This was my first competitive run in an 8km, so no matter what time I did, it would be a personal best. That being said, I wanted to maintain my pace throughout, with limited walk breaks. It was a perfect start to spring, the sun was shining and there was a nice breeze in the air. It was the first time, that I haven't needed to use the potties excessively before the race, I don't know if it has been the change in diet, or that I have been training regularly for the marathon, I had found peace with myself. (No upset tummy!! Yay!!!)
The race started at 10:00, and after a warm up walk around the seawall, and the Steve Nash fitness instructor led us in a quick stretching exercises. Then we were off, I crossed the start line two minutes after the start. The first 2 kms were hard, and I felt really heavy and took a while for me to find my groove. I found that I wore too many layers, and was incredibly hot, I didn't bring my bottle, due to the short distance, however after 3kms I was feeling very dehydrated and was wishing that the water station was closer.
I found a lady who was running around my speed and used her to pace me for the last 5 kms. At the half way mark, I quickly grabbed some water, and took my first walk break through the water station. Then I quickly caught up with my pacing buddy and tried to maintain an even speed. When I hit the 6 km mark, I was at 42 minutes. My hopes for finishing under an hour seemed a little out of reach! I put on my Ipod and kept plugging away with the music motivating me, and my pacer running a bit faster, I gave it my all in the next 2 kms. I ran across the line in 56:35:48 which I was very happy with.
I will definitely do this race again next year, it was very well organized and all the volunteers seemed happy to be there, and the course was peaceful and scenic. (Made me realize how much I love living in Vancouver)
I stretched a lot after the race, something that I neglect to do after many of my races, and walked back around the Seawall for a cool down. I got home and stretched some more, and ran a tennis ball along my IT band, as I couldn't face the foam roller. I went for a recovery run yesterday, with my friend Winnie, and my legs felt good. I'm excited about the half marathon in a few weeks time on the Sunshine Coast, I am happy with the way my training is going for my ultimate goal of the Fargo Marathon come May 21!!!
(On a side note, I also participated in Shake Your Shamrock Virtual Run, however I was too late to submit my times. I added the the 8kms to the 5km's that I ran on Friday night, and walked on Sunday (around the sea wall) for a total of 13kms, in approximately 1:30. )
