Continuing with my desire to try new things this year, I answered a last minute email request to join a team of Running Free athletes and complete in the YMCA Corporate Challenge on the CNE grounds. With less than 24 hours notice to prepare the only thing I had to worry about was getting my Team gear, however the gang at Running Free-Milton had that taken care of for me. My motivation for responding to the email request was because I wanted to meet some other Team Running Free members, support a great event with a great cause and try a new race distance. I can’t remember ever running a 5km before so I thought it would be an good opportunity to test myself mid-week.
From the moment I arrived I felt VERY welcomed and part of the TEAM. Everything was very organized and I was very please with my decision to volunteer to join the team within the final 24 hours. In the past I haven’t taken part in this type of event as I don’t like to break from my “Type A” training plans, however I think I got more out of this opportunity than a whole weeks worth of training because I had FUN!!
I was selected to go first and that was fine with me. Not being sure what to expect I toed the line in the third row, in hindsight I think I should have gone up to the front row as the first 500 m were a little dicey trying not to step on people. The course was 2 loops of 2.5 km, and had lots of little nuances like, inclines, declines, hard and gentle turns. After blasting from the start I relaxed along the Lakeshore and got into my rhythm as I wanted to have a good strong finish. First lap was strong at about 9:30 and I was running well. Little did I know what was ahead. As I rounded the first bend I could see a crowd of walkers spread across the entire course. This was not fun as I had to dodge walkers who had no idea I was coming up from behind them. In and out, in and out, almost for the entire second lap, not good for running rhythm . I did get some space nearing the end of my loop and was able to have a little burst of finish line kick to end the race. Second loop was about 10:00 which I was a little disappointed in but knowing I had a little kick at the end was a good sign. My official 5 km time was 19:33 which I am very pleased with.
Final thoughts. I want to state that I had a TERRIFIC time at the YMCA Corporate Challenge. A special THANK YOU to Landon, Bob and Karen your kindness and camaraderie throughout the evening was extraordinary. I hope to swim, bike and/or run with each of you again real soon.
I look forward to my next event and opportunity to meet more members of Team Running Free.
Happy Training
