
Not much to report from this race. I wasn't trained for it, so I didn't set any time expectations. I hadn't run longer than 12 km since the Toronto half, and I didn't want to go all out and be hurting for several days. So, I thought that I would take it easy and run with some Running Mania friends. The crowd of 800 or so runners bolted out from the starting blocks, leaving a handful of us in the dust. I was quite surprised that so few people were starting off slowly. It ended up being a good thing that I started slowly, because it took the whole first half of the race to find my groove. This race was different from other races that I have entered, because the distance markers were in miles (seemed REALLY LONG between markers) and there were fewer water stations than I was used to (about every 3 miles instead of 3 km). The latter didn't matter much, since I was wearing my fuel belt. I brought 2 gels with me this time, and was glad that I did because I needed both of them. My left knee was acting up during the race :( but at least it seems fine now.
A fellow runner warned us about the Big Hill by the golf course at mile 7. I saw a small slope at first and thought, that's it? Then I turned the corner...and saw the Big Hill. Argh! I couldn't make it up without walking. I realized that all the treadmill running that I have been doing lately has not helped my hill running. I should play with the incline a bit more. After I made it up the hill, though, I felt much better and finished the last 3 miles strongly. My runningmania buddy and I finished at 1:56 and change. Not a great time for me, but I didn't care. I had fun, and it felt great to do such a long run the day after Christmas. I felt like I burned off the excess turkey calories :)
All in all, a great way to finish off 2006!
1 comment:
Congrats..while u r busy sweating on boxing day..i am busy shopping :)
The only way to work on running on hills is RUNNING on hills :D.
I have been running alot..hmm...feels good to get back on the pavement....
C u next year.
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