All posts tagged with: Half Marathon

April In the days leading up to the BMO Sunshine Coast April Fools Run, the constant downpour of rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the would-be half marathon participants.  As runners geared up for the Sunday, April 7, 2013 race, the overcast skies remained dry and kept temperatures cool, creating ideal running conditions for the 36^th annual race.

The 628 participants lined up for the 9:30am start in Gibson’s for their 21.1km (13.3mi), journey from Gibsons to Sechelt. The first place overall and men’s finisher was Nicholas Browne, followed by the 2012 first place finisher, David Palermo, both from Vancouver. For the second year in a row, Lisa Brooking took home the first place women’s finish.

Watch the highlights video by Keith Dunn, of the top finishers:

Personal Results (new half marathon person best):

• Finish Time: 1:36:28
• Overall: 62/ 627
• Men’s Overall Finish: 51 / 235
• Men 30 – 34: 12/29
• Average Pace: 4:35m/km

On Sunday, April 7, 2013, runners will lace-up for the annual BMO April Fool’s Run, a beautiful point-to-point half marathon from Gibsons to Sechelt on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast.

Registrations are being accepted online until midnight on April 1, and will cap-out at 700 participants. Race packages include bib, timing chip, a Cytomax stick pack, the coveted blue BMO race gloves, and race shirt/jacket (if ordered).

Race package pick-up will be available in Vancouver on Thursday, April 4 at the Denman Running Room from noon till 6:00pm. The first 200 people to pick up their race packages at Denman Running Room will receive a free bottle of Muscle MLK.

Participants can also pick-up at the Gibson’s & Area Community Centre (700 Park Road), on Saturday, April 6 from noon to 5:00pm, or Sunday, April 7 from 8:00am – 9:15am.

Although the race time has been pushed out to a 9:30am start to accommodate participants coming from Vancouver on the early Sunday morning ferry, staying for the entire weekend is a great option. The official race hotel is the Cedars Inn, located just a few blocks from the start line. There are also B&B’s and other accommodation options available.

Spectators are encouraged to cheer on participants along the race route with signs and noise-makers, and to celebrate at the finish lines as runners receive their medals.

Registration is now open for the 2013 BMO Sunshine Coast April Fools Run. The beautiful point-to-point half marathon race, held on the stunning Sunshine Coast, starts in Gibsons and ends in Sechelt.

The race starts in the centre of Gibsons and for the first few kilometers zig-zags through the residential neighbourhoods. The majority of the race is along tranquil country roads and through beautiful pine and cedar forests. The final stretch to the finish line finds runners racing down the well-marked rural highway.

While the course is a net downhill there are a few major hills to climb. The entire route has course marshals keeping participants on the right route at every turn. There are aid stations located at 5.5k, 11k, 15k and 18.5k serving both water and Gatorade.

The BMO Sunshine Coast April Fools Run is a major community event. Local residents come out to watch and cheer for the hundreds of long-distance runners as they make their way from start to finish.

Finished with a half marathon personal best: 1:39:36!

At the finish line there is plenty of recovery food and beverages, sponsored by local businesses. Just a few steps from the finish line is a wonderful beach to take in the fresh coastal air and to take a moment to peacefully reflect upon the race. From the finish line, there are free shuttle buses to take participants back to Gibsons.

For anyone who is preparing for the BMO Vancouver Marathon, this is a fantastic spring race to gauge the progression of your training and to test your marathon race day strategy.

BMO Sunshine Coast April Fools Run

• Date: Sunday, April 7, 2013
• Time: 9:30am Start
• Race Entry Fee: $35 Jan 1–Feb 15, $40 Feb 16–Mar 15, $50 after Mar 15 ($2 discount for 19&U and 60+)
• Register Online: Events Online or Running Room

Race package includes a pair of blue BMO running gloves, chip timing, and finishers medal. A brightly coloured commemorative technical shirt can be purchased at time of registration for an additional fee. Participants can also order a personalized finisher medal insert with their name and finish time.There is a free gear check in the morning at the Gibsons Community Centre.

For participants from out of town, there is a free shuttle bus from the BC Ferries terminal to the start line the morning of the event. The start time in 2013 has been adjusted to start later to accommodate anyone coming over on the early ferry sailing.

The official race hotel is the Cedars Inn Hotel and Convention Centre, and there are other local accommodations including Bed and Breakfasts in the area.

