Spruce Meadows 'Summer's Gone, Run On!' 10K Race Recap

Thanks to some good old blogger peer pressure, I signed up for the Spruce Meadows 'Summer's Gone, Run On!' 10K run this past Sunday. Since I didn't end up running a 10K at the LRPS run the weekend before, I figured it was a good way to get in a long distance before the Spartan Super (13K+!) coming up on Saturday. Of course, the promise of brunch afterwards never hurts either!

This is the first year Spruce Meadows (which is an International Horse Sports venue here in Calgary, Alberta), has put on running races. This year marked their 40th Anniversary, and as part of the celebration, they put out an entire race series, the Spruce Meadows Run Series, consisting of six different running events. Each race benefits a different charity and community initiative. The Summer's Gone, Run On! one supported KidSport Calgary, which is a program that gives opportunity and access to children to play organized sports, who might not otherwise be able to due to financial reasons. I love causes like this that give back right in our own backyard!

The race package from this run was pretty cool too. It included a t-shirt, a sports magazine and what I originally thought was just another protein shaker, but turns out is actually a salad-on-the-go container! Complete with a separate dressing container and a fork. Sully thought it was the greatest toy ever, and played with it most of the day, haha! And check out the sweet medal! It's huge and gold and pretty fantastic!

Unfortunately, this past weekend was a cold one. Summer left over night, and winter gave as a sneak peak, with temperatures hovering around zero degrees Celsius (32F) on Sunday morning. Honestly, if I hadn't been meeting up with friends for this run, I probably would have crawled back into bed!

I've always been a fair weather runner, so I found it challenging to dress for a cold run. I heat up quickly, and there's nothing I hate more than being overheated, especially when running, but I also didn't want to be freezing either. I'm not used to running in layers or anything much more than crops and a tank top. For Sunday's run, it was full leggings, a pullover over my tank and a light rain jacket over that. Plus, gloves and a buff to keep my head and ears warm.

Ange, along with Jen and Laura, picked me up on the way to the race and we arrived around 8am, where we met up with Ashley. We picked up our race packages, and then sat in Ange's car while Ange got in a run BEFORE the race. Ya, you heard that right, that woman is a machine! Just before 9 a.m., we took our pre-race photo and then lined up at the start line. There wasn't a big turnout for this run, so it didn't take long get going.

{Ashley, Jen, Laura, Me & Ange}

The first km was brutal. I was still cold and we immediately set out running into the wind and uphill. Tears were streaming down my face and I thought to myself there is no way I can do this for 10km. Just before the first km, we did eventually turn around which put us out of the wind and downhill. Things improved but I had no idea how I was going to do 9 more km's.
Because it had rained all weekend, some of the course, the parts that had us going through the paddocks, had to be changed because those routes were too muddy. So I'm not sure what the original route would have looked like, but this one had several in and out parts as well as some zig-zagging through the parking lot. Around km 4 we hit another in and out. These are so tough for me mentally because you can see how far you have to go and then how far you will just have to come back. At least during this part we found ourselves running along the pastures where the horses were out. It was pretty cool experience as the horses would run up to the fence and then trot along beside you as you ran. I definitely pretended that they were cheering me on!

 

At km 5 all I could think was that I would be done right now if I had just signed up for the 5K.

It took me 6 km's to hit my stride. I finally felt like my legs were no longer made of lead and were moving almost effortlessly. This is the point where I started to feel great physically and could focus on how strong my legs and muscles felt as opposed to how hard the run was. Around this point, another runner caught up to my pace. We had passed each other back and forth a few times back around the pastures, but eventually our paces evened out. I was so grateful for her presence. She really pushed me to keep going even when my brain said quit.

During the last 2 km, I could see the finish line through the trees on my right hand side, and just as you think the course is going to bend to the right towards the finish, you actually veer left for one last in and out (the same one at the beginning of the race). I almost could have cried! Mentally, I did not think I could do one more straight in and out, especially since the first part of it is a steady incline. The finish line felt miles away after that.

Once the finish line was finally in site, and only about a few hundred metres away, I sprinted, giving it everything I had. I knew I was the last of our group to cross the finish line, so it was extra nice to see them all there cheering for me! I couldn't help but grin ear to ear and I'm so grateful that Laura and Ashley even got my picture crossing the finish line.

{Thanks for the photo, Laura!}

The course ended up measuring a bit short of 10K, at 9.7K, and my official time was 1:06:13! Can I still count that as a 10K PR even if the course was a bit off?! I'm so glad I got myself out there and can check off another 10K race on my list. I ended up walking way more than I ever have during a run, but not every race can be our best one.

