Monday, August 23, 2010

A Midsummer Night's Redemption

"Wanderers of the night..."

Saturday night was the 5th annual ("Act V") Shakespeare-themed A Midsummer Night's Run (30K) taking place in Toronto's east end, mostly along waterfront trails.

Starting at 5:30PM, it's a difficult time to run long distance. Unlike last year I decided to have fun with it and run more conservatively this time around. My goals were to put in some quality training and feel good beginning to end. Of course, I had a somewhat secret desire to beat last year's "A" Goal of 2:50.

We headed to the race extra early, as usual, and found great parking nearby. It was sprinkling rain so we found some shelter under a tree and hung out while we waited for everyone else to arrive.





We took some pics once everyone showed up.





We killed some time with the usual pre-race routine of multiple visits to the port-o-potties, bag check and a warm-up run for hubs. Pretty soon it was time to line-up.



I like this race because it creates a fun, laid back atmosphere without the usual hustle and bustle and high anxiety at the starting line. Everything felt very casual as we stood around chatting during those final moments before the gun.

Kelly, Angela and I (the other girls in crowns) had decided to stick together and treat it as a typical long run for the most part. Lynn (with the tutu) joined us for the first several kilometres as well before picking up the pace and continuing on her own.

We maintained a pretty steady 5:45/KM (9:15/mi) pace and kept things comfortable and conversational. The first 10K took us through a mostly industrial area; pretty boring without must to look at, so it was really nice to have company. I got to see hubs briefly here on the first of many out-and-back portions.

The thick, humid air felt like a suffocating blanket surrounding us and we were already wishing for the rain that had been forecasted. We were drenched already and taking in fluids like crazy. It was a good feeling not to have any time pressure, as I thought back to how miserable I was feeling at this point last year.

Self-portrait fail:




At around 11K we headed out onto the Leslie Street Spit into Tommy Thompson Park. With views of Lake Ontario on both sides of us, we enjoyed a breeze and the sound of waves crashing against the shore as we made our way along the newly paved road. (Last year this section consisted of mostly rough and broken asphalt; it was a definite improvement!) It had started to rain very lightly, which was much needed! It would continue for most of the race.

Don't mind the blurry on-the-run pics:






We were getting tons of compliments on our outfits, which always gave us a big boost. It's fun running in costume and surprisingly, the crowns, fairy wings and sashes weren't too much of a nuisance. At one point, we heard someone coming up from behind with some kind words. As he passed, we realized it was multiple world record holder Rick Ball.



We crossed the half marathon marker and timing mat just over 2 hours as we made our way out of the park. It had been pretty quiet out on the spit, so it was nice to get some crowd support once we were back on the main roads.

We were now headed toward Ashbridge's Bay Park where we would run a short loop before heading back to the finish. I spotted Kenny who was already on his way back, with hubs trailing close behind. (I found out later that they had run together for a while.)

Around 25K the girls felt that they needed to slow down a little and encouraged me to go on. I knew I had a lot in the tank so I decided to push it for the last 5K. I started passing people all over the place, watching my average pace drop as I went. A few spectators and volunteers who recognized me from before asked, 'Where are your friends?'

I snapped this self-pic along the way:



The last five ticked by in 5:16, 5:13, 5:19, 5:08, 4:45. Before I knew it, I was rounding the bend for the finish.

30.0KM (18.6mi)
Chip time: 2:49:06
Average pace: 5:39/KM (9:04/mi)
F20-29: 26/83
Women: 97/335
Overall: 280/651


I quickly found hubs who had finished in 2:26 for his first race post-injury and a PR.



We collected our medals and stainless steel water bottles (nice perk!) before heading our separate ways. It was still raining and we were all ready to get home; but not before a group pic with the ladies!



Overall, a very successful and FUN race.





On Sunday morning Kelly and I decided to set up a "travelling water station" for our group's long run. We wore our outfits and were reportedly a sight for sore eyes for many on a tough and rainy run. We weren't quite ready for this pic, but I still think it's pretty cute.

38 comments:

Quinton J said...

CONGRATS on a strong race!!! Sorry I missed you...we'll link up next time.

I took a hit on that one...started cramping up late in the race and had to stop a bunch of times. I finished...but it was rough and 13 minutes off my Around the Bay time.