Read the 2012 BMO Sunshine Coast April Fools Run recap.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

It was near perfect weather conditions with crisp, moist, autumn air and dazzling sunshine for the 2^nd annual Vancouver Historic Half held on Sunday, November 25, 2012 in Stanley Park. There were 297 participants for the half marathon event; the last long distance race in metro Vancouver for 2012.

The majority of race participants were loyal, year-round, recreational runners. They are the ones that train year round for both local and destination long-distance running events.

Two laps of the Stanley Park seawall meant the flat course was fast paced. The course was relatively easy, with the exception of the small hill climb at the end of the race, which caught even the seasoned long distance runner’s off-guard.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

Photo Credit: Try Events

Although some personal bests were set, the course is not a Boston qualifier; however, it is a solid local race and is part of the BC Race Series. Chris Napier took home the overall win with a first place finish at 1:18:45.

There were an additional 197 participants in the 10km race and 72 in the 5km.

Personal Results:

• Gun Time: 1:45:00
• Chip Time: 1:44:54
• Place Overall: 54/297
• M 30-39 Place: 13/31

One of the last road running races in Vancouver for the 2012 calendar year is the Vancouver Historic Half. The 5km, 10km and half-marathon events will be held at 9:00am on Sunday, November 25. There are still a few remaining spaces available for late registrations.

The Historic Half course is along Vancouver’s scenic seawall. The 5 and 10 kilometer courses are an out-and-back format, while the half marathon is a double-loop of the seawall.

For spectators, the optimal location is near KM marker 0 (zero), at the entrance of Stanley Park; near Georgia Street at the entrance of the Stanley Park causeway. Here, half-marathon runners will pass at the beginning, halfway and towards the finish. View the course map.

All participants of the 5km, 10km and half-marathon races will receive a finishers medal. The medals are inspired by Vancouver’s First Nations totem poles. Half marathon participants will also receive a long-sleeve Brooks race shirt.

Participants will be timed using a re-usable timing chip. Timing chips must be returned at the end of the race (or pay a $40 non-return fee). At the beginning of the race, the computer will randomly generate a list of race numbers corresponding to the timing chip numbers; as participants cross the finish line, they can check to see if they have won a draw prize.

Date: Sunday, November 25, 2012
Time: 9:00am Mass Start
Location (new for 2012): The Stanley Park Pavilion
Race Registration: Online
Race Package Pick-Up: Denman Running Room (Friday 4-7pm, Saturday 11am-3pm)

There’s a new road running race coming to Vancouver this summer and it’s sure to cause a big sweat. Lululemon athletica is proud to introduce the SeaWheeze half-marathon on Saturday, August 11, 2012.

Inspired by Vancouver’s beauty and passion for sweat, the 21.1km race will show off the beaches, mountain views and friendly neighbourhoods. The race gets underway at 7:37am, sharp, from the Vancouver Convention Centre and tours through Gas Town, China Town, Yaletown, Kits, the West End, Stanley Park and Coal Harbour.

Registration is now open and if you sign up by May 1, 2012, you will receive a special piece of technical training gear, which will become a valuable part of your training and race-day run! Entry fees are $128 per person, including taxes.

Half-marathon training clinics begin on May 11! More details to come.

Finished with a half marathon personal best: 1:39:36!

This past Sunday, April 1, started off cold and wet on Vancouver’s Sunshine Coast as runners and volunteers gathered at the Gibsons recreation centre. As the timing gun went off precisely at 9:00am, the 21.1km half marathon was underway and off the runners went towards the finish line in Sechelt, where bright sunshine awaited.

The BMO Sunshine Coast April Fools Run is a beautiful point-to-point half-marathon course that passes through peaceful neighbourhoods, quiet country roads and through tranquil forests. But don’t be deceived; although the course is a net downhill route, there are many long hills to climb along the way, making this course challenging, even for a trained recreational runner.

The race is warmly embraced by the community. The course was well marked and course marshals along the route were at every turning point ensuring participants were heading in the right direction. It was amazing to see local residents along the race route to cheer on the participants.

Crossing the finish line. Photo credit: Laurie McConnell

The support from local businesses and organizations was evident throughout the race event – from aid stations to door prizes – they had the event covered. Even BMO came on-board for 2012 as a sponsor of the event, and employees from the local branch volunteered their time to ensure the event was a success.

