Leslie-Anne's Robert Hamilton 10 Miler race report-October 2011

Robert Hamilton Memorial
“10 Miler”

First race since IMC, a “10 miler” why not?

When deciding which races I would undertake for the fall this one landed on a weekend that I was actually in the city. It was also before an evening event that I did not wish to leave early or say no to a 2nd glass of wine or a single malt scotch because of a race (Halloween Howler) the next day. So I signed up and began training.

As for the training it went well, no problems body felt good, some rust but shook that out. Long runs were in Regina where it is so nice and flat, just like the course here (save for the overpasses). No worries I thought, this should be a good start for the next set of “foot” races I am doing (Banff Winter Start and Last Chance ½).
The goal for this race was pacing. Simple enough wear a watch, check the times as I cross the markers, negative or even split I should be able to do that.

I put all my gear together the night before, made arrangements to park at a friend’s house near the start (as well as a shower and coffee after the race) ate a light meal, relaxed reading and watching the Riders lose (but they did score a touchdown after not scoring one for 4.5 games!) Go to bed and realized I had forgotten to pick up my race package! D’OH! Thankfully we could pick it up race day.

A light meal (toast with peanut butter) and ONE cup of coffee (sans cream) I drag my daughter out of bed and we head to the race start. This time of year it is dark at 7:00am, coolish as well. Got my race package, hung out with Tara for a bit then headed off to do my 20-25min pre race warm up run (prepping for Last Chance ½). This was a good thing as I headed towards Shouldice and the always-open-at-730am-on-a-Sat-morning-hockey rink. The looks I got! Yes Dads, there are other people up with you on an early weekend day! 
Headed back and within moments of arriving the race started. Wished Tara luck and we were off! Purrrrrfect so I thought. No pressure on me as we began.

Hit the 1st mile marker and I noticed my time (yes, I did look and remembered) and thought it was too fast. I eased up a bit and still had not slowed enough by the 3rd marker. There was NO way I would be able to keep that pace, I had to figure out what to do as I eased up some more wham! The cramps started and not a porta potty in sight. The volunteer didn’t know if there were any and I was in a place where I had to duck down off the trail, behind the shrubberies and hope the cars on the 14th Ave bridge were averting their eyes at that very moment (said in a southern belle accent).
Back at it and make the turn around and was beginning to catch up to people that I had already passed! Then wham! More cramps and thank goodness for the River Café.
Back at it and now running with no spirit, joy or even my usual competitiveness.



All I wanted was to get off the f*#king course. To challenge the situation my left foot reminded me that my plantars was not happy and to add insult to injury my right knee began to revolt. At that moment I said “f**k it”, this is not a key race, the Last Chance Half is and I walked when I needed to and ran until my foot and knee said no.

I did run to the finish line and the last 100meters with Heather (daughter) by my side. She is a great incentive not to choke up or swear at myself. Crossed the line and without checking as to date, one of the last ones over I believe.
Got my socks and headed to my girlfriends for recovery time. Nothing a hot shower, the best oatmeal ever, tasty coffee and “gab time” can’t fix. I left there refreshed and good for the day.

I learned once and for all that I have to pace myself especially at the start. As for the internal challenge, I’m thinking I might have to try Imodium. I lost a good 6-7 minutes with both stops, very depressing to say the least. I have been careful as to what I take in the day and night before. A continual work in progress!

A good thing about starting early that day, I got some quality time with my daughter, and later that night I did indeed have another glass of wine. 