The Running Diva

Sunday, January 27, 2008

So, the prediction of nasty weather that I was quetching about yesterday didn’t even happen. Instead, it was a cheery and glorious day for a race! The sun was shining and there wasn’t even a mild breeze to speak of. Glenn, Jess and I car-pooled to the race. We yakked a bit about what we were hoping to run and future training plans

Juice really wanted to race but with a rehearsal at 2pm we thought it would have been cutting it a bit too close for him to get back into town in time. Too bad, he would have smoked today’s course!

The race course like I said in yesterday’s entry, was a new course for the Island Series. The old Mill Bay course was pretty good but very different. It was an out and back with a fast start and many more undulations. The new course which is just across the highway from the Mill Bay has a slower first 4km because of a deceptive upgrade and then a faster second half that loops back to the start. The route is very scenic and because it is tree-lined on either side, it will have more shelter from the wind.

I warmed up with Gord Christie and with Cheryl and Phil a bit of the way. The roads were really icy in sections so we knew we would be slipping a bit during the race. I saw Rol beforehand and got in a few digs…hahaha! Sorry Rol, I couldn’t help it…I will pay for it, I know.

I was pleased with my effort today. I don’t feel super speedy right now so the race was a bit rough for me. I tried to stick with the Cheryl, Phil, Kevin pack but after 2km it was a no-go. Paul was on the course cheering as they were pulling away and reminded me to be patient for another couple of kms and then try and reel people in. Gord  came up from behind at about 3km and started to pass. I decided I would stay with him if it killed me. The plan was to race the race today instead of running steady splits so I thought, I will give it a shot! We took turns leading but for the most part, we ran side-by-side…both of us I think, hoping neither would slow up so we could work together for the rest of the race. We picked off a couple of guys and just went hard all the way to the finish. That was a tough race for me today which made me even more pleased that I didn’t give up and let Gord go. Thanks Gord!!

Nanc, Brad, Kevin, Glenn, Jess and I went for brunch at this great restaurant called Steeples in Shawnigan Lake.

 Their eggs benny was out of this world and we all said it was a perfect way to spend the rest of the day.

Paul sent me my training schedule last night for this coming week. All easy running with one solid track WO on Thursday (he scheduled it for Friday but I will be out of town) and the mileage at 70/75km.

I realized at the race today that I have jumped up this year to the next age-category…40-44!! Good grief. I am a Master’s runner now. Oh dear…where did I put my walker….?