Hello friends! Spring is officially here and I have to share my first race of the season. It’s also my first event since the Las Vegas Half Marathon in 2016.
Work and life was a bit out of control in 2017 and I made very little time for the things that really make my heart smile. Today (March 18) reminded me how important it is to create and follow through with time for yourself, no matter what. It’s all part of that self care we keep talking about, and how do we want to feel! Well, I feel quite fabulous at the moment.
These are what I call the glory moments. I can wake up on any given day and be rip-roaring ready to go — I’m an annoying morning person. The early bird gets the worm and I look forward to those quiet seconds with just me, our pets, my coffee and usually some writing followed by yoga/meditation.
Race days are not usually any different, yet this one was. Perhaps it was because it had been so long since I’d been at start line, I don’t know. But I was almost agitated with jitters, my favourite run gear was even bugging me. I felt like I had drank too much dark roast and was going to pretty much implode with anticipation.
I have participated so much in the past, often attending two or more events a month for a good 25-plus years. It was weird to tread through this very familiar ritual as if for the first time. I had no goal in mind, no pace, finish or achievement to push me. It was just for me, to have fun with like minded people and know that it was OK if I sucked.
The Spring Run Off 10K is literally my go-to running route out in my neighbourhood, so I know it well and have done it too many times to count since moving here. It’s flat and easy to navigate, offering a lovely space for moving meditation. Upon arrival I see many of my inspiring ‘sole’ family members. Some elites, some injured, some running for the first time, some volunteering.
Our town is full of groups who run it and run it well: RunClub, Kamloops Ridge Runners, Dirty Feet, Runners Sole, Interior Running Association. All of them offer something different with weekly training runs if you’re interested. I was humbled by the invitation to coach with Jo Berry’s team for the upcoming annual Boogie the Bridge. If you haven’t experienced it, it’s worth the effort. It’s hands down one of the best community events I’ve ever seen!
The Spring Run Off 10K started on time, with perfect, crisp conditions. The elite athletes whispered off, like the wind. Kamloops is home to some of the fastest runners in the province!
As we get going in the dust of the superstars, I feel the little aches and pains that accompany the beginning of every run, no matter how much I warm up. I ease them out with a light pace and rhythmic breathing, reminding my body it knows exactly what do — we love this remember!? I’m a very verbal runner, saying hello, thanking and often high-fiving volunteers along the way.
With each step, I’m gently rocking into that comfortable pace. It comes around the 2.5-3 kilometre point. If you can hang on that’s when it usually starts to kick in. The first glory moment hits me as I round the corner up to the Dunes Golf Course, at this point those badass athletes are on their way back, flashing by with barely a glance, me cheering them on and feeling inspired to pick it up just a bit.
Things are going well — music in my ears, breath steady, very few pangs of stiffness at this point. There’s five kilometres down, and five to go, but I felt like I could go all day. It didn’t matter where I was at or who I was behind. More wonderful WolfPack cheerleading volunteers to high-five are ahead.
I continue along, and a friend and I are leapfrogging/shadowing. She’s pushing me with kind encouragement, having so much fun, graciously trusting the camaraderie of “if she can, so can I.”
The heart just tells the legs to turn over and don’t worry about anything else. These, the glory moments are why I run; they are pure elation and endorphins. They are the epitome of chasing the rush. When you catch it, and it cascades through your body, you feel more alive than the moment before, full of self appreciation, determination and invincibility.
The finish line doesn’t really matter; it’s the process of getting there. Although fleeting at times, these amazing moments make me come back for more. Never underestimate yourself, you are worth the investment, so make time! Just move a little more and get outside! It’s your life, it’s waiting. Live it now!
