace for 3/4 of the race, then speed up for the rest. I drank Gatorade at every water station, taking a few seconds to walk and drink rather than risking having half of it on my top.

I reached the 8k mark at 53:37.2. I'm feeling good, looking around me, thinking about everything and nothing. I observe fellow runners, keep hearing my coach's voice in my head "posture Sylvie, posture!" and unconsciously I stand taller, shoulders down and back, looking straight ahead. I'm comfortable. My shoes are fabulous, so light, you feel like you're not lifting anything.

We finally complete the loop and are on our way back! Yay!!! This is known territory for me so I know where we're at and how much left to do.There is a guy who is letting a "HUNH" every time he breathes. Distracting and quickly became annoying. I ask myself: do I slow down and let him go ahead or speed up and hopefully lose him? Guess what I did... :)   I'm still doing 10/1s but the last minute of running is done at a faster pace. Recovery for 1 minute, then repeat. My legs are getting tired but no pain/discomfort.

Very creative costume!

We finally leave the spit and make our way onto the street. Once we turn on Commissioner, there is more traffic and some motorists are NOT happy with having to wait THAT long so that we can do our turns. As I approach our turn onto Cherry Street (not long now... not long...) there is a motorist who let out a few expletives and honk his horn angrily. I yelled at him "you could encourage us instead you know...", not sure if it made a difference but dammit, it felt good to say it! Then I saw one of my friend being a course marshall so it was "hey, high five!!" what a boost.

As we turn onto Lakeshore, I start to pass people who are struggling a little bit. I silently send them strong vibes (I'm still a bit shy in giving encouragement as I'm not always sure how it will be received) and continue on my way. We turn onto Cherry Street, then up to past Mill Street so I give all I have left. Finish time is 1:44:58. My second split was 52:36.4 a slight negative and this made me sooooo happy. THIS is what I was aiming for.

I met my friend Vicky who finished before me, we get our water, then our goodies and meet other people. We go for a FREE massage/ART, then over to my place to change and meet friends at a restaurant to celebrate.  I didn't get to spend as much time with Helen as I had hoped and I'm hopeful I'll get to see her again before she returns to Scotland.

Overall, a great day, fantastic race, well executed, fabulous weather and maybe not a PB but a much much better executed race for me. I'm happy, confident that things will go well for me in Montreal, in 40 days!!!