Race Report: Canmore Women's Rocky Mountain Soap Run 10K

Sunday May 10th was my 8th race in my (more than) 13 races in 2013 - the Canmore Rocky Mountain Soap Run 10K.  I've heard the course is beautiful and the swag bags are incomparable, yet I've never run this race before.  Even though the race was a week after my BMO Vancouver Half Marathon (likely making this a tough race) I was keen to sign up.  I would just have to keep this a fun run!

To tell you the truth I actually wasn't sure I'd be able to run this in the days leading up to the race.  My left foot wound up really hurting for several days post race.  There was a pain under the outer arch of my foot.  I spent Monday and Tuesday hobbling around Vancouver, then managed to get in to see a physiotherapist back in Calgary on Thursday.  Luckily the pain had improved over the week and the physio felt pretty confident in that we weren't dealing with a stress fracture.  Her diagnosis?  A very tight plantar fascia.  With some manipulation on my arch things improved and I felt brave enough to try a short run on Friday.  My foot felt okay on the run but boy my legs were flat.  The race and several days off had zapped my legs of zip!  With my foot feeling back to normal on Sunday I drove out to Canmore for the race.

Sunday was absolutely gorgeous.  It was warm and the sun was coming out.  I decided to go out on a limb and try a new run skirt on race day - lululemon's run: pace skirt.  Luckily I felt pretty comfortable in it!

The fabulous Tina and I parked a few cars away from each other and she found me instantly.  It was so nice to finally meet her!  We chatted a bit, but each had our own things we needed to take care of pre-race so we went our separate ways.  I needed to hit the bathrooms and I hoped to exchange my race shirt for a smaller size, plus I managed to find some other running friends.  All of a sudden there were just a few minutes before the race so I ate a gel and I grabbed a photo with my friends before we headed to the start line.

The start line was a bit confusing as both the 5K and 10K racers were lining up, but the 10K runners were supposed to get a head start.  There was also a warm up but we couldn't hear or see much of it.  Pretty soon it was time to go and the race announcer was shouting out to all the 5K runners to wait as they would be starting 5 minutes after us.

I did not have an appreciation for how hard this course was.  We'd be doing two loops on the pathways around the Canmore Nordic Centre.  If we weren't running down, we were running up, and these weren't teeny tiny hills too. 833 feet of total climbing.

Those hills completely killed my legs early and they hadn't really recovered from BMO yet either.  I was alright for the first 5K loop but I was dreading the second loop.  I honestly considered peeling off early and just running the 5K.  I told myself to suck it up though because I knew this race would be tough the week after my half marathon.  If I walked the hills it was no big deal!    I knew Tina wasn't that much further behind me so I hoped she might catch up but I lost sight of her on the second loop.  My friend Kelly wound up catching up to me though!

Kelly and I started running together.  She was having a great race!  She had run 20K the day before but she wasn't showing it as she was running strong up all of the hills.  In fact, she was ready to cut walk breaks out!  I mentally tied a string around her waist and hung on.  Thank goodness I had her to run with for the last 3 or 4 km!

As we booked it into the finish line I spied Kelly's husband, plus our friend Tara and her husband Andrew cheering us on from the sidelines.  Tara managed to snap this pic of Kelly and I as we approached the finish.  Wow, that was a tough course and my legs were just not ready for it!  In fact, as soon as I crossed the finish line I felt awful, like I was completely done.  There was a huge line up for water and I felt super dizzy as I tried to wait.  One of the best things at the end of the race were some cool, wet, lemongrass scented towels.  Kelly grabbed one for me and I draped it over my neck.  I was able to get some water and a piece of bagel and it helped me to feel a bit better.  I also grabbed my swag bag and they were giving away tiny trees we could take home and plant!

I checked out the post race spread - salad, veggies and different types of wraps were waiting for us after finishing.

After lunch I scoped out the expo.  Rocky Mountain Soap was there with plenty of products to try.

Mini soap freebies!

I was able to catch up with Tina before leaving.  We couldn't be bad bloggers so we had to snap a picture!

As for the swag bag, it was indeed awesome!

