Sunday, October 5, 2014

Weekend Race Review

I didn't check the calendar when I signed up for the Nova Scotia Lung Association Runway Run.  I just clicked accept because it sound like a cool 5k race to do.  How often do you get to run on a runway, while watching planes take off and land nearby?  If I had checked the calendar I would have known that I had already signed up for the CIBC Run for the Cure 5k this weekend.  Luckily one was Saturday and one was Sunday so I was able to go to both.

Saturday's Runway Run

I haven't been running as often as I should, and it's been a long time since I ran 5k.  I had hopes that this wouldn't be to big of an issue since runways are nice and flat.  What I didn't count on was the cold and wet and the not-quite-gale-force winds that started the day.

After clearing a lot of security, we got to hang out in a hanger till race time.  There were nearly 600 runners and 18 wheel chair athletes competing.  The winner of the wheel chair racers finished in 12 minutes. Alexandre Dupont is a world record holder in wheel chair racing and was an inspiration to watch.


It took me a wee bit more time then 12 minutes to finish!  I came in with a chip time of 43:04.  I was pleased with that, given that I haven't been training like I should.

Sunday's Run for the Cure


Sunday didn't turn out to be quite as wet and cold as Saturday, but it was still pretty chilly while I was standing around waiting for the start.  Luckily I had thought to wear these lovely socks that my friend Amy was going to throw out at work one day.


They are perfect to keep you warm until you get going and then easy to take off and tie to my fanny pack.


As expected, everything was a sea of pink, including the fire truck!  The course for this race was all around downtown Halifax, taking us first around Citadel Hill and then around the Public Gardens.  I didn't have great expectations of making good time today.  The combination of the hills in Halifax and having run 5k yesterday made me believe that I would have a slower time.


I was pleasantly surprised to finish in 41:00 minutes!  That's a full 2 minutes faster then Saturday and matches my fastest time for any 5k.

Overall it was a great running weekend and I'm glad I was able to participate in both runs.  

And a special thank you to everyone who helped me surpass my fundraising goal for the Run for the Cure.  I was able to raise $350 this year.