Sun Run 2011

April 17th, 2011. My first ever 10 km run.

I had my alarm set for 5:05 am. Yah like the alarm had to go off. I tossed and turned all night watching the clock to make sure that I didn't sleep in. Got up and got on my racing gear (which I had out and ready of course). Ate a nice breaky and packed my bag. Arrived at Aldergrover at 6:10 am. Bus left right on time. 6:30 am we were on our way.

We arrived at the Hyatt around 7:30 that morning. What a morning it was to sit there and watch person after person come into the Hotel. This was one of the meet places for the Sun Run. My cousin came down (she stayed at the Hotel for her little one to fed) and away we walked to the starting gate......it was packed. I saw people dressed in costum and people roaring to go. It was amazing. Because of how packed we all were I actually heard that starting gun go off!!!

10 minutes after the race began we were crossing the starting line. Off we went. We ran the entire way!! Erin was roaring to go a little faster but I was trying to save my energy for this apparently big hill and bridge that was coming. The amount of people that we were passing and passing us just kept me in ahhhh the entire time!! There was a building on fire and spectators (and fireman) all over the street!! Once we hit the 5 km mark I checked the clock!! 39 min. I was SHOCKED. I have been doing 5 kms on the treadmill and the lowest I have gone is 44 min. I was so happy. I was determined to finish this race in under 1:30.

Kept on trecking along. Pulling Erin back when she needed to be :) It was an amazing feeling and the people cheering kept me smiling. Finally we were at the 7 km. My quads were starting to feel a little sore and definitly wanted a little break. I told myself just a little further. We headed down the street and then came the 8 km. I was watching and watching for this big hill and bridge coming. Finally we hit the 9 km and I saw people turning. I thought this was it. We rounded with the crowd and nothing. There was an onramp but that was it. I was so confused. We crossed the final bridge and I was still playing it back in my mind. Finally we saw the finish line. We picked up the pace as much as we could with the crowd that was there and what myhysical bodies would let me do. WE CROSSED THE LINE!!!!!

We didn't stop once. We didn't feel anything but a little aching muscles. We had completed our first 10 km race!!! The best part was looking down at my watch (I had clocked the race) 1:18:35!!!! We had not only just ran a 10 kms but we did it in almost 12 minutes faster than we both thought we would!!!!

Doing this with my cousin and the sun run clinic has opened me up to alot of possibilities. I have more on my list of what I would like to do and can't wait for more training and the next step!! Doing this race has shown me that I can do anything that I put my mind to. And I am capable. All the messages and support from my family and friends has been amazing. I thank each of you for being there for me leading up to this day and onwards!!

Love and Hugs to all!!