A look back on the 10k Run (Photos too!)

The 10k goal is complete. This time last week I was preparing myself mentally, more than physically, for the run. I went through different stages of emotions and physical pain during the run and I thought I'd share, since so many people asked me how it was, what the easiest parts were and what were the hardest parts. So, here I go. I've broken it down by kilometers because it's the way I remember it.

Before the race: It was a cold morning, I decided on sport capris and a tshirt knowing how overheated I tend to get on runs. We met up with the rest of the people running for BTRC (picture below) and headed over to the corral. We had to wait 20 minutes before we started but, I kind of got used to the cold at that point. 

Start to 1km: I was still cold, my body hadn't really warmed up yet. I felt like I was the slowest person out there, people just blowing by me. I knew the pace I had to keep to complete the race and monitor my heart rate so, I just kept at it. It was a tiny bit demoralizing but, I just kept plugging ahead. As we went along, I got to point out all the different places I'd worked. We passed the building where I had my first full time job at Arnold.

1km to 2km: The hill to St.Clair. I had been dreading it every day as I saw it on the subway on my way to work. Good news, I ran up it and some of the people who had been blowing by me didn't have the energy. They walked.  During this section, I passed the street where I currently work!

2km-3km: I hit my first wall. I wanted to walk, just for a minute. I wanted water so badly. So thirsty. I keep pushing through since I know there is a water station at the 4km mark and, that's pretty close. There are cops cheering us on and random people on the street to motivate, which was quite nice. I'd finally warmed up and no longer felt the cold. 

3km-4km: Water. I just wanted water. We pass the building where we took marriage classes almost exactly 3 years ago!

4km-5km: WATER STATION! But better, they had Gatorade. I had never enjoyed a little cup of the citrus flavoured Gatorade in my life. Just what I needed.  We passed the office where I had my first job at 12 - at my dad's ad agency - and then I decided "heck, I'm on pace for my fastest 5k, let's do this!" and I ran full out until the 5km mark just past Bloor. I did it. 33 minute 5k!

5km - 7km: I got into a comfortable rhythm, my body temperature comfortable, my legs not aching, the music on my iPhone in a good rotation. During this section I passed Ryerson, where I spent 4 years of my life. Jeff points out that I should have lived on the Yonge line of the subway, considering how many part of my life were off of or on Yonge!

7km-9km: Another station with Gatorade. Heaven. Refueled! I have to say, these were the two toughest kilometers for me. My whole body hurt, I was tired, I wanted to walk. I didn't though, I refused to walk. Well, more like Jeff convinced me that if I wanted to make my goal time, I had to keep pushing, keep going. He was right. I did push through. Oh, and a lot of those people who were way faster than me when we started, were now walking and I was passing them, it was a tiny bit motivating.

9km - 10km:  I passed Portland, a street I often drove on for years to get to work on Adelaide.  At this point, I wanted the race to be over with. I ran and ran and ran my heart out. Forgot about the pain and the exhaustion. When my feet hit Fork York Blvd I basically sprinted to the end. I made it, I crossed that finish line with the back half being another 33 minute 5k!

So, that's how my run went. I'm so glad that I did it. I'm glad I made good time. Would I ever run a 10k again? I'm not sure. Definitely not for fun but for charity, I would do it again in a heartbeat. My body is capable of so much more than I thought! A lot of you have asked if my next goal is to train for a half marathon. The answer to that is a big NO. 10k was longer than I ever wanted to run and still is. I applaud any of you who do marathon and half marathon training, you have my absolute respect!

Now, onto the photos of the event!

 The Boston Terrier Rescue Canada Runners! Over $1000 was raised for the little dogs, so thank you to those that donated! The money helps us save the little sweethearts from bad situations and restore their health. From them "Woof, woof!" 

Jeff and I waiting for the race to start (I was freezing!)

Before the race and before my face turned into a tomato!

See, tomato! All done the 10k!

Both of us with our medals. Complete!