Afterwards, we took some post-race photos, but we were too cold to stick around for much more than that. Our entry fee included a free breakfast sandwich, which I took, but only ate a bit of since we had brunch plans about an hour later. Jo and Sam met us for brunch at Bow Valley Ranche restaurant for an amazing meal! I almost always opt for the bacon and eggs when I eat breakfast out, but decided to treat myself instead and ordered the Stuffed French Toast. Seriously, it was amazing and I'm already trying to figure out how soon I can get back there to eat it again. Of course, celebratory mimosa's were a must, and I think it's fair to note that the serving was very generous. We also dined in the upstairs of the ranche, in our very own room, which was fancy and fun and we never had to worry about being too loud.

There are two more races coming up in this series, but I'm hesitant to sign up for anything in the winter months! We shall see!

What's the next race you're signed up for? 

Do you race in the winter?

Currently…{End of Summer Edition}

I'm forgoing a weekend recap post this week for a Currently post instead. Two reasons: for one, I hadn't realized I haven't done a Currently post since March, and two, even though this past weekend was a long weekend, with the rain and cold temperatures, we didn't get up much to anything worth sharing on the blog. (Save for my 10K race on Sunday, but that post will be coming to you tomorrow).

So with the end of summer here, and the fall clearly making it's presence (we even had a bit of snow on the weekend! Don't worry, it didn't last), here's a look at what I've been up to as summer comes to a close:

Currently…

Thinking About: how to maintain a consistent workout schedule come the colder months. How can I ever get ahead in my running if I give it up every winter? I'm not sure I'm ready to be an outdoor winter runner though. The thought of running in the cold terrifies me, but then there's also the whole wardrobe factor: what do you wear and how do you keep warm, but not overheat? Plus, with the winter months also comes less daylight. I'd have to get all my runs in during the day and I find it hard enough on the best of days to gather the motivation to run, let alone run and push a heavy jogging stroller. So what does one do? Do I beg and plead with my husband to buy a treadmill? Do I get a gym membership that provides childcare so that I can also get out of the house on the months that I often turn into a bit of hermit? But I hate signing contracts.

Reading: I started More than Happy: The Wisdom of Amish Parenting several weeks ago, but had to return it to the library before I could finish it. My hold for it came in again the other day so I'm revisiting it and finding myself completely immersed in all it has to say. I would be highlighting my little heart out in it if I owned it, but instead my messy notes will have to do. The Amish lead a way of life that will always be fascinating to me, and their beliefs and values behind child rearing are no exception. I truly think we could learn a lot from them and I hope to instill some of their "tips", such as, "teach your children to be givers by becoming a giver yourself", in my parenting journey. This book is teaching me things on how to be a better parent AND a better person. Maybe I'll do a review on the book once I'm done.

Listening to: I recently discovered Michael Franti & Spearhead and I cannot get enough. (How am I only hearing about them now?!)  While most of their songs have been on heavy repeat the last few weeks, Say Hey (I Love You) is one of my top favourites. They remind me of a more happy, more upbeat, fresher version of Jack Johnson with a reggae vibe. Their songs are incredibly catchy, and so far, kid-friendly. Sully immediately starts bobbing when one of the tunes comes on. Fun fact: according to Wiki, Michael attended a junior high school in Edmonton, Alberta for his grade nine year. And you better believe their songs are on my 10K race playlists!

Watching: More like, what am I not watching? I'm starting to feel a little overwhelmed by the number of different shows Jim and I have on the go. We're constantly starting a new series and not finishing others, for no other reason than there are just too many shows we want to watch. Currently on the go: The Walking Dead, Sons of Anarchy, Rules of Engagement, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, House of Cards, Community, Revenge, and An Idiot Abroad. And then there's the shows I watch on my own: 90210, The Mindy Project, Downton Abby, Suits, Parenthood, and Orange is the New Black. (This is why I want a treadmill - so I can run and watch TV, haha!). And of course, there's still other shows I'd like to watch! Our goal is to go back and finish one series at a time this fall before starting anything new.

Eating: Not as good as when I was on the 21 Day Fix plan, but not as bad as I was before. I'm still working on my post of my experience and review of the 21 Day Fix, but overall, it really helped me reevaluate my eating habits. Unfortunately, I still have an extreme weakness when it comes to avoiding unhealthy foods (i.e. beer and sweets), but I feel like things are more balanced now. The plan did reignite my love for steel cut oats in the morning though, which Sully also happens to love, so I'm happy for that!

{surprise dessert from the husband…which totally justifies eating it right?
I'm  the Queen of excuses though!}

Looking forward to: Getting into a better routine this month. The summer was fun, we had a blast, but I'm really struggling motivation wise, in all areas of my life, with the lack of routine. Next week we start gymnastics and a registered reading program at the library. That gets us out and about regularly twice a week. On top of that, my plan is to get back on track with grocery shopping and meal planning. This summer, I was too often running out at random times to grab just "one more thing" from the grocery store. This ends up being a bit chaotic and results in more money being spent on groceries that we didn't really need in the first place. I've been reading a lot of posts from other bloggers on how they organize their lives, and I'm feeling really inspired!

Do you winter run, take it indoors or put running on hiatus until spring?

Do you have multiple shows on the go, or are you a 'one show at a time' person?

