So, a few weeks ago I ran my third race in four months.
This one was is in my beloved town of Canmore where fall is definitely making an appearance!
I ran the 10k this time around with my cousin Richelle, with whom I trained and ran my first ever half marathon back in May.
The morning was definitely chilly. We huddled and bounced up and down while waiting for the start of the race.
Once the race began, though, we were pumped and the bright sun was chasing away the chill.
We ran the first three miles side by side, then settled into our own pace. I let myself become lost in the beautiful surroundings during the second half of the race.
If you are a runner, you know what I mean. Endurance running is a mental challenge. It can be monotonous and boring. There is so much time to think about how you are feeling...and fixate on the aches and fatigue. My strategy while running is to simply let my mind go blank. I have to force myself not to 'be in the moment' or else I will convince myself that I need a rest!
In this race, I wanted to shut out the 'feelings' but tune in to the beauty of the day and the magestic mountain scenery. I made purposeful deep breaths of fresh pine air. I savoured the heat of the sun on my face.
And I prayed for Myranda, who is laying in a cancer ward having a stem cell transplant. I asked God to take the health and strength of my body which enables me to run, and send it to Myranda's body.
And before I knew it, I was approaching the finish line!
Richelle came in shortly after me.
My only goal was to beat the time of my last 10k race. And I did!
Race Results
Time: 54:30
Overall (females): 93 / 510
Within my age category: 24 / 122
NOTE: It seems that there were a number of participant trackers that did not register results,
so I am not sure how accurate these numbers are. My final time is correct though.
So, I cannot complain. All in all, it was a fabulous experience.
Thinking about doing it again...