For anyone preparing for the BMO Vancouver Marathon this is a must-do race during spring training. It fits perfectly with the Running Room training schedule too. It becomes a good indicator of how your training is progressing.

Runners, definitely mark this course into your 2013 race calendar. The friendly hospitality, fresh coastal air, scenic route, affordable entry fee, and a finishers medal all make this one of the most exciting spring half marathons.

For some people playing practical jokes on April Fool’s Day is a long standing tradition. For others, it’s running in the BMO Sunshine Coast April Fools Run half marathon.

For 35 years, organizers have been putting on the friendly and fun 21.1km race. The scenic point-to-point race from Gibsons to Sechelt, BC, is one of the most stunning and scenic half-marathon race routes in the lower mainland.

The 2012 race will get underway on Sunday, April 1st, 2012 at 9:00am. The course is a mix of long-scale undulations, hills and flats, all along a paved surface.

Registrations are still being accepted for the 2012 half marathon event. In 2011 there were 640 registered participants and 539 finishers. Organizers are hoping for a larger turn-out in 2012.

Race packages can be picked up in advance at Forerunners at 980 Marine Drive in North Vancouver on Thursday, March 29, or from 2-6pm at the Community Centre in Gibsons on Saturday, March 31.

“We’re proud to be the title sponsor in this Sunshine Coast recreational running tradition,” says Debra Carson, Gibsons Branch Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal. “We’ll be setting up water stations, helping with the finisher’s medals and cheering on all the participants — from first to last.”

BMO is supplying both the volunteer t-shirts and the runners’ BMO blue gloves for the race, and BMO employees will be out in force to volunteer at the Fool’s Run.

There will be a gear-check at the start of the course, which will be transported to the finish line. Busses will bring participants from the end of the course in Sechelt, back to Gibsons.

Each finisher will receive a medal for completing the race, along with food and beverages from local race sponsors at the finish line.

For those traveling to the event and want to make a weekend getaway, the official half marathon host hotel is The Cedars Inn Hotel & Convention Centre.

For those traveling from Vancouver on race day, catch the 7:20am ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale. A bus will be waiting to take participants to the start line in time for the 9:00 gun.

You can follow along April Fools Run on Twitter and Facebook.

Are you training for your first full marathon, or even a half marathon? Training to run long-distance can seem to be a daunting challenge at first. Training over a period of time will help you work up to running longer distances. It takes dedication and practice.

“The long run is a key part of your training program, no matter what distance you are training for,” said Rick Morris, an avid BMO Vancouver Marathon, marathon runner. “5K runners can benefit as well as marathon runners. The weekly long run is a workout that many look forward to while others dread.”

Here are Rick’s top 10 tips to make your long runs enjoyable and beneficial:

RUN A LOOP

Running a loop course offers many advantages over an out and back course. A loop course of any distance will work, but one that is between 1 and 2 miles is ideal. A loop around a park works well because there are usually bathrooms available. A loop course will allow you to keep your sports drink hidden at your car or behind a bush or tree. That way you do not have to carry the fluids with you. Running a loop is also safer. You are never a long way from your starting point. With an out and back course, if you become excessively fatigued or if the weather gets bad, you may be as much as 12 miles away from shelter. The loop is also ideal for gradually adding distance. If you have a 2-mile loop, you can add one loop when you are ready to increase your distance.

RUN ON A TREADMILL

Many runners do some of their long runs on a treadmill. This is especially convenient when training an area that has severe winter conditions. It is much easier to run on the treadmill than to fight icy streets and cold winds. Elevating the treadmill 1 or 2 percent will closely mimic running outside on flat streets. If you are training for a hilly race, but live in a flat area, the treadmill will provide valuable hill work. Put a television in front of your treadmill and watch a movie during your long run. It makes the time fly by.

MAKE YOUR DISTANCE GOAL SPECIFIC

You should adjust the distance of your long run according to the race distance you are training for. A marathon runner should gradually increase the distance of the long run up to about 22 to 24 miles. It is not necessary to go longer than that. A 5K runner should do about 8 to 10 miles, a 10K runner should go 11 to 13 miles and a half marathoner should work up to about 14 to 17 miles.