We got some more mini soaps, deodorant, foot butter (oh my god, smells so good), lip butter, and hand cream.  We also got some nutrition samples too!  The t-shirts are cotton with a cute pattern.  I felt like they fit a bit large, but luckily I was able to exchange my shirt for a smaller size.

The race organizers did a great job of encouraging all levels of fitness at the race and I thought the race atmosphere was great.  The km markers had cute motivation slogans on them like "no one ever drowned in perspiration."  I loved it!

The registration fee was $60 which may seem a little steep to some, but considering you got chip timing, a shirt, lunch and so many awesome Rocky Mountain Soap products I think the race fee is worth it.

Final Race Stats:

• Chip Time: 1:14:24
• Overall 255 out of 387
• Females 30 - 39: 115 out of 170

Race Report: BMO Vancouver Half Marathon

I was up bright and early on race morning for the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon.  I puttered about our hotel room, making tea and getting breakfast ready (a microwaved egg and some toast) even though I wasn't very hungry.  I forced some food down though, otherwise the race wasn't going to be pretty!  I debated whether I should shower or not, although ultimately I decided I'd like to at least start the day smelling nice!

My husband Neil (cheerleader extraordinaire) and I had a short walk from the hotel to the nearest Skytrain station.  With our race entry we got a free transit ticket which the staff at the station were exchanging for a pass that would let you ride until 6 pm that day.  We just managed to squeeze on to a very crowded train before it left the station.

Nope, I'm not nervous at all!  (Liar…)

There were these cute ads on the train asking you to be a good Skytrain passenger by not being a "funky ferret."  All of a sudden I was very glad that I had showered that morning!

Just a few short minutes later we were at our stop.  It was another 10 minute walk to the race start at Queen Elizabeth Park - nothing like the long walk we have before the Disney marathon!  The good folks at Marathonfoto were out and ready to take our pictures as we made our way to the start line.

It was going to be a warm one.  I could probably have left the hoodie back at the hotel.  Neil and I made our way towards the start line and I grabbed a yellow ribbon to tie in my hair. 

We said our goodbyes and I planned to make my way to the port-potties.  The line ups for them were crazy though!  There was no way I was going to be able to make it through the line before the race started.  I decided to pass, then made my way to meet up with Krista, Nikki and Solana.

We had just a few short minutes for some hellos and good lucks and then Krista and I made our way into the corrals for the half.  The corrals were a little bit disorganized.  There were different coloured bibs all over the place and no one seem too concerned about which corral you went into.  Ultimately we seeded ourselves in front of the 2:15 pace bunny.  Krista and I nervously hopped from foot to foot as we waited for the race to start.  We were so sure there hadn't been enough time to hit the bathrooms and yet the race wasn't in a hurry to start.  As the minutes ticked on I kicked myself for not darting towards the bushes.  Oh well, I was just going to have to run with it.

We couldn't hear any announcements in the corrals but eventually we could hear the Canadian national anthem playing.  Finally about 15 minutes after we were supposed to start it was time to go!

Krista and I wished each other well and went our separate ways.  She was hoping to go sub-2:10 and I thought I'd be lucky to run a 2:20 so we had no plans to run together.  The beginning of the race is pretty awesome.  You run down a very long hill along Cambie Street towards downtown and over the Cambie Street bridge.  I definitely ran faster than I maybe should have and I skipped the walk breaks but I decided to go with it.  I figured I should enjoy the downhill!  

My water bottle belt and race number were driving me nuts.  I think I overtightened my belt and it kept riding up and it felt like I was pushing it down lower on my hips every 30 seconds.  I tried to loosen it but it didn't make a difference so I just left it and kept pushing it down throughout the race.

I spotted Neil cheering at Cambie and Broadway for me.  I tried to give him a big smile because I was feeling great!  As I ran up on the Cambie Street Bridge I decided to pull over for a quick walk break.  The race course was absolutely beautiful and Vancouver was definitely showing off.  The sky was blue, there was snow on the mountains and it was an amazing day.  Even though it was definitely warm out we were lucky that the course for the half was in the shade much of the way.  As I ran the out and back along Main Street towards Science World I spotted Krista and gave her a wave.  From there we ran through Chinatown and down Hastings Street.  These awesome ladies were out cheering us on (photo via the BMO Vancouver Marathon Facebook page).

