Getting Back on the Saddle

Getting it back!

Life is busy! Life is so busy! It's easy to get out of the swing of things and lose focus when so much is going on. Over the past couple weeks I have lost some motivation and got a tad behind in my training.  I was only running 5 - 7 kilometres maximum during each run.  I decided it was time to find my running motivation again.. What better way to gain motivation then to add a little competitive edge to my life with a 10 km race.

The race I chose was called Race for Pace.  This race raises money for PaceKids and organization that helps children with disabilities.  This race was a tad smaller then what I am used to but was just what i needed to renew my love for running. One of my best friends decided to make this race his first ten km run too!!

The race began with a 1 km run for the kids.  This race was jam packed of kids and people supporting the cause. You could feel the spirit in the air.  You could feel the sense of purpose in the environment, it was very fulfilling. As we watched the children in walkers cross the line, my eyes welded up with tears because honestly it was so amazing seeing such dedication.  I was ready to run!

The race started off with the lying mile.  If you run you know how that first mile is where you get your body going.  I don't know if anyone has ever enjoyed their first mile out of 6.2. Luckily the first one i focused on getting into a good pace without rushing and figuring out where to go. This was honestly the first race I didn't rush the starting line.  By mile two I picked up my pace and spent time taking in what I was doing, I smiled at runners, took deep breaths to enjoy the crisp morning air.  It was beautiful! I found a runner that was keeping a steady pace, his shirt was from the 100 mile death race! I figured that may be a good person to run close to for awhile as that race would be a crazy accomplishment!  Then i did something I have never done in a race before! The runner told me I had a great pace and I stayed and chatted with him for a mile.  I know this race wasn't for a PR and I truly wanted to enjoy it so i did.  As we hit mile 4 I took off on my own, leaving all other runners behind.  I didn't see another runner for a full mile! When I approached the last mile of my race I saw the winner in front of me and then 7 others.  I picked up my pace but only made it past one but struggled to catch the others.

As I approached the finish line my amazing parents and boyfriend were waiting for me! My mom is so amazing, she could see i was struggling and jumped in with me running the last little bit by my side.  My boyfriend is so great at making me smile, while my dad took pictures and gave me a thumbs up!  What a great feeling to have such an amazing support system.

I crossed the finish line with my mom at 51:00 minutes.  Not my best time by far but I am so thankful for this race.  It brought me back! My friend did amazing too! Finishing his first 10k race at 61 minutes! So proud of him!

Don't get me wrong i was a little hard on myself once I heard my time but these are the things that I accomplished in this race:

1. Kept a steady pace with a slightly negative split!
2. Enjoyed the scenery!
3. Lived in the moment!
4. Finished 8th place overall!
5. Finished 4th place out of total women!
6. LOVED IT!

So there you have it folks! Having trouble getting back into things?  Do a race! Don't do just any race, do one with a cause and enjoy every minute of it!

I am not back on the training chain and my next race will be the Terry Fox Run on the 20th of September!  I encourage you all to support this cause!

Happy running and hope you all have an amazing long weekend! Don't forget a 12 minute mile is the same distance as a 6 minute mile :)