They were running 30K but I had dropped off my car at a friend's house along the route on Friday night so I could duck out early. I also decided to set up a water/gatorade/fruit aid station at this point. I love nothing more than orange wedges during a long run - unfortunately, they're a little too messy to carry with me.
The weather was pleasant at about 2C/36F to start and 6C/43F toward the end, slightly overcast as the sun rose on the horizon. Most of the route took us along picturesque Canal Road which runs alongside (surprise) the canal, with nothing but farm fields on the other side of the road. It was quiet and serene, a nice change from the residential routes I typically run.
I was feeling strong and comfortable throughout the run, just enjoying the scenery and company. As it turns out, we must have all been in quite the zone because we missed our turn! Instead of taking more quiet country streets to our destination, we ended up on a major highway and had to run about 5K into the wind (we realized at that point how sheltered we had been on Canal Road) with heavy traffic and no idea how much further it would be to our rest stop (my end point).
It became a bit of a mental struggle, but my energy level was still good and I led our small pack the rest of the way, which worked out to just about 20K exactly - my goal/plan for the run. I was relieved to be done and the others enjoyed a short break before continuing on their merry way.
***
After my run, I had a quick shower and bite before hubby and I headed to Hamilton for the Around the Bay expo. I even picked up a little goodie for myself.
(Don't mind the fact that my forehead looks massive in this picture.)
Good luck to Mel, Sonia, Vava, Yumke and everyone else running ATB tomorrow (including my hubby!). Unfortunately, there is a lot of rain in the forecast. Maybe it's not so bad that I'm sitting out this year...
***
Also, big huge good luck to TFH who will be running her first marathon tomorrow.
22 comments:
That headband is adorable! Half girly pink and have black tough.
LOVIN' the headband! Too cute! Sounds like a great day!
I will be meeting up with hubby after the race in section 120.
I love orange wedges. They remind me of my youth playing soccer. We always had them at half time!
Great long run. I love orange wedges on long runs too. Sometimes I'll carry those little clementine oranges with me and just peel them and eat them on the run.
A missed turn - ack! That turns it into quite the mental struggle, no? But all was well in the end it seems. Whew!
Cute headband!! I'm looking forward to all those race reports.
Nice job on the run. You've clearly back after the injury!
Wish Mel a special congrats from me when she comes in. I know it was a source of nervousness for her.
Nice job!
LOVE the headband!
Love the headband!
Cute headband!! Hope hubs did well today.
Great run! Orange wedges are the best.
Thanks for the best wishes, it was a rainy, wet, windy day but still it's easier to take when thousands of others are running with you.
nice run! glad you didn't miss your car and orange stop. mmm oranges, especially during/after a run! love them.
great seeing you today! :)
Niice headband and awsome run!
Nice job on the run, and that's a killer headband!
Super cute headband!
NICE headband!
That would be mentally tough but way to get it done. And that headband is awesome.
cute bando!
Hope everyone had a great time at ATB!!
love the headband!!! great job on the run!!!
Wow, that is quite the end to a 20K run! I hate the wind!!! Great job on it though!!
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