My 10 k MEC Race in Barrie

This was the race that I realized my mental status has a great impact on my race outcome.  I had been organizing a BMLSS Class Reunion for my peeps from the class of 1980.  Planning for over a year all was great.  Unfortunately there were a few incidents that occurred a week before the Reunion and a few days before this race.  OMG!  My race was finished in the same time as my Band on the Run finish, but it should have been better.  This race was completely flat.  

Little Debbie preparing to cheer us on with cow bells.

My coach and friend, Ellen Yeo, Lynn and Krista and I.  Reunited in yet another race.

1:05 hrs finish time.  But I felt awful.  Wanted to throw up at 7 k???  Didn't believe I would complete it??  

Learning experience.  I require a clear head, sleep, no emotional stress if possible before the race, and to believe in myself.  Ways to accomplish this....yoga, breathing, talking......and deciding that I deserve to do this and feel good about myself for trying.

Next race:  The Terry Fox 35th Annual Race in Huntsville with my Half Marathon Team.

A 10 k "Band on the Run" Race in Huntsville.

The Band on the Run race in Huntsville is a well established popular event for racers.  It consists of a 5km, 10 km, and Half Marathon.  For me, there were so many friends who also were involved.  Just like old home week.

Amy, from Almaguin Camp Ground, has ran the Half Marathon 3 times.  Amazing considering the entire first half of the race are monster hills.

Catching up and reconnecting with Angie has been awesome this summer.  Not only did we know each other from the SMMH but she and her family are now seasonal campers at Almaguin!  Wow!

She and a group from her office all competed in the 5 km with a great finishing time!

An we are off!!!!!

Jan and Doug, and the little green arm waving is Nancy Pilon.

And I am finished....my first 10 k with an excellent personal best time of 1:04 hrs.  Loved it!

My BRF Karen, Jana, myself and coach Ellen Yeo.  What an awesome team.

And Amy finishes with a personal best.....YOU GO GIRL!!!!

Next race, is a 10 k MEC Race.

Spring Water Trail Race.....a 5 km.

Not my best race to date.  Trail racing is a whole other race method.  Roots, rocks, branches, etc.  Keeping your eyes on the trail is imperative.

Unfortunately, I took my eyes off the trail for a moment and down I went.  Oh nooooo.

Flat on my face I went.  Knees scraped.  Feelings hurt.  

GET UP!!!!  and I did.

Myself, Krista, Madison and Lynn.  My excellent running BRF all in it together.

Ultimately, I placed 6 out of 9 in our age group.  An ok time of 40 minutes.....not the best but I will take it.

Next race June 13th, BAND ON THE RUN in Huntsville.

Chilly Half Marathon & Frosty 5k Race Burlington, ON 2015

My first big day is finally here.  March 1st.....what a way to head into the last hurrah of winter, than to run a 5 k in balmy Burlington.  But it wasn't necessarily warm, but comfortable for running and no Yak Tracks needed.  Not a single flake of snow on the road.  Bliss.

The start of our race was to be 10:05.  We picked up front for our starting spot.  The minute we cross the starting line our chip will activate and begin calculating our time.

We are off!  I'm in the pink shoes Bib #4290.  Christine Cousins ( my running partner and motivator and fast friend)  was ahead of Cierra, right next to me Bib #4414, as we passed Debbie our photographer and cheering squad.

A hard fought race with myself.  I took about 15 steps in the 4th k as I just couldn't catch my breathe. My buff was essential on this day.  The air from the frozen lake was very cold to breath.

Our pace was fast right out of the gate.  Total pace was 5:53/k.....very fast for us.

My chip time coming through the finish line was 29:25.4!  Unbelievable!  My personal best to date.

Overall I placed 185 of 606 runners.

77th woman out of 394 women racers.

Females 50-54 I placed 6th originally but since is 7th out of 48.

I was so thrilled.  I accomplished my goal to finish, and not place last in my age group!

Would I race in this event again.....YES!

Next race....MAY 9th, Springwater Park near Barrie for a trail run.  MEC Races begin.