Well I came into this race well rested and ready to pop a good one.
You know the story from there. The race had a good “buzz” as we warmed up. I was able to see some running friends who I have not been able to connect with as of late. We warmed up by running the 5k course. I noticed the km markers were doubled up ie 3km & 8km were side by each followed by a second 3km marker past this set by about 100m. Odd… never thought much of it at the time. The course overall was was very well set out, a bit “turny” but I’ve raced much worse.
the 10km race started at 9 pm, followed by our 5km at 9:10 pm. First km was fine but by the time we got there it was dark. Felt a bit fast, but when doen’t it. I hit my watch, turned on the light (to see my first split) and found out I was about 10 seconds slower then I expected! No time to rationalize, so I ran on. went through 2km in right time, but I was not making up on the time I lost during the first km. We then began to catch up (run into) the back of the 10km runners. (Remember I said the course was a bit “turny” but no big deal, well it quickly became a big deal when I was attempting to “hug” the corners. It was virtually impossible to do this while dodging groups of runners who had the same idea. Got through the 3km (alot slower) then I expected. It took everything not to just shut it down at this point. (Especially when my kids got their face painted before the race with “GO DADDY GO.” So I sucked it up and finished with what I got. It was extreamly interesting running down Brant Street – It was a long way to the finish (at least it was on a down hill grade!). I missed the 4km marker – not really surprised with how the race was going by this point. All I kept thinking was of the Monty Python Movie “Search for the Holy Grail” When the warriors were running across the open field – the camera kept switching back to their destination (drum music in the background) and the warriors were never getting any closer to thier destination! Now that’s some positive thinking with about 1/2 mile to go. As I approached the finish shoot 5km runners to the right – 10km to the left. Well I had to literally stop in my tracks due to the fact that I ran down Brant street on the far let side in any and all attempts to avoid the 10km runners. Crossed the line, stopped my watch – found out I was about 1/2 minute slower than I anticipated. To cap off my experience to the fullest, Chiptime results had me 6 seconds slower than my own watch (huh).
When it was all said and done – I actually had a alot of fun, the race completely fell apart for me – But isn’t that why we race anyway? It has just fired me up for next time. The course was well organized, with many people cheering. (I had to laugh at the em…gentlemen who were sitting patio side at several of the Bars along the race course). Run Forest Run is always pleasant to hear.
Would I be back……absolutly
