Let's put the emphasis on FUN!! Does anybody else hate it when you set some goals for an event...all is going well...and then you show up AT the event and you have to throw all of those goals out the window? I find this disheartening. And I have to learn to adjust on the day for whatever comes my way. I find this difficult...i want everything to go as planned, and sometimes it just doesn't.
In the pre-announcements, it is said, "We had to change the course due to road construction. The new course is very technical. We are sorry for the hills, but remember this is a FUN RUN!!!" Hills? In Saskatoon? Nah...he's LYING!!
Ummmmm....no he was not. I mean, they weren't that bad, but I was not prepared for the trail running. 80% of the course was on the trails. So different than anything I am used to!! Jumping over rocks, stepping over mud puddles, leaping over a creek...then we get to Diefenbaker Park and we have to climb a hill to the park...I mean climb...as in I am using my hands to steady myself so I don't fall or sprain an ankle or knee...I just kept telling myself...do not hurt anything, this is a FUN RUN!!
But what a beautiful day...we were against the wind on the way out and then the wind was at our backs on the way home. It was hot and even though I was a bit discouraged as i KNOW I can run faster...my finish time, according to the clock they had at the finish, (I did not wear Garmin or a watch of any kind..I tossed it in my truck after I heard the announcements...) was 55 minutes. This equals my stand alone 10km time, so I know I should be happy, but I just want that breakthrough run!! You know? The encouraging part is that I WAS up there with all of the fast(er) runners...the ones that used to kick my butt...I was still far behind them, but at least I could SEE them today!! I was excited about this and it actually motivated me. I counted at the turnaround, and I was about the 8th female...out of over 100 people...i know that is totally nerdy and sounds competitive, but i felt like i was running well, even given the course, I just wanted to know!!!
4 comments:
Hills?? In Saskatoon? You're having us on.
Dealing with the change is good for you. Keeps you flexible, ready for alternatives. And regardless of what you thought was coming, you did great!
Yeah, that is one hell of a little change to a fun run...lol. NOW I understand your text...I couldn't figure out why you were climbing a hill using your hands...lol Great time for such a difficult race!!
That run sounds fantastic!! And yes, there are definitely hills in Stoon! Don't worry about the time you ran, just use it as a great learning experience and now you know where to go back to train on some sweet trail!
You did awesome, Kelly! You are getting stronger by the day -- and that hunger for speed is getting you there quicker than you think. :) :) :)
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