RUN SOME MILES AT GOAL PACE

All long runs are not run at the same pace. Make your pace specific to your goal. If your goal is simply to finish a marathon, your long run pace should remain easy throughout your workout. However, if you have a goal race pace, you must increase to goal pace for a portion of your workout. For the marathon distance run the first half of your workout at an easy pace. Speed up to goal pace for all but the last one or two miles of your run. Then, slow back down to an easy pace for the last mile or two. If you do not run a portion of your long runs at goal pace, you will not be physically or mentally prepared to run that pace in the marathon. Do not run more than half of your long run at goal pace. The same procedure may be followed for half marathon training. When training for a 5K, do a goal pace mile in the middle of your training run or at the end. 10K runners should do 2 miles at goal pace either in the middle or end of the long run.

COUNT THE LONG RUN AS A HARD DAY

Many runners believe that the long run is an easy day, because most of the workout is performed at an easy pace. The long run is actually a hard day. In many instances it is the hardest workout of the week. Plan on taking the day after a long run off. It is best to rest totally. If you must run, keep the workout after a long run very easy.

RUN ALL YOUR MILES AT THE SAME TIME

Many fitness professionals are trying to tell us that you get the same benefit from two 30 minutes workouts as you get from one 60-minute workout. That is simply not true. The total calorie burn may be equal, but the fitness gains are not. Two 30-minute workouts will not prepare you for 60 minutes of continuous running.

RUN A FAMILIAR ROUTE

Don’t run a route that you are not familiar with when doing your long run. Save the adventures for your shorter runs. You need to have a good idea of the distance you are traveling when doing your long runs. If you want to add some variety and try a new course, try to measure it first with either your car or your bike.

DRINK A LOT OF FLUID

Dehydration and heat related illnesses are common problems when doing a long run. Drink a lot of fluid to avoid this. It is better to drink a sports drink rather than water. The sports drinks contain both carbohydrates and sodium, which will help your energy level and the mineral levels in your blood.

TAKE A BREAK

If your long runs are 10 miles or less, you can do them every week without risking over training or injury. Long runs of between 11 and 17 miles should only be done every other week. Once you build up to 18 miles or more, you long runs should be done every second or third week. The break between long runs will allow your muscles and connective tissues to heal and will help you avoid burnout.

MAKE MILEAGE INCREASES GRADUALLY

Making large increases in mileage is a mistake. Don’t increase more that 2 miles per long run. Making bigger jumps in mileage will increase the possibility of injury.

This Sunday, November 21 is the last big race of 2010 in Vancouver ~ the Fall Classic, at UBC. The half-marathon is a double loop – 11.1km on the first loop and a standard 10km on the second. They do this to keep the course as flat as possible.

Register online before Friday, or in person (cash only) on Saturday and Sunday.

Race routes and entry fees:

• 5k - $50
• 10 k - $60
• 21.1 half - $70

Race Central is located at the Student Recreation Centre (SRC) at UBC with the start line positioned along Student Union Boulevard.

• 8:30amHalf Marathon starts
• 9:30am10k start
• 10:00am5k start

Volunteers are still needed. Contact them today.

For more information, visit the Fall Classic website.

This weekends BMO Okanagan Marathon is bringing out some exceptions elite athletes. There are three in particular who deserve a special shout-out based on their recent achievements:

Running the Half:

Jeff Symonds is a local athlete who has an impressive resume as a triathlete.  Symonds, who lives in Penticton, won the recent Vancouver Half Ironman Race.  On his running blog he describes it as “the biggest win of my career.”  He has also been the former UBC Captain and All American X-C Runner and has already competed in over 9 events in 2010.  Having won the Half Marathon at the BMO Okanagan Marathon last year, there’s a good chance he will repeat again this year.

Running the Marathon:

29-year-old Prince George resident Kevin Grigg is a marathon enthusiast and no stranger to long-distance running having competed in a 125-kilometre endurance test in Alberta last month, coming in fifth.  Kevin grew up in Soda Springs, Idaho and began running at 15.  He trained with the University of Minnesota Distance Program (Cross Country and Track and Field), before becoming a competitive runner from 2004-07.  A move to Prince George in 2007 took him away from competing but he is back now fitter than ever.  Kevin expects to finish below 2:35 at the BMO Okanagan Marathon – an event he really enjoys and which will wrap up his year-end running.

