Vancouver Sun Run

#47347, Dee Sicklesteel, Maple Ridge

1:11:44, 7:11/km, Place: 22475

I did it! With no training! I lived! AND I did a better time than I did last year, when I trained perfectly in a couch to 10k 14 week training schedule. Plus, I had to wait in line for a porta-potty for a good 5 minutes, so my time was actually even better if you minus that.

This is a testement to treating your body well. I am in top physical shape this year, compared to last year. Last year I was still losing weight, and focused on excercising for loss. Today I focus on excercising for strength, endurance, and longevity. And it showed yesterday. My body is conditioned, and I love it!

I barely walked, and I was concious of my time and was able to pace myself well. I carried bites of bagel with me, and when I felt myself flagging, I re-energized with them. Made all the difference in the world. I considered buying gels or other things that runners use, but I always go back to that very first Sun Run that my sister and I did. We were fat, unconditioned, and it was horribly miserable. At the 7km mark there was a man with a bucket of mini bagels. Those bagels saved our lives. It was the best damn bagel I had ever tasted in my LIFE. And it gave us the energy to keep going and cross the finish line. I honestly believe we would not have been able to if it weren't for those bagels.

My sister, Magda, is all over me to do a half marathon. Riiiiiight. I have to admit, though, that I felt like I could have done more yesterday. I don't know about TWICE as much, but I could have gone a couple more km. Luckily, she lives in Taipei so it's a non-issue.

I keep laughing and saying I'm not a runner. And I'm not! That Vista run last year cured me of that. But I will always be a Sun Runner, that's for sure. I love the atmosphere. I love the challenge. I love the comraderie. I love my running team. This year we were joined by my BIL, and I am so busting with pride. I knew he was nervous. I remember my first Sun Run and how freaky it was. But I also remember the sense of pride of just BEING there. And I am so glad for him that he has that. And sure enough... after it was over, he is looking forward to next year. He mostly walked it this year, and my sister stayed by his side, doing it with him. Next year they are going to so rock their times. And we are going to do it together.

Crystal and I did almost the same time! I was shocked! She is a hardcore runner. She started running just to have time with Sam and I at the track, and now she's marathon training. She blows me away, I tell ya! She has an awesome pace and if she can keep that up for a whole marathon, I will bow down and scrape the floor in front of her. I am not worthy... lol.

Today I am definately muscle fatigued. Probably because it's not just an hour running. We left the car at 8:30, walked to the race, stood waiting for an hour, stood waiting after, sat for five minutes before our group all assembled, then stood waiting around watching the crowd, eating yogurt. Then we walked back to the car and reached it at 1:30. So really, there was a lot of walking and being on our feet!

I fell asleep on the couch last night and missed the end of the hockey game. I struggled to stay awake, but there was no way. And I slept HARD last night. It was a good sleep. Today I won't be doing anything more strenuous than a walk, just to keep everything going.

Thanks for listening,

Dee