Last Chance Half Marathon
Race Report
For the first time since joining TTL I was able to do this race. The reason being was my beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders decided very early in the season that me doing this race was waaayyyyy more important to them than winning enough games to be in the semi final play-offs that are held the same weekend. So thanks Riders, I appreciate the support.
The preparation for this race was not stressful. I was still feeling pretty good after IMC and had enough in me to focus on this distance during training.
Last weekend’s 8km in Banff was fun and as a result I was looking forward to this race.
The other thing that kept me focused was the fact that fellow TTL’er Tara Beattie volunteered to run with me. Not ahead of me as usual, but with me. She said she wasn’t ready to race but could run it instead. Hmmm, her run pace would be close to my “race pace” but I was MORE than happy to have someone of higher calibre running with me.
We did a couple of runs together and she said it would be a good day. I told her I would love to make or break my PB of 2:08 set at the Harvest Half in 2010. She said no problem, she would “do the numbers” in order for that to occur.
My task was to try and solve my internal challenge that has plagued me at every race since that Harvest Half.
I decided that I had to take something for my internal challenge, spoke to a pharmacist and it was advised that one-hour prior race start I would take on capsule of Imodium. I told everyone that my new friend “Emo” was with me for this race. A lot was riding on this and I was trusting that I wouldn’t be let down.
We (Tara and I) were there to see Kelly off on the earlier start. She was worried that she would be alone for the 9:30am start but there were several runners. Part of me thought I should be starting then too!
Our time arrived and we were off. Pacing was up to Tara and we were a group of 4 as there were 3 TTL’ers and another runner who was hoping for 2:08 as well.
As we continued, I was not talkative but I certainly enjoyed the camaraderie of those around me. I was not feeling any discomfort as we hit the 10k mark at 1:01. Good pacing as Tara kept us all honest. (She said she was feeling nervous being in charge, I say HA!)
We lost one of our party (John, TTL’er from Bragg Creek) as he went ahead, fair enough, he stated he enjoyed the pace as it kept him from going out too fast as he has in past).
The lead runner was heading back around this point, wow, amazing to see such talented athletes and be in the same race.
The turn-around point finally appeared and we were “one of those people” on the return. One thing about out and backs is the chance to see other runners and especially those we know. It was great to see Coach Sharon doing so well and Nate also from TTL (or was!).
Things seemed to be going well, I was a little stressed but not to the point where I was required to slow down. I was thinking this could be the day; I would at least come close to my PB when the ominous signs of me needing to stop began. The verbal barrage of language that went through my head was not good. I tried to ignore the gurgling but it was to no avail. I had to tell Tara that I had to stop. I told her to continue on. I was at 13km.
When I got back on the pathway Tara was waiting for me. It took everything I had not to break down completely at that point. I was embarrassed and really f*cking mad at myself. I struggled with understanding what is it about me? How can I take what is suppose to deter this and yet it doesn’t? Is that my super power? Well no thanks; it is NOT what I would deem a desirable super power.
Tara respected me enough to let me deal with my demons and push them aside. I was mad now and as a result picked up the pace. Later on she told me we were under 6min kilometres for a good 5 km after that.
So now we are 18km out and again, the threat of having to stop was occurring again. I didn’t want to walk. I wanted to keep running but I knew if I didn’t stop an accident on Memorial was going to happen. The question at 19.5km was should I stop or keep walking. The latter as chosen as it was movement of the right kind, going forward.
There is no way at 20km I was going to walk. Only 6mins to the finish, I could make that. So we (Tara was still with me, she is a true friend to have done as such) started back running.
We had a laugh at the gal who sprinted just as we were on her heels in the finishing chute, both Tara and I said, “whatever”. It was I however, that said let’s kick it up as I wanted to be at least under 12:13 and we were. Just.
Great support from the TTL’ers who were at the finish line and within minutes I was off to the Y. No worry about blockage from the Imodium that’s for sure.
We gathered afterwards in the Garage, with a tasty brunch and a chance to relax. I did meet someone who stated it was his second half. He said he was doing these races as he was thinking of getting into triathlons. I told him the 3 of us (Tara, Kelly and I) were triathletes. He figured that out, as we were all wearing our “colours”. He asked me what my time was, and when I told him he said, “Wow, that’s pretty good”. At that moment I agreed, it was. Given the calibre of athletes that were there, had I PB”ed” today it would have only put me up 3 places in my AG. So, I came home at peace about how I did.
A most excellent eastern semi-final football game followed by an exciting western semi-final game helped in the recovery. I now know I will not be watching the Montreal Allouettes OR the Calgary Stampeders in the Grey Cup this year! Works for me!