Jack Cook is an ultramarathoner, and considered to be one of the best long distance runners in Canada. A three-time winner of the Canadian Death Race in Alberta, he has twice finished first at the national 100-kilometre championships, and fourth at the Edmonton Marathon with a time of 2:43:46 in September.  Jack ran the BMO Okanagan Marathon a couple years ago, and is looking forward to the new course and hopes to finish under 2:40 this year.  His personal philosophy is quality training and the Kelowna event gives him that.  Jack’s favourite things to look forward to in Kelowna are, the race, the scenery, the wine and the restaurants.

For more information on the BMO Okanagan Marathon, please visit the BMO Okanagan website ~ there is still time to register and organizers are still in need of more course marshals.

The elite field in the Victoria Marathon is the strongest and most competitive in its 31-year history. To date 80 athletes have been confirmed to run, doubling the 2009 total.

“The 2010 Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K Road Race are shaping up to be one of our most competitive races with outstanding athletes, young and old, competing from Canada, United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, Kenya and Japan,” says Bob Reid, Elite Athlete Director.

“Past winners of the Vancouver International Marathon, Benard Onsare and Mary Akor, are making their debut appearance in Victoria and are sure to be threats, Onsare in the Marathon, and Akor in the Half Marathon. Akor is a highly recognized name in North America and is certain to shatter the current Victoria Half Marathon course record.”

For more information visit the Victoria Marathon website.

The 16th annual BMO Okanagan Marathon will be held on Thanksgiving weekend, October 9 – 10 in Kelowna, BC. This years ‘new old course’ will provide some fast course times, along a beautiful scenic route, giving runners a great opportunity to achieve their goals.

It is expected many participants will qualify with faster times because the course is now one of Western Canada’s flattest, making it one of the faster courses. The 42.2 K Marathon, 21.1 K Half Marathon and 10 K have a mean elevation gain of only 9m, over distance, in runners terms, considered flat.

“Running a personal best in a marathon is a challenge, and the new course will provide the runners their best advantage with the fast flat two loop course.” said Running Room founder and Order of Canada recipient John Stanton. “For the spectators and volunteers they have the opportunity of cheering the runners at least twice.”

The Sports Expo at City Park is open on Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday for runner’s package pick-up, as well as last minute, walk-up registrations (sorry, no registrations on Sunday).

And spectators are encouraged to come out and cheer on all the participants at the BMO Okanagan Marathon ~ participants really do appreciate the encouragement along the entire route!

For more information, visit the Kelowna Marathon website.

In 12 short days runners from across BC will gather in Kelowna’s City Park to run in the 16th BMO Okanagan Marathon. Weekend events includes 5 km, 10 km, 21.1 km & 42.2 km races, a fitness expo and a Kids Zone. The Okanagan Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifying course. All the courses are considered to be flat and fast!

The fall event gets great turn-out too. In 2009 there were approximately 700 marathon and over 800 half-marathon participants. All participants receive a race t-shirt, and runners who complete the full and half marathon will receive a souvenir finisher’s medal. This will be my first time participating in the BMO Okanagan half marathon.

What I like about this event is that it is supported by the same team that puts on the BMO Vancouver Marathon; which means it will be very well organized and a lot of fun.

There will be race-bunnies for both the full and half marathon events:

• Half Marathon: 1:45, 2:00 (2), 2:15 (2), 2:30
• Marathon: 3:30, 4:15, 4:30

Check out the route map and photos the 21.1k half marathon course.

At each aid station there will be GU Brew in Blueberry Pomegranate and Raspberry,and all 8 flavours of GU Gel.

If you register by September 30, marathon entry is $85, and $90 until cut-off. Half marathon entry is $75, and $85 until cut-off. Registration is available at the Kelowna Running Room or online.

The race expo will also be open for three days:

• Friday, October 8, 4 pm – 8 pm
• Saturday, October 9,  9 am – 6 pm
• Sunday, October 10, 8 am – 2 pm

The Kelowna Ramada is the official hotel partner. Rooms are still available. Rates start from $105; quote promo code: BMO Marathon. For reservations call 1-800-665-2518.

Ramada Hotel
2170 Harvey Ave
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6G8

Volunteers are still needed, most importantly, course marshals.

For more information, visit the BMO Okanagan Marathon website.

With 13 more days to go, registration numbers have broken record numbers. Registration has gone so well that the half-marathon has now sold out!