The transients on Hastings Street were a bit confused about all of the people running by, but they were cheering us on too.  It was also around here that there was a hill I didn't remember seeing on the elevation profile for the race.

We ran by the Vancouver Public Library where Neil was out cheering me on.  I wasn't sure where to look and I almost missed him!  This would be my last chance to see him on the race until the finish line.  

Up until this point I had been sipping my lemonade nuun from my water bottle but I was starting to run low.  Luckily the Scientology Ministry waterstop was ahead and I grabbed a bunch of cups of water to fill up my bottle.

(Photo via the BMO Vancouver Marathon Facebook Page)

It was really no surprise, but I wasn't able to hold my awesome pace from the beginning part of the race with the huge downhill.  I was still ticking off mile splits at a faster pace than I anticipated so maybe this 2:20 goal wasn't that out of reach after all?  I was pretty happy with how my race was going.  As we ran along English Bay and towards Stanley Park there were huge crowds of people out cheering us on.  It was awesome!  Now we were into Stanley Park and the last half of the race.

Right at the 9 mile water stop I spotted a familiar pink sparkly skirt up ahead - Krista.  I ran over to her to get her attention and say hi.  The lack of bathroom stop before the race had a negative effect on her.  She had to pee badly and wound up stopping at one of the porta-potties.  The line had moved so slowly that her 2:10 goal was out of reach and she just wanted to finish.  I told her that if she wanted some company I was there for her but if she wanted to pull ahead it was no big deal.  We fell into step and began running together.  I don't know what our races would have looked like if we had chosen to run separately at that point.  If she needed a friend I was happy to be there for her as you never know when you are going to need a push later in the race.

As we ran around Stanley Park I spied familiar sights of where Neil and I had some of our engagement photos taken.  It was nice to reminisce and revisit them!  Then with about 2 miles up ahead we saw a runner down, medics all around and ambulances speeding towards him.  He looked young…I hope he was okay!

As we ran on I let slip to Krista that I wondered if we could come in under 2:20.  She said we could if we hurried.  It was time to get to work and buckle down for the last push to the finish.  Unfortunately right around that time it felt like the arch in my left foot cramped right up.  I noticed it, but kept running and eventually I didn't notice it bothering me.  We were now out of Stanley Park and making our way down the long road to the finish.

Krista asked if I could see the finish line up ahead.  I could, but it looked like it was so far away and we had three minutes to get there.  Damn this push to the finish really hurt!  If Krista hadn't been with me there is no way I would have been booking it so fast to the finish.  I really wanted to slow down but I would not let her get away from me!

Ah yes, that is the look of pain on my face as I try to will my legs to run quickly to the finish line.  I hear Neil call my name to the side of the street.  As we get closer I realize the finish line announcer is the wonderful Steve King - the voice of my two Ironman Canada finishes.  I take comfort in his voice and think that he is calling me home, just like at Ironman.  We pass a woman walking just yards from the finish line.  I tap her on the shoulder and say she can do this.  Finally, Krista and I are done.

2:20:09.

It wasn't sub-2:20 but I'm not sad.  I was proud of my race because I really thought hitting 2:20 would be a stretch goal.  Even though Krista didn't have the race she wanted I was glad that we found each other.  I think it is too bad that we don't live closer because I think we could be great training partners!

We get our medals, our bagged lunches and paused for an official photo.  

We find Neil and immediately there is talk of finding someplace for Slurpees.  Krista had mentioned it somewhere around the 10 mile mark and it sounded so delicious!! We hobbled to the nearest 7-11 for a sugary, icy treat.

After that it was time to say goodbye!  Krista had to head home and Neil and I were meeting friends for lunch.

All in all I was happy with my day.  I loved the course and running in Vancouver will always be a favourite of mine.  There were water stops every mile (although I carried nuun with me).  If I could have asked for anything it would have been more port-potties at the start.  Many thanks to Krista for pulling me to the finish.  While you didn't have the race you hoped for I really appreciated that we were there for each other at the end of the race.  Race number seven of my (more than) 13 races in 2013 is done.