BBQ’d steak, baked tater, red wine followed by an ice cream at Marble Slab (or is that Marble Flab) has put me in a better space. I didn’t PB today but I worked on my pacing and that was the main goal. Many thanks to Tara who helped me overcome my anger (which is based on fear, pain and powerlessness together or separately) and kept me focused on going forward.
Not sure if I will ever be able to rid myself of this issue but in the meantime I know what I am capable of and can only look to better it.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Leslie-Anne's Banff Winterstart Race Report
Banff Winter Start
“5 Miler” Race Report
This race was not looked at as a “race” per se, more like an opportunity to go to Banff, run a bit, then go and do some dancing with some friends. Good enough for me to sign up!
After a dismal “10 miler” race a few weeks ago, I decided that the Banff Winter Start was just about fun. This was a good thought process as my runs that led up to this run were excellent.
I have had a couple of opportunities to run with fellow TTL’er Tara Beattie, who in my eyes is a great runner. It is wonderful to have someone to run with, who is very patient when I stop as required and ever so gently gets me to increase my speed.
Car-pooling is the way to go and with everyone in the same race our conversations were varied! A quick check of the course let us know there were some icy spots but not enough to be too concerned. There was more of an uphill that I thought but I was ok with that as I love to run uphill, the downhill is always my concern.
Checked in and off I went to get my race package. A bit of a snack, wee rest and next thing it was time to head out.
There were runners emerging from everywhere! I did not think about how big the race was! Lots of glow stick accessories, costumes (the guy with the Sherlock Holmes cape and hat with just a Speedo “banana hammock” was a bit much I do say) abound. This led to a festive atmosphere that helped calm my nerves and consequently my stomach. The latter was not really happy and I thought at least in the dark, I could dash off the course if need be.
Found a few TTL people but never did see Angie! I heard reports that she was there and did see the race results so I guess she was!
Gun went off and the race began. Decided to pace myself, the urge to really take off was there but knew that the hill would slow many down so I let people pass and I passed as need be. Cindy Spence and I started together and she gained on me. I let it be.
We were at the hill before I knew it and up I went. I was in 7th heaven! At that moment I was very glad that I live where I do, and the amount of hills that I do just on a regular run paid off. I did not let it bother me that the lead runner was on the bottom of the hill when I was starting. That was his race I was doing mine. I passed all kinds of people and at a nice steady pace. My heart rate was comfortable and I was really pleased with how I was feeling. Turn around was there before I knew it. To be honest I was a bit disappointed, as I knew I would loose some of the ground I had gained, as the downhill is my weak point.
Time: 25:15 (as best I could see, poor light and my eyes “aren’t quite as good as they used to be”
I did ease up for two reasons, the light was poor and not knowing the course all that well I was concerned I’d hit one of the icy spots (there were only a few but still) and slip. The other was my knee. If I go to fast on a downhill it actually hurts so I ease up. Between those two challenges I did have people pass me, including Cindy who passed me right after the turn around.
Once I hit the bottom and the flats I knew I could do something with the remaining course. I began to pick up my pace. Not too much just enough to gain. I knew I was getting close to the finish as the streetlights were looming and I picked up the pace even more. My heart rate increased and I have in past races slowed up as not to wear myself out. I pushed through that feeling of “tiredness” as I know I had it in me to keep it up. I saw Cindy ahead and that was the rabbit that I needed. I kept up my pace and caught up to her.
The last turn to the finisher arch was tight and icy, argh!! I had to ease up not to slip! Last push and we were through. Finishing time 47:03! 17/68 in my age group!
Cindy and I headed down to the post race venue, the parkade of the Caribou Lodge! Lots of water and lots and LOTS of beer (Big Rock Lime!) to be enjoyed by all. We grabbed a beer and found a table to hang out at. Excellent post race vibe!
My internals left me alone for the race (FINALLY) but would not let me finish my beer in peace. That was ok I was done the race! We hung out a bit longer but had 9:00pm dinner reservation so off to the hotel we headed to get dolled up for the evening.
We gathered at the Bear Street Tavern and enjoyed a fine meal. The Sangria Punch Bowl was divine! The pizza excellent! We then headed to the Rose and Crown for a drink and a laugh or two. By the way, the TTL ladies do clean up well! We all looked like a million bucks! Tart tops and dresses abound!
From the Rose and Crown to Wild Bills (Dancing Sasquatch had a line-up) where we managed to shake our booties on the dance floor. Not being a big country fan I didn’t stay long but sure had fun while I was there.
A lovely breakky and we headed back to the big city.
I loved the race and was very pleased with how I executed it. Pacing is my challenge and albeit this was a shorter race, I managed to hold myself back to be able to push it at the end. That was a HUGE plus for me. It is always a plus to learn from every race.
