Jen's Journal

Thetis Lake/Stewart Mountain was the race I entered. It was in fact 15 kms and I had been training. But, I learned the hard way that running 12 kms once during a "training" jog is not the same as racing 15.

0km : Chris and I got to Thetis Lake early and had a chance to enjoy the sunshine and cool morning air from some rocks. It was rumoured that the trails were fast and in excellent condition, everyone was really excited.

0-6km : I started off at my typical running pace. I was feeling good passing and being passed as it were. This was through rolling trails, over blow over, splashing through puddles and enjoying the obstacle course.

6-7.5km : The ascent up Stewart mountain began. I was jogging, however, when I looked around everyone was striding up instead of running. I figured they knew something I didn't and I started hiking too. The hill lasted far longer than I had thought, but as I was striding out the race I was passing people. I guess years of mountain-goating around Nelson paid off.

7.5-9km : The descent! I was feeling great at this point. I was playing cat and mouse with a couple women and was thinking that I should really enter a marathon.

9-10km : Back to the rolling trails and I realized I should probably enter a half-marathon.

10-12km : I am still running, not being passed or passing anyone. I am coming to the realization I should enter a 10km and why didn't the race people clean up the blow over.

12-14km : How do I say BONK?? I can feel every muscle in my legs. My hamstrings feel like they are about to cramp and the heels and arches of my feet are blistering from my puddlized feet. People are now running past me like I am standing still. Chris is caught on camera, however, the photographer couldn’t keep up with me…

14-15km : I run along the busy dog-walking trail, I see people and dogs but it doesn't really register. I can here the noise of the finish line. I want to walk, but can't convince my body to give up. Thoughts of beer and a burgers fill my head, and I have to go to the washroom.

15 km : Where is the washroom? Refueling station; mini chocolate bars, bagels, bananas, oranges, no powerade left. I am starting to regain use of my limbs. We watch the awards, and once again I am caught sitting down. Almost humorous that I run for 1 hour and 26 minutes and no pictures, but I start sitting around…

You can check out more shots from the race here.

The race results are here , just if anyone wants to ensure that I finished. Check out 67th/ 109.