I'm very happy with my time, as well. We had really great conditions - it was about -2 or -3, and a very light snow was falling, but there was hardly any wind. The run was in the evening, and the park was lit up for the holidays, so the route itself was really beautiful. The paths were fairly clear, but there were a few icy patches, and one of them took a runner down right in front of me. He bounded right up again, and STILL beat me - an amazing recovery effort. I pushed pretty hard, and felt strong until the last 500 meters. At that point, I switched into my highest gear, and REALLY started to feel the effects of the thin Calgary air. I was gasping and seeing stars, but I held on to that pace until I passed under the finishing arch. According to the volunteers, I was the first place female! It was a fun run, so there were no chips, and I have nothing but the volunteers' words to verify that, but I hope it's true. In any case, I managed to beat my previous 5K time by ten or eleven seconds. I think that means I can run my next sea-level, no-ice 5K under 22:30.
My dad was waiting at the finish line, and my brother held a seat in a nearby pub. My dad and I walked backwards through the course to join my mom for the final stretch of her walk. Afterwards, we headed over to the pub for a drink, and then the snow really started to fall. It was a wonderful evening. My mom had so much fun, too, and we both appreciated having the dad & brother there for support. My dad got a good photo of my mom and I before the gun - I'll get the image from him and post it later.
I'm going to wrap up this post now, wishing everyone the best for the new year. I think it's going to be a good one!
Awesome timing Melissa! I did few runs at deer lake too, and somehow those uphills didn't bother me that much like before. Was able to keep up the same pace after pushing myself on the uphills. And seriously I need to get a watch, need actual proof of improvement..better than just "feeling" stronger i guess.
ReplyDeleteHappy new year!!!
Thanks! And that's awesome about the hills at Deer Lake. It's true - I really like how the watch helps me visualize my progress. I just wish mine didn't keep freezing. Finally tried the Master Reset - hoping that fixes it!
ReplyDeleteFirst place female in the 5k!! Legen - ... wait for it ... (and I hope
ReplyDeleteyou aren't lactose-intolerant) ... dary
One word: Coffee (with or without milk - your call ;))
I personally don't drink coffee, but I owe you a cup because you just got
a personal best!
When are you back in Vancouver, Melissa? Would love to get a run or climb
with you soon. If you want a beer instead of coffee, we can do that too. Any pubs by the Hive?
I had to give up beer when I found out I was celiac - although I do miss it. Might have to take you up on the coffee one of these days, though. I'm back in Van this weekend, and hope to start up with climbing again pretty quickly. I was hoping to get a climb in two in while I was in Calgary, but I've been too busy. I think I've shed all my climbing callouses - damn!
ReplyDeleteOn the PR front - I don't know if it counts, since it wash't a timed race. I sort of wish it was! I'm going to have to repeat the performance at a timed race. Thinking maybe the BMO St. Patrick's day 5K. It's only a week before the Spring Runoff 8K, which is not ideal... but I might sign up for it anyways.