I couldn’t have asked for better conditions for the Harry’s
Spring Run-Off race today – absolutely amazing. Clear blue skies, sun shining
and barely any wind, hello spring!
I took the bus to the race and it was a great atmosphere
from moment I stepped onto the bus because everyone was wearing the Harry’s
lime green and blue t-shirts that were part of the race package. I arrived early, about 45 minutes before
start time to get my bearings and check out the booths. I put my headphones
in and toured around the start and finish line areas. Everything was so
organized and all of the volunteers were so friendly and accommodating. There were
food and beverage booths, a massage tent and a live band. I tried some of the
Oasis strawberry-banana smoothie samples – delicious, just the spark of
sweetness that I needed!
I did a short jog to warm up and made my way to the start
line. At the start line there were corrals where you lined up based on where
you expected your time to be. I started in the green corral for people hoping
for a time in between 40:00-43:00 minutes. I was hoping for around 40:30.
The race started and it was a slight downhill until we got
onto the seawall. I was expecting it to be pretty squished at the beginning
because the path was fairly small but it wasn’t that bad at all. The first
three kilometers were quite relaxed and the sun was at our backs as we looped
under the Lion’s Gate Bridge. This is when I realized I was over dressed. I wore a
long sleeve shirt and t-shirt over top, just one shirt would have been
sufficient because I was quite sweaty already. We were then in the shade around
kilometers 4-6, I was trying to keep pace with some people around me, and keep
steady until we hit the last two kilometers because I was on pace to
potentially do a sub 40 minutes.
By kilometer 7, around Lost Lagoon, we had hit some slight
hills that had pushed me back a bit in my splits and even though the pedestrian
footbridge was small, it was a little difficult at the end of the race. After
that, it was onto the home stretch! I dug in deep for the last few meters. I could see the seconds tick by on the clock - they always seem to click by
faster when you are running and hoping for a good time. I crossed the finished line and looked down at my
watch – 40:00 right on the dot. I was pleased with my time but I wish I had
given it a little bit extra just to see a 39.
All runners were given a hat and a power bar for finishing –
I thought this was a great idea and a practical token that I will use in my up
coming training. I hope you all achieved your goals today; I am definitely on a
post run high and can’t wait to continue my training for the half!
What has been the coolest thing you have received from a
race?