It was a fun race and evening. I hope to do this race again, it is a great way to get out of Calgary and enjoy “the jewel of the rockies” aka Banff for a fun night out.
Thanks to all the TTLers that went, it was fun running and partying with you!
“5 Miler” Race Report
This race was not looked at as a “race” per se, more like an opportunity to go to Banff, run a bit, then go and do some dancing with some friends. Good enough for me to sign up!
After a dismal “10 miler” race a few weeks ago, I decided that the Banff Winter Start was just about fun. This was a good thought process as my runs that led up to this run were excellent.
I have had a couple of opportunities to run with fellow TTL’er Tara Beattie, who in my eyes is a great runner. It is wonderful to have someone to run with, who is very patient when I stop as required and ever so gently gets me to increase my speed.
Car-pooling is the way to go and with everyone in the same race our conversations were varied! A quick check of the course let us know there were some icy spots but not enough to be too concerned. There was more of an uphill that I thought but I was ok with that as I love to run uphill, the downhill is always my concern.
Checked in and off I went to get my race package. A bit of a snack, wee rest and next thing it was time to head out.
There were runners emerging from everywhere! I did not think about how big the race was! Lots of glow stick accessories, costumes (the guy with the Sherlock Holmes cape and hat with just a Speedo “banana hammock” was a bit much I do say) abound. This led to a festive atmosphere that helped calm my nerves and consequently my stomach. The latter was not really happy and I thought at least in the dark, I could dash off the course if need be.
Found a few TTL people but never did see Angie! I heard reports that she was there and did see the race results so I guess she was!
Gun went off and the race began. Decided to pace myself, the urge to really take off was there but knew that the hill would slow many down so I let people pass and I passed as need be. Cindy Spence and I started together and she gained on me. I let it be.
We were at the hill before I knew it and up I went. I was in 7th heaven! At that moment I was very glad that I live where I do, and the amount of hills that I do just on a regular run paid off. I did not let it bother me that the lead runner was on the bottom of the hill when I was starting. That was his race I was doing mine. I passed all kinds of people and at a nice steady pace. My heart rate was comfortable and I was really pleased with how I was feeling. Turn around was there before I knew it. To be honest I was a bit disappointed, as I knew I would loose some of the ground I had gained, as the downhill is my weak point.
Time: 25:15 (as best I could see, poor light and my eyes “aren’t quite as good as they used to be”
I did ease up for two reasons, the light was poor and not knowing the course all that well I was concerned I’d hit one of the icy spots (there were only a few but still) and slip. The other was my knee. If I go to fast on a downhill it actually hurts so I ease up. Between those two challenges I did have people pass me, including Cindy who passed me right after the turn around.
Once I hit the bottom and the flats I knew I could do something with the remaining course. I began to pick up my pace. Not too much just enough to gain. I knew I was getting close to the finish as the streetlights were looming and I picked up the pace even more. My heart rate increased and I have in past races slowed up as not to wear myself out. I pushed through that feeling of “tiredness” as I know I had it in me to keep it up. I saw Cindy ahead and that was the rabbit that I needed. I kept up my pace and caught up to her.
The last turn to the finisher arch was tight and icy, argh!! I had to ease up not to slip! Last push and we were through. Finishing time 47:03! 17/68 in my age group!
Cindy and I headed down to the post race venue, the parkade of the Caribou Lodge! Lots of water and lots and LOTS of beer (Big Rock Lime!) to be enjoyed by all. We grabbed a beer and found a table to hang out at. Excellent post race vibe!
My internals left me alone for the race (FINALLY) but would not let me finish my beer in peace. That was ok I was done the race! We hung out a bit longer but had 9:00pm dinner reservation so off to the hotel we headed to get dolled up for the evening.
We gathered at the Bear Street Tavern and enjoyed a fine meal. The Sangria Punch Bowl was divine! The pizza excellent! We then headed to the Rose and Crown for a drink and a laugh or two. By the way, the TTL ladies do clean up well! We all looked like a million bucks! Tart tops and dresses abound!
From the Rose and Crown to Wild Bills (Dancing Sasquatch had a line-up) where we managed to shake our booties on the dance floor. Not being a big country fan I didn’t stay long but sure had fun while I was there.
A lovely breakky and we headed back to the big city.
I loved the race and was very pleased with how I executed it. Pacing is my challenge and albeit this was a shorter race, I managed to hold myself back to be able to push it at the end. That was a HUGE plus for me. It is always a plus to learn from every race.
It was a fun race and evening. I hope to do this race again, it is a great way to get out of Calgary and enjoy “the jewel of the rockies” aka Banff for a fun night out.
Thanks to all the TTLers that went, it was fun running and partying with you!
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