I enjoyed running this race last year as it is a good practice for the Sun Run, so I signed up again this year. This time, I was able to convince a colleague at work to run this event.
Catrin attended the New Balance Fall Classic in 2008 but ran the 5K instead of the 10K because she was having knee issues. This time, she said she would try the 8K for sure.
A few weeks before the run, Catrin and some of her friends joined me for a trial run of the 8K route. The race route starts at Lumberman's Arch in Stanley Park, goes partway around Lost Lagoon and then out to the Seawall counter-clockwise to finish up on the seawall side of the Arch. We had a good time in the practice run, it was a beautifully crisp and bright winter morning and Catrin gained the confidence to run this distance. I also enjoyed the company of her friends, one of whom had previously run triathlons but had reduced her training over the past few years due to other commitments.
On race day, Catrin parked her car at my place and we walked down to the park to meet her buddies at the race start. The weather forecast was threatening snow but it was a clear day. We agreed that we would not run the race together as we ran at very different paces but that we would meet up at the end. It seemed to me that there were more people attending this race than last year, as the lineup for the start filled up quite quickly.
The race starts on a gentle uphill slope, but being deep in the pack it wasn't that noticable. All I could see was the people directly in front of me. We made it in good time to the Lost Lagoon part of the route. Unlike last year, when there were lots of startled people on the path that we had to dodge, the route was reasonably clear. I suppose they added more race marshalls on this part of the route to warn people about the event. I managed to glance at the lagoon to see several swans staring at this line of people zooming down the path. I am sure they were disappointed that they could not beg for treats from these people.
As I made it out to the seawall I noticed that I was making fairly good time. I deliberately slowed down a bit so that I wouldn't burn out too soon. A few people at this point were passing me but for the most part I was passing others. I suppose that at the halfway mark people who were starting out a bit too fast pay the price for their enthusiasm.
I passed under the Lions Gate Bridge and still felt pretty good, though I was wishing for the soft dirt path of the lagoon instead of the tarmac of the seawall. I glanced at my watch as I past the 7 km mark and realized I was still making very good time, so I figured that as soon as I saw the finish line I would pick up the pace and see if I could finish strong. Then I saw some people with bib numbers running the other way and realized, based on a quick assessment of their fitness and running stride that these were people who had already crossed the finish line and were just working out the kinks in a cool down run -- what show offs ;-)!
I saw the finish line and was just able to make out on the clock that I was definitely ahead of last year's time, so against all good advice I engaged warp drive and booted it full speed to the finish line. Fortunately there were not many people around me so I could slow down gradually instead of coming to a crashing halt to avoid colliding with people who stop dead just after the finish line timing mats. I was breathing heavy but knew I had beat last year's time by at least a minute, which was pretty good in my opinion.
I made my way to the snack booths and grab some fruit and bagel bits. Munching away I walked over to the fencing at the finish line and waited to see Catrin and her friends finish the race. I didn't have to wait too long to see Catrin finish up the race strong and with a smile on her face. We gathered together near the announcement stage and waited around to hear the awards ceremony, congratulating each other on our good efforts and results. After the award ceremony, Cat and I walked back to my condo and had a coffee at the Starbucks that is literally three doors away from my front lobby.
It was a great race on a great day and I was happy to share the event with my friend. I encouraged Catrin to keep up with the training and to try at least one trail race this year.
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