Running Articles
Team Diabetes Athens Race Report
On November 8th I attempted the full marathon in Athens, Greece following in the footsteps of Phidippides. Unfortunately things did not go according to plan and I did not finish the race. The race began bright and early with 15C temperature and buckets and buckets of rain. After freezing for 2 hours at the startline waiting for the race to begin we were off. Usually the first 5km are the hardest for me but I knew by kilometer two that this wasn't going to be a good run. I guess because of the cold I was cramping up and the aches and pains were beginning already whereas normally they don't start until at least 20km. Not a good sign. What I didn't realize was that course is taken down at a six-hour-pace not at six hours. Running slightly slower than this pace I quickly realized that I did not get any race services - course markers, fresh water, powerade, bananas, etc. I had some granola bars and 20 oz of powerade with me but I was relying on these services. Being without slowed me down even more. At around 22km I was hit by a bicylist. I was already feeling quite lonely and nervous considering that the course was open to vehicles, and I was the only runner I could see in front or behind. The Athens Classic Marathon route was chosen to be the "true first marathon route" and therefore wasn't chosen for its scenic properties. I stopped and waited 10 minutes until the next participants came along so that I could continue and feel a little safer. I met up with two americans. We continued on power walking on the sidewalk until some race officials aggresively encouraged us to get into the van and get transported to the finish line. I was quite upset about how everything came about.
Run for the Cure
On October 4th I met up with the ladies from Women In Science and Engineering (WISE) Sudbury to participant in the 5km Run for the Cure for Breast Cancer. I haven't run in this event since high school and since I now have some training experience I could look on the whole experience with new eyes. It was lovely to enter into a race and there be no timing chips. Everyone was there for the charity, to dress in pink or just to get a fun run in. The atmosphere was lovely. They even had a stage set up and got people to dance to 'warm-up.' The kids especially enjoyed this. Actually as expected this event was very family friendly. Lots of kids, strollers and many dogs.
Because I completed my longest-run-ever (29km) the day before I was feeling pretty sore for this race. I had even wearing toe-seperators the night before, the kind you use to paint your toenails, in order to keep my toes/blisters apart. So running so soon after meant I now have blisters on top of blisters - yum. And I'm now walking a little slower after the 5k than beforehand. I have no idea how anyone could participate in the Goofy Challange at Disneyworld (run a full marathon on sat and a half-marathon on sunday)!!
On a personal note, my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer this year and as such I dedicated my run to her.
Ottawa Army Run
On Sunday I took part in the Army Run in Ottawa. It started off with a bang - literally - they shot off a cannon to start the race. It was a beautiful course that started downtown and ran along the Ottawa canal all the way to the experimental farm, around Dow's Lake and then onto Queen Elizabeth Drive back downtown. Dave followed me the whole way cheering me on every 5kms or so. It meant a lot to have someone on the course with me since I was running alone.
I started out pretty stron setting a new personal best for the 10km with a time of 73'49". The second half of the run slowed down as I was having a lot of pain in my lower back. My new orthotics have been great for my feet, no pain there, but they are a killer on my lower back! Ultimately I came across the finish line with a chip time of 2:47:22 coming in 317/334 in my age-gender group.
After the race Jen, Melanie, Jim and I went to Le Nordik to soak in the nordic baths. Jen asked about massage cancellations and luckily there was an opening so I had a 60min swedish massage to aid in recovery. Thanks Jen! I love massages! We stayed at the spa for almost 4 hours - I love that place - especially the hot tubs.
SudburyRocks Race, Run or Walk for Diabetes
On Sunday May 3, 2009 I ran the 5k race at the Sudbury Rocks Marathon! I posted a chip time of 42:04 and came in 45/64 of women in my age range (20-29). 332/520 overall. Yay for being not last! And not completely terrible considering I had only 4 training runs before the race. Procrastination in my name! What was extra special is that I started the race with my friend Ching. She, however, is not into the endurance running and therefore took off like the wind finishing under 30minutes! (Which by the way is my 5km time goal - so jealous). I was doing okay for much of the run. The last kilometer I had a side stitch on my left side and ran with my fingers pressed into my side. "I can't walk now, the finish is just around the corner...sort of." Ching and Dave were waiting for me at the finish! I have another metal to add to my collection! Go figure that I would start having a collection of running metals and bibs.
Rio de Janeiro Marathon
Rio de Janeiro, also known as the 'Marvelous City', is a place where people live life to the fullest! It is most famous for its annual Carnival celebration, but Rio is just as lively in the off-season.
Rio was the destination for my second Team Diabetes event. On June 29 2008 I participated in the Rio de Janeiro Half Marathon race in a time of 2:55:29. I was fortunate to find a few other Team Diabetes participants in the half marathon that ran at approximately the same pace. For the majority of the race I ran with Lisa but she went on ahead about three quarters the way through. Soon I met up with Amanda and Tammy and took a loooong walking break before I took off ahead and struggled the last three kilometers to the finish line. The dynamics of the Team Diabetes members this year was great since it was such a small group (25-30).
SudburyRocks Race, Run or Walk for Diabetes
The Sudbury Rocks!!! Race, Run or Walk for Diabetes is Northern Ontario’s largest distance event. The event features a full slate of 5 events for walkers and runners of all abilities. It also offers Canada’s only age graded chase marathon – this allows EVERYONE the chance to win! A chase marathon is a staggered start by age and gender with prizing and finishing based on the adjusted times.
On May 4 2008 I participated in the Sudbury Rocks Marathon 10 km race in a time of 1:18:01. I was really impressed at how well the course was marked out and the encouragement given by the many volunteers! I hope to participate in next year's race on May 3rd.
