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15k in 1:53 and stillalive
Well folks, I did it. I completed the 15k Midsummer Night’s Run in 1:53, with an average pace of just about 7.5 minutes per kilometer. My usual running pace is just a little under 6.5, so apparently, I ran all but about 20 minutes of the course.
I have two words for that.
Kick. Ass.
The course itself was gorgeous. We started right at 6:30 in a park near Lakeshore and Carlaw, and ran out through Tommy Thompson park. The lighthouse at the end of the spit marked the halfway point.
To our right as we ran out, we were treated to gorgeous views of the sun setting behind the Toronto skyline. To our left, views of the bird sanctuary, community gardens, and Lake Ontario. The path was wide, and varied between concrete (ick), dirt (yay but ew) and gravel (scary).
These are the folks who roped me into this crazy goal. We all survived and stuck together until the last 1.5km, when I had to run it in or I thought I’d never make it. Moira, Darren and I shouted out at every route marker. “Only 14 left!” “13 to go!” “12 more kilometers!” I realized so soon how important those markers are to keep your energy up and keep you motivated. Just a little further til the next marker, I kept reminding myself.
Not surprisingly, we built in a lot of our walk breaks immediately after a marker or water station.
If you follow me on twitter, you might know that I twisted my ankle walking around Bloor West last weekend. I spent the week resting it entirely, icing, elevating, and taking advil to keep the swelling down. By race day, I was feeling almost normal, but I was still worried that the running would be hard, if not impossible.
Turns out, all the rest did me a lot of good. My ankle didn’t bug me any more than any other of my many body parts. (Today, however, I’m doing a lot of icing and whining. Everything hurts!! Everything!) My gear worked out well too. Great shoes, awesome wicking tee from Lululemon, and a nike run skirt.
Because at Chez Indigirl, we’re all about the bling…
That’s the front of the medal. (It’s so heavy!!!!)
And this is the back.
In case you’re curious how I felt when crossing the finish line, I believe the following photo sums it up perfectly.
Next up? The Scotiabank Half-Marathon (21k) on September 27. Thanks to everyone who has sponsored me so far! Every little bit helps support Epilepsy Toronto. I’m $35 short of my goal of $250.
August 23rd, 2009 at 4:38 pm
I am so proud of you, that you set a goal, showed up, and finished! Hugs to you and Sandra and the pups.
August 23rd, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Congrats again Amy, and to all of you. Looking forward to hearing all about the half-marathon next month, and sending my good luck wishes your way!
August 23rd, 2009 at 5:48 pm
That is awesome, Amy! Good for you!
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:47 pm
so proud of you milt!
August 25th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
ok, I’m pretty much a lurker on your site. A knitter AND runner. So congrats on the run. And btw, you’re looking skinnier and skinnier.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Hi Amy and supporters,
We greatly appreciate Amy choosing Epilepsy Toronto as a cause, and your support of her.
We are a small team of only 12 people here at Epilepsy Toronto. As a charity, our programs are often limited by our budgets. With the support of people like you, Epilepsy Toronto continues to be the only place offering a comprehensive range of services to the 40,000 people in the GTA living with epilepsy and their families. We work hard to enable people living with epilepsy to live independently, to live without stigma, and to live as part of a community.
From me and all the members and staff of our organization, thanks so much for your interest and involvement.
Chris Rotolo
(416) 964-9095
chris@epilepsytoronto.org
If you would like more information about epilepsy or the services of Epilepsy Toronto, it would be our honour to serve you.
August 28th, 2009 at 6:08 am
You seriously rock, Amy. Congratulations!!!
August 28th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Wow! Congratulations! You did something I’ve always wanted to do, and this is another push in that direction. Well done!
August 31st, 2009 at 8:31 am
Many congratulations! I’ve always wanted to learn to run but have never had the guts to push past that “oh my God, I’m so out of breath I’m gonna die” part!
August 31st, 2009 at 9:37 am
You look so fabulous in that photo! Congrats and best of luck in the next race.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
What is the Big Stripey Monster Thing?