Anyway, I'm happier now that I saw your bad-ass race and race pics. Lates.

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

Congrats! Way to finish strong. You all looked super cute in your pink with the crowns. Love the style!

Lily on the Road said...

Fun, fun, fun ~ I can't believe (well, yes I can) how fast you have become...yikes girl, you are a speedy speedster!

Cute crowns and running tutu's...you always have way too much fun!

Anonymous said...

congrats on the awesome race!!!
cool pix. sounds like u enjoyed this one a lot!

TNTcoach Ken said...

No, that first photo doesn't look dorky.......... That's why I just get wet... You are kicking some bootey......

Anonymous said...

Costume success (awesome!) AND beating the "secret A goal" ...Congrats, lady!!! :)

Unknown said...

Sounds like a great race!

Mel-2nd Chances said...

Congrats to both you and hubs! Love all the pics, and the swag there is awesome! Great job beating your goal too!

teacherwoman said...

Sounds like a fun race! Those are some great pics!

Q said...

I loved reading this race report, it sounds like a fun race.

It's so nice that you set up water stations for you run group too!

Katie A. said...

What a fun race! Congrats on finishing strong!!! I really would love to run a night race - maybe next summer.

Love that you went out to help at the water stops - that earned you major running karma! :)

Jill said...

You do the most fun runs all the time. As I am leaving this I saw an email come in from you, we must have been reading each others blogs at the same time.

Great job on this race...seems liek a blast!

J said...

It sure was a rainy weekend!! And today its raining here again! No fun.
Great job on the race and beating your secret goal of 2:50!! You girls look so cute in your outfits!!

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

You got your A goal, and did it having fun and looking cute, PERFECT!! Race shirt, medal and water bottle...LOL I love Canada..

Hugs to fun runs..

Midsummer nights Dream is my favorite!!

Runners Fuel said...

great race! Congrats!

Jamie said...

Congrats on a great race! Sounds like a fun race and love the outfits! I'm impressed your crowns didn't melt in the rain ;)

ajh said...

Outstanding! You certainly know how to have fun.I like the looks of the course - lots of water. I like that bridge but wonder if it was somewhat unsteady? Great job!
Cute cute outfits.

Laura said...

so awesome! Congrats on the redemption. There is no happy medium with this race is there? Rain, humidity etc. Oh well...tiara make up for everything.

Amy said...

Congrats on a successful race and a great finish! I love your outfits!

Emz said...

FABULOUS job. Love the pictures [as always] and outfits too. YAY!!

Tricia said...

great job, love the pics!

Denise said...

you guys look great and it sounds like a great time out there!!! nice work on finishing so strong and a big congrats to hubs for his first race back and PR!!

Jess said...

What a great race! Congrats!

Aron said...

looks like a BLAST!! and you got your sub 2:50 while having fun :) always a good thing!

No Longer Using said...

A+++++!!!!!!!!!!!!!! fun and fast! and the hubs, too! celllllebraaaate good times... :) (thinking of the song)...


what priceless pictures. and friends. gosh, you have quite the running + social life (combo deal!).

Unknown said...

Great job on beating your 2:50.
Love the pictures.

And, so good of you to be the travelling aid the next morning.

Lindsay said...

Congrats! Sounds like a perfectly executed training run. Love the walk-of-shame effect in wearing your outfits the next morning ;)

Heidi said...

Hey, you did awesome! Congrats to hubs on his PR too. Sounds like you had a lot of fun, and beat last years "A" goal - that's always fun.

Nice shirts you got too!!!

Mark said...

Be sure to tell Hubs "congratulations". You really nailed that last 5K! Shows just how strong you are getting!! I loved all the pics!

Running Librarian said...

I love love love the running outfits!

Nicole said...

nice race girl! you killed it out there!!!!!!

Heather said...

Love the crowns - great job on the race!

Anonymous said...

Outstanding performance...and with classy headwear too! Love the water bottles- that is a great idea. Congrats!

EndorphinBuzz said...

Great costume. You always look like you have so much fun at races!

Marky Mark said...

Great run! I hope to do it again next year. Sounds like the new route was an improvement as well as the new pavement.

Julie D. said...

fun race! and great perks! love the medal!

Badgergirl said...

Congrats on a strong race! Love the outfits!

Jen Feeny said...

Great job on the race chica! Loved the pics!!! :)