“We expected to reach the Half Marathon cap,” says Cathy Noel, General Manager. “The half marathon distance is the fastest growing in North America so we are following a very popular trend. To see a record number of registrations with 13 days to go proves the popularity of our event, and it is likely that we will see another surge before race day.”

There are still spaces available in the full marathon and 8k race categories. Registration fees are $130 for the Marathon and $45 for the 8K Road Race.

For more information and to register, visit the Victoria Marathon website.

Victoria Marathon is just around the corner and there’s still a few spots open if you haven’t already registered.

The 30th Victoria Marathon gets underway at 6:30am on Sunday, October 10, 2010.

The Victoria marathon is ranked number one in Canada for most Boston Marathon qualifiers and number two in Canada of top Boston Marathon qualifying races. The Victoria marathon is a beautiful, seaside course with lots of mild undulations, but with a maximum elevation change of only 74 feet.

Race Schedule:

• 6:30 a.m. – Marathon Early Start (NEW Time Limit: 5:30-7 Hours), Menzies at Kingston.
• 7:10 a.m. – 8K Road Race Wheelchair Start, Belleville between Menzies and Oswego.
• 7:15 a.m. – 8K Road Race Start, Belleville between Menzies and Oswego.
• 7:25 a.m. – Half Marathon Wheelchair Start, Menzies at Kingston.
• 7:30 a.m. – Half Marathon Start, Menzies at Kingston.
• 8:55 a.m. – Marathon Wheelchair Start, Menzies at Kingston.
• 9:00 a.m. – Marathon Main Start (NEW Time Limit: 5:29 Hours), Menzies at Kingston.
• 10:15 a.m. – Thrifty Foods Kids Run Start, Kingston just off Menzies.

Last-minute registration rates are now in effect:
Marathon: $130
Half-Marathon: $90
8k: $45
Register online now

The races are really starting to fill up fast! There are only 24 spaces left as of mid-night on Friday for the half-marathon.

Marathon                    2,946 (cap 4000)
Half Marathon          6,776  - 24 spaces left!
8K Road Race            2,314 (cap 4000)
Kids Run                         400
Total                           12,436

Just a pre-caution, before you register, ensure that you have secured accommodations and travel arrangements. Hotels in Victoria Harbour and city have been sold out for months. There are still rooms available in Saanich and Bear Mountain. Because it’s a long weekend if you are traveling by BC Ferries, it’s highly recommended to reserve your spot on sailing that aren’t already sold out.

For more information, visit the Victoria marathon website.

On Sunday, August 8, runners from across British Columbia will gather in Delta, BC for the Delta Half Marathon.

I haven’t personally ran this race before, but apparently it’s a fantastic race if you are looking for a new Personal Best (PB). The course is very flat, making it very easy and fast-paced.

The certified 21.1km course starts at 7:30am and goes through farmland, the village of Ladner and along the Fraser River. Each participant that completes the race receives a medal. There are cash prizes for the top three finishers in each category.

The entry form can be found here.

Pre-registration is $50 / late registration is $65.

On Sunday, May 2, I ran the BMO Vancouver 21.1 km Half Marathon.

Background…

I started running recreationally in 2005. Just little runs here and there around my neighbourhood. My dad had got into running and it inspired me. By the spring of 2008 I started running to help me loose weight and get back into shape. Sadly, I injured my legs really badly – I had stress-fractures in both legs, so I had to give up on running for almost two years. In January I finally started running again (well, I took February off for the Olympics).

When I signed up I estimated my time at 2h 05m. My 20 km training run was 1h 46m. I revised my estimated run time around 1h 50m – 2h. In the end, I estimate my running time at 1h 43m (I haven’t found my official time online yet).

Before race day I had done a little bit of preparation. I had reviewed the race route, done two trial runs (a 16 km and a 20 km), and have been going to boot camp the last two months. Generally though, I had not done any real training to run this race – I just decided to give it a try and see what I could do.

My dad has been running for the last 6 or more years and he gave me the friendly reminder to carb-load starting the Friday night before the race – so literally Friday night through Saturday night all I did was eat pasta and protein. I also went to hot yoga on Saturday afternoon to detox, stretch out the body and clear my mind. I was very cognizant not to drink any caffeine or alcohol all weekend and kept up with drinking plenty of water.

Fast forward to race morning…

Jay and I walked over at 6:30am, the race started at 7am. I’m not going to lie – I was honestly nervous all weekend – I just couldn’t wait to get started and get out there. I was excited and wanted to “get ‘er done”.