What are you looking forward to for fall?

LRPS 5K Race Recap

This past weekend, I raced my first 5K in years at the LRPS run in Lethbridge. The last 5K race I can remember running (not including Color Me Rad since that's a fun run, and not including any obstacle course races), was in Vancouver for the Children's Hospital, and I was NOT in good shape then. I cannot recall my time, but I'm pretty sure it was around the 40 minute mark. I do remember what a struggle it was for me to do that run though.

But I digress. On Friday afternoon, Becky and her son Liam stopped at our house for lunch and then we all continued on to Lethbridge. Jim couldn't take the day off of work, so the plan was for him to meet us at our hotel later that evening. There was a large group of us running the race together and a carb-loading dinner had been planned for Friday night. Melissa was kind enough to host and had us all over, plus our rambunctious children, to her beautiful home. I'm pretty sure she will never want to have children now, ha!

 

My original plan had been to race the 10K for the LRPS annual run. Unfortunately, the air quality in Calgary, Lethbridge and other areas of southern Alberta was poor due to the smoke from the fires down in Washington. And by poor I mean, you couldn't see anything beyond the tops of houses outside my windows, you could smell the smoke inside the house and it was strongly advised to not exercise outdoors. We all hoped the smoke would clear in time for the race, but come Friday afternoon, it wasn't looking good, so we all made the decision to drop down to the 5k distance.

While carb-loading for a 5K is definitely not needed, any excuse to eat with friends is good with me! It was so nice to get together with my blogging friends and catch up away from our computer screens, even if Sully was in meltdown central mode. Sigh, toddlers. Luckily, in between meltdowns, he managed to have a bit of fun running around with the other kids there.

That night in the hotel room, we had the worst sleep ever. After falling asleep around 9pm, Sully woke up around midnight and wouldn't go back to sleep in the playpen. We brought him into bed with us and he immediately passed out, only to sit up straight every hour, point at first Jim, then me, saying "dada", "mama". He would also try and rip my sleeping mask off. Then he would lay down and fall back asleep. After the third or fourth time of this, Jim finally said he thought perhaps Sully was confused because we were sleeping on the opposite side of the bed than Sully is used to. At 3:30 in the morning, I was willing to accept any theory, so we switched sides, and lo and behold, Sully passed out until we had to wake him up at 7am.

I'm telling you this long-winded story because the night before my last big race, the Calgary Marathon 10K, Sully also kept us up most of the night! I'm sensing a pattern here…I'll let you know what happens after my next race!

Anyway! I woke up Saturday morning at 645 a.m., showered quickly, got dressed and then woke up and dressed Sully. We wanted to grab a quick breakfast at the hotel before meeting up with all the other runners. I felt like a zombie at this point and had no desire to even walk the 5K, let alone run it. I was grateful at that point that I wasn't still signed up for the 10K.

After a quick bite, we walked over to the start line and took our obligatory before picture. I still wasn't sure what my game plan was at this point: run/walk, just walk, run and try. I knew I wouldn't know until I actually started moving my legs.

{Jen, Becky, Ange, Kaella, Melissa, June, Danielle, Me, Leighann}

Becky and I ran the first bit together until we got to the first big downhill. I was told beforehand that a large portion of the race was downhill, but I really had no idea just how downhill that meant. Becky had me eating dust on each downhill portion, and then I would catch up to her when the course flattened out. We basically kept passing each other most of the race.

 

{Becky flying by me}

I felt really good this run. The scenery in Lethbridge and during this race was beautiful and unlike anything I'm used to running in. Most of the race is ran through the trail system, which is a nice change from running on main roads. My breathing was good and I didn't get a stitch in my side like I usually do. I didn't pay attention to my time until I saw the 4km marker. That's when I tried to push myself to run just that much faster since I wanted to finish strong with no regrets. I always feel like that last km is the longest one ever, and this one was no exception. It felt like an eternity before the finish line was in site. As I got closer, I saw (and heard!) Kaella, Leighann, Ange, Jim and Sully cheering for me and it was the greatest feeling ever! I could not keep the smile off my face and I was so glad my family was there.

I finished the race in 31:17 which is a new PR for me! To say I am happy with that time is an understatement. I was pretty sure I would come in around the 35 minute mark, so this accomplishment makes me ecstatic! Of course, I would by lying if I didn't say I wish I had pushed myself just a little bit harder to hit a 30 minute 5k. BUT, now I know 30 minutes is definitely attainable in my near future!

After the race, we let the kids play on the bouncy castle and enjoyed some of the free chocolate milk, coffee and snacks they were handing out. Then we caught the shuttle back to the hotel and headed out to brunch for a post-race celebration.

If you've read this far, congrats! I didn't think I'd have this much to say about a 5K race, but I also didn't think I'd PR after such a crappy sleep! Maybe Sully's on to something here…

All in all, it was a great weekend with good friends and a great race to have in my books. I'll be back next year, Lethbridge!