Final Race Stats:

• Chip Time: 2:20:09 (halfway split 1:08:26)
• Overall 5501 out of 8564
• Females 30 - 34: 538 out of 1076

Three Things Thursday

I'm waiting for my pro pics from the BMO Half Marathon before writing my race report.  While we wait for that, here's three things for Thursday!

1. I took advantage of being in the US to order some things that either don't ship to Canada or cost a fair amount to ship to Canada.  Needless to say we had one rather heavy suitcase heading back!!  What was I after?  The new summer flavours from nuun (plus grape since I love that flavour too) and Picky Bars!
   
    
   
2. My mom was a sweetheart and altered my Disney marathon shirts for me because they were so huge!  She used an old Disney shirt that actually fit well as a template and slimmed down the sides for me so it fits better.  She wasn't able to finish off my blue marathon shirt when she was last here for a visit so she fixed it at home and mailed it to me.  Thanks Mom!!!
   
3. I sent my hot pink pants back to J. Crew and found a pair of faded orange/red ones from them instead.  Loving this colour!
   

And for a little Throwback Thursday fun, check out when I had long permed hair, back in grade 9 in 1992!  Not really sure what I'm doing here though!

The Day Before the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon

I flew into YVR from Grand Junction late on Friday night.  I had just enough time to hear the Canucks blow a 2-1 lead in the dying seconds of their playoff game as I sped away from the airport in a taxi and to go for late dinner with my husband before crawling into bed.  On Saturday morning I was ready and raring to go for a quick and easy 20 minute shakeout run though.

It was a beautiful morning.  We walked from our hotel, past the Vancouver Public Library.

And past the Terry Fox statue in front of BC Place.

We decided to run the pathway around False Creek towards Science World.

There was plenty of stopping for pictures!

We saw this interesting looking dinosaur made out of garbage.

We headed back towards our hotel by running up over the Cambie Street Bridge.  Of course I had to have my photo taken with the BMO Run Vancouver banners above me!

After a quick shower and breakfast Neil and I made our way to the BMO Marathon packet pick up.  After I grabbed my bib we made quick work of going through the vendors at the expo because we had someplace to be!  I stopped to grab some BMO Vancouver Marathon beer glasses though.

Where were we off to?  I had some twitter friends to meet up with for lunch!  I've known Nikki for years but I finally had a chance to meet Krista, Solana, Alex and Alanna.  Solana also invited a special guest to our lunch…Bart Yasso!

What a great opportunity to chat with Bart!  He's so friendly, supportive and loves to chat running.  It was an incredible experience and I'm glad he was able to join us!  It was also great to meet some of ladies I've been following on twitter too.

Up next, my BMO Vancouver Half Marathon race report!

Checking Out Rocks in Utah

In my last post I revealed the destination of my two "new to me" states that I was visiting this past week - Colorado and Utah!

On Sunday I flew into Grand Junction, Colorado for five days of looking at rocks in Utah.  Spending the week travelling, eating away from home and hiking around a warm, windy and dry state was maybe not the most ideal way to spend taper week.  It was too good of an opportunity to pass up though!  I took advantage of some downtime on our first day to hit up one of my favourite stores…Target!

With fun socks and M&Ms in hand it was time to get down to work.  Before we left Grand Junction early on Monday I got up for a taper run.  I had to run 10 x 1:00 hard/1:00 easy.  Given that I wasn't overly familiar with the area we were in I opted to hop on the treadmill at the hotel.

I had a really good run but I could tell it was much drier than I was used to.  I was drinking water like it was going out of style!

On Monday we made our way to our home base for the week, Green River, Utah.  Green River is a fairly small town with only a couple of restaurants so attempting to eat healthy was a bit of a challenge.  I did the best I could though!  On Wednesday morning I was up bright and early for an easy 30 minute run through town.

 

Apparently there is a melon festival here in the late summer!

A shot of the Green River in the background.

On our last day in Utah we were able to take a detour to Dead Horse Point State Park.

This was definitely one of the highlights of the trip.

It was a fun week of learning a lot about geology and exploring some new places.  There is certainly a lot of beauty in Utah!