Toronto Women's 5k Race Recap

What a great day for a Race, Sun was out and not one cloud in the sky, temperature was around 17C but it was a chilly one. 
I have to say I have been really lucky with Race Days when it comes to weather. 
The Toronto Women's Race took place at Sunnybrook Park in Toronto. I had actually never been to this park, it happens to be just behind where Hubby had his surgery in May. 
Love running in a Park setting, maybe because I always run on City streets.


I sort of miss managed my time in the morning. Getting up 2hrs before a race was NOT enough time. I don't know what I was thinking. 
I was up at 6am, making myself a bowl of Oatmeal (which has become my Pre-Race fuel) and a cup of Green Tea. I quickly ate the Oatmeal. Shaved my legs. Brushed my teeth. Got   dressed. Hubby in the mean time was making breakfast for the kids and making sure that everyone was ready by 7am. 
Grabbed Coconut Water, IT Band Wrap (VERY IMPORTANT) and my Green Tea and we were out the door by 7am. 
I didn't like to be rushed like that. I think I need at least 1 1/2 hr before leaving the house on Race morning. Waking up at 5:30am would have worked out better. 

This was certainly a smaller Race compared to the last two races I participated in. 
The 10k had 332 Runners (331 women and 1 man) and the 5k had 267 Runners (263 women and 4 men). 
There was still excitement in the air, but the atmosphere was more relaxed. It was an amazing feeling to be surrounded by all these amazing women runners. 
This was also my running Buddy's First Race and we could not have picked a better event. 

me and my running buddy Ana 

Waiting for the race to start 

our very own personal cheerleaders

The Girls were quite Popular 

As you can tell we had plenty of time before the race, which is just the way I like it.
I had time to sip on my Coconut water and about 10min before we had to line up for our race I hit the port-a-potties.
At 8am runner for the 10k took off and at 8:15am it was finally the 5k runners turn. 
I can't tell you how great it felt to be there waiting for the race to start and finally hearing the race horn. I really missed racing. Crazy! Did I just say that? 
I even managed not to get emotional this time. 

The 1st km went by so quick, I was feeling great, IT Band was feeling great, everything was working out great. 
Ana and I stuck together until about mid way, at around 2.5km Ana took a bit of a walking break and I continued running. I have to say I felt bad about leaving her behind, but we had made a deal that we would run together as long as possible and then I would continue on by myself once Ana couldn't keep up anymore.  I still felt bad. I decided that once I got the the finish line I would run back to get her. 

I was having a great run, I felt great, my legs felt great, I even skipped the last water station. BUT around 3.5km I started to feel my IT Band and at that point realized that perhaps I didn't strap the wrap on tight enough. I decided to stop adjust the strap and take a bit of a walking break. I don't even think I walked for 1min. 
By that time my IT Band was already causing me pain and adjusting the wrap did help a bit but it bothered me for the remainder of the race. It was more then just an awareness of the Pain, it was pain... but not hobbling pain. 
As soon as I saw the Finish line I started telling myself to Finish Strong!! I looked at my Garmin which said 30min and at that time I gave it all I had. 

Love this picture, it's like you can see my determination. FYI the girl beside me is actually from the 10k race!! AMAZING! 

Crossing the Finish line! 

Results:

Chip time: 32:20.6

Overall: 125/267
Females: 121/263
F35-39: 37/81



Very happy with my Personal Accomplishment and NEW Personal Record. 
Right after I crossed the finish line and grabbed some water I headed right back for Ana. I was so proud of her when I looked back and saw her crossing the finish line with in 1min of me!! How amazing is that?? Ana finished her first 5k at 33min... the funny part was her first words to me were "I am NEVER doing this again!", but we all know she doesn't mean that! 

This was a great event and I can't wait to do it again next year! 

Oh Yes, I did end up buying a Race shirt for $20.00, but I just could not resist with the phrase "Women set the Pace" can you blame me? 


Happy Running