In May 2016, I ran my first half marathon. The race took place in Ottawa, the city where I grew up. I was so nervous because I hadn’t EVER run 21 kms before. But, somehow, I knew I had it in me to do this. This was a very special race in many ways. First, I still have to pinch myself when I think about the fact that I actually ran half a marathon. Until this year, I had never run any road race, never mind a half marathon. I knew that running in Ottawa would be special for me. I haven’t lived in Ottawa for over 30 years, but I have many, many memories and when I saw the race course I realized that I’d be running through some very special places. The race was a very emotional experience.
The outdoor training for the marathon started in March. I’d been running on a treadmill since January, but I knew that wasn’t enough. March was so cold. So was April and most of May. Many of my runs involved me wearing a hat and gloves; as well as a windbreaker. I run along the water and the wind was biting. But, I kept going out and doing longer distances. Yet, 2 weeks away from the race, I still had not done 21 kms. Not even close… I had done a 10 km. And the worrying started. What am I doing? How will I ever do this? And I realized that the worst case scenario would be that I’d walk 21 kms. I could do that! So, I persevered.
Inspired by Chelsea – a courageous young woman
So, why did I agree to run a half marathon? The main reason was to support my friend Chelsea who has Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and who was running in her second half marathon. I figured that I’d run/walk with her to support her. Chelsea is such an inspiration (https://www.facebook.com/ChelseaFightsCF/?fref=ts). When so many of us find reasons why we can’t or won’t do things, Chelsea gets up and does it! Exercise really helps her with her clearing her lungs so for her exercise is a non-negotiable. I decided to run with Chelsea and Laura, one of the owners of Le Fitness Loft.
The weather on race day was supposed to be hot; quite hot as a matter of fact. They actually changed the start time to an earlier time to avoid the heat of the midday.
The Lofters were doing the race as a fundraiser for CF. There was a group of us running, some doing the 10 km and others the half. We started out at the slowest corral (3 hrs walk/run). We started by walking 2 minutes, followed by 2 minutes of very light jogging. As we went back to walking, I just started to run. I needed to run. My legs took over! I knew that Chelsea was in good hands with Laura, so I just kept going. And I ran. Not that I ran fast. I didn’t. I jogged/walked but I got it done! As I passed the 2:45 pace bunny, I thought “man, this is a slow pace!” But, I also didn’t want to go too fast because I didn’t want to crash. So, the objective was pacing. And pacing I did!
A trip down memory lane
The race course went through all my old stomping grounds: Elgin Street, the Canal, Carling Ave, Hintonburg, Tunney’s pasture, the Parkway, Hull, downtown and back up the canal to Lisgar. Oh the emotions. The joy and memories of my childhood came back to me. I recall arriving in Canada in March and walking through snow at Tunney’s pasture; I’d never seen snow, and I was amazed by the snowbanks. Years later, I remember trying to teach my mom to drive at Tunney’s. That didn’t go too well! I wasn’t the most patient of daughters. In junior high I did track and field at Holy Rosary. I was hopeless. All legs and no coordination at all. Running on the Ottawa River Parkway was also very special. How many times have I driven on this road or cycled along the bike path which runs alongside it? As I passed each place, the memories came back and, I just kept going. Slowly, but surely.
The race ended right by my old high school, Lisgar which is located right on the Canal. Ah, high school. I don’t know many people who had great experiences in high school. Between the adolescent hormones, the need to belong, the judging, it’s a bit of a minefield. My experience was no different. There were some good memories and I’ve reconnected with some high school friends. I treasure these friendships. There’s something so special about friends who have known you since you were young. Given my abysmal gym history, it was very rewarding to run past Lisgar to that finish line! Many times during the race I thought “somewhere there’s a gym teacher rolling over in her grave!” Ha!
Support from the crowds
Friends had told me that the Ottawa race was very special because there was so much support from the local residents. And that was certainly the case. From the families who set up chairs and helped the runners cool off with their sprinklers, to the freezies and water, it was wonderful to feel the love.
In the end, I finished the race in 2:36!!! Woo hoo!!! So, I guess I am a runner! Who knew? The euphoria at the end was unbelievable. I was on a high for days! Wow!! I was so fast that no one was waiting for me at the finish line It didn’t matter. I didn’t need any validation at that point. I sprinted across the finish line, arms in the air. What a feeling!!
My biggest fear was getting injured, but I didn’t get injured. Mathieu worked so hard to train me to run differently. Instead of heel striking, I learned to land on the front of my foot. What a difference! My knees, ankles, shins and legs were fine. The only “injury” I had were two nasty blisters. It was all good. And I’m so grateful. When I finished, I wondered “how many things have I missed doing because I didn’t think I could do them?” Something to ponder.
Chelsea finished the race, which was amazing since she had spent a few weeks in the hospital just prior to the race. That girl is amazing: determined, stubborn and a champion!
Looking forward
I’m so happy that I did this race. A few days before the race, I started to worry that I was in over my head and briefly considered switching to the 10 km. I’m so glad I didn’t. As I ran past the 10 km mark, I had so much left in the tank. I thought “I would have been so disappointed in myself if I’d done the 10k” Next up: I’m going to sign up for next year’s half marathon again. Now, I want to improve my time.
You are an inspiration! You are so right, how many things have we missed doing because we think we can’t.