Right as the race started I realized the music wasn’t working to I had to restart my iPhone, which was extremely frustrating, which also meant that I couldn’t use run-tracker! A few moments later my shoe came untied, so I had to stop for that. The run wasn’t off to an overly great start.

Once all that was sorted out I decided to settle down and just get into the run… right at that moment, it started to rain. I hadn’t run the beginning of the course, so for the first 5 km I was a bit uneasy. Once I got through Chinatown, Gas Town and Coal Harbour I settled down entering into Stanley Park.

At this point it was completely pouring rain and I was concerned about my iPhone and that it would die from getting soaking wet from the rain. It was at that moment that it stopped playing music. I pretty much gave up on my iPhone assuming it got water logged and I was going to have to buy a new one. About 45 seconds later it just started playing music again. Life was good.

I strategically grabbed gel packs and water / gatorade at the recharge stations. I don’t normally take water breaks when I run and I’ve never tried gel packs – turns out I really like the gel packs and will probably continue using them in the future on longer runs.

One of the official photographers took my photo in Stanley Park – I gave him a big smile and wave – I hope I find it online when they post the pictures.

At 13.5 km there is the big hill in Stanley Park – which I climbed without an issue. When I got to the top I saw that one of the runners had given up. I felt bad because he had made it through the hardest part of the course.

Once I got to the top of the hill and started heading down and back out of the park I was feeling confident. I had run pretty consistently with a small group of people who really pulled ahead of me down the hill, but I caught up with them in the West End, but later lost them coming into Yaletown.

At one of the water stations towards the end I felt horrible because I accidentally threw a half a glass of Gatorade on one of the volunteers. I didn’t mean to.

Towards the end I was tired but I knew I had to push onwards. Throughout the entire run I was so deeply moved and motivated by the crowds that lined the race route cheering everyone on. It was really great. I think my favorite sign that I saw said “I made this sign just for you”… obviously meant for no one in particular – it brought a huge smile to my face.

The last 3 or 4 km I was tired but I knew I had to push on; I knew I was almost done. It wasn’t until the last 50 metres that I started to sprint. In hind-sight I would have sprinted the last 1 or 2 kms because I still had a energy left.

Crossing the finish matt was such an incredible feeling. I was overwhelmed with a sense of personal satisfaction and pride. Instantly one of the volunteers put a medal around my neck and I proceeded into the next staging area where I got a “blanket” – which ended up being just a big piece of plastic – it was more than welcomed non-the-less.

After that there was a large water station – which was awesome because this year the BMO Vancouver Marathon partnered with Britta and served only filtered water, no bottles! It’s one of the few marathons in North America that has gone bottle-free.

Once I was out of the end-zone I met up with Jay and slipped into my dry gear. I was so thankful for it. Because of the rain my body temperature dropped so quickly – I couldn’t even put on my gloves – Jay had to help me out. haha

As we were about to leave I ran into one of my fellow boot camp mates and we exchanged notes about the run. We both had a great time.

I knew my body was done had had to get out of the cold and into a hot bath so we quickly left and I went home for a hot epsom salt bath.

People I want to thank…

My dad – for being an inspiration, believing in me, encouraging me to be my best, and for his excellent training advice.

My mentor – for encouraging me to set goals and to achieve them

My boot camp instructors – for helping me with my overall fitness, regularly challenging me, and for their positive support

My friends – for their on-going support and encouragement. It’s great to know that I have friends that want to help me succeed and be there for me to help me through my life’s challenges. Especially Jay, for getting up early to be my race support person – pre-race, on-route, and post-race – that was so great and extremely appreciated.

So where does this leave me…

Next weekend I am going to run the 10 km Sun Run. I did it two years ago and want to smash my previous record.

Overall I’m very pleased with my run. I just kept thinking what my dad said to me the night before, “Remember, you’re out there to have fun”, which was completely true – it kept me going that’s for sure. I also had a personal goal not to stop and to run the entire route – which I also successfully achieved.

This is my biggest personal athletic achievement in life and I’m extremely proud of my accomplishment. I never grew up playing sport, but over the last 3 years healthy living and sport have become very important to me, and I look forward to continuing to grow and reach new goals in the future – that just might include a full marathon one day!

Photos from “big day”…