Its Good to be Back

So this past weekend I ran 5km in a race here in Sudbury. It was the first time I have run 5km since sustaining an injury in February of this year, so I went into the race with a few nerves and a lot of caution. I was so excited to be running again!

The best part of this race though, was that two of my students from the Learn To Run class that I taught were also running it. This was a big accomplishment for them. The class, over 10 weeks, takes you from not being a runner at all, to gradually increasing your running time to 20 minutes with a 1 minute walk break after 10 minutes. The average first time runner usually runs their first race between 35 to 40 minutes, so this was going to be a stretch for them.

Both the runners came in with excellent times of 31:07 and 31:48. My intent was to follow them the entire race and finish after or alongside of them. I really wanted them to not be "chasing" me the whole time. They did a great job and I was very proud of them.

My race did not go as well as I had hoped. I made some mistakes, which means I learned a few lessons. In my opinion the fact that I can take away a few "lessons learned" makes it a successful run. After all, if you never have a bad run, how can you truly appreciate the good ones? One factor out of my control was that it was HOT! We haven't had many hot days, so the bulk of my training since coming back to running has been in some pretty cool, and rainy conditions. What was in my control is how I handled the weather; I didn't do this part very well at all.

1) I really shouldn't wear a full hat when running, especially in the heat we experienced Sunday. By the 9am start time, temperatures were about 25 degrees with a high level of humidity. I have a very thick head of hair and I overheated quickly. Even though the hat is designed for runners, it was a big detriment to me. In retrospect, I should have just taken the hat off and thrown it somewhere, but hats are expensive! Next time: Either wear a visor, or no hat at all.

2) Wearing all black was stupid;I don't care how moisture wicking the fabric is, black clothing and hot sun together are a bad mix. I knew better. Now I REALLY know better. Next time: Light-coloured clothing. Its there for a reason.

3) Somewhere around the 2 km mark, I was struggling pretty badly from being overheated so I briskly walked for about .5 km, in an attempt to catch my breath. This was a smart thing to do, I caught my breath and carried on to have a bit easier of a time. Next time: Try not to get to this point, but if you gotta walk, go ahead and walk. Its better than not doing either!

4) The water station. Ah yes, a fine display of Jessica's inherent and well-documented lack of co-ordination. I was so excited to see that water station. I even had a plan; take the water from the first person, throw it back like a shooter. Then I was going to grab water from the second person and thrown it over my head to cool me off. Instead, this is what happened.

I grabbed the water from the first person, and threw the entire cup, contents and all over my shoulder, missing my mouth entirely, splashing just a few drops on myself, as I heard the cup hit the sidewalk.

Yep. I am just that graceful! Next time I will slow down at the water station, no matter how badly I want to make up time!

My goal was to finish the race in under 32 minutes, which I felt was reasonable considering that I have not done any of my own training other than teaching the class. I did not make that goal, but I came close with a time of 32:36. Considering I walked about .5km to .75km, and the problems I had regulating my temperature and breathing--not to mention the humorous water station incident--I can accept that time as a good return to a sport that I enjoy.

I am now focused on running for myself, and working towards my goal for the Army Run being held in Ottawa on September 20th. I will not print my goal just yet. I have to do a few training runs to see if it is reasonable and attainable, but once I decide, I will post my goal time here! Someone has to hold me accountable!

Most importantly though....Congratulations to Phil and Wendy. You guys kicked my butt! Well done!


Here is a picture of me rounding the corner from Bancroft to Bellevue, just over 1km into the race! This picture was shamelessly taken from the Sudbury ROCKS! website. Make sure to click on that link to check out their site. They are amazing supporters of running and other related events in the Sudbury Area, which is greatly needed!

You can see full race results here and more pictures here

Happy Running!

Jessica