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| Hanging out with Kathrine Switzer. A running legend... |
- I know, I know. Three weeks! I've had lots of stuff going on in my personal life. But that's for a different post. This post is about the Niagara Falls Women's Half Marathon. I had the privileged of running this awesome event on June 7th. Such a beautiful, mainly flat course to run. You get to run past the Falls twice!
- I went on June 5th to pick up my race kit. The swag bag was amazing. Not only did you get a ton of personal care products and make-up, but you also get a bottle of VQA wine. I know what you're thinking. The perfect running event for me. It's true. It's the best swag out there. And the running shirt was a good quality Hoka shirt. The cut is flattering and the material is soft. I ran in that shirt for my recovery run the Tuesday following the half. And when I run this event again next year, I will wear that Hoka shirt!
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| Got to meet this lady. And I bought her book! She gave me some good tips:-) Official photo and an outtake! |
- One of my highlights of race kit pick up day? Meeting a running legend and an author. Well actually they were both authors. I purchased a couple of books. Marathon Woman by Kathrine Switzer and Older Faster Stronger by Margaret Webb. Kathrine Switzer is the first woman to register for and run the Boston Marathon. The picture of the race director trying to forcefully eject her from the race is famous the world over. The number 261 was put on this year's race shirts. That was Kathrine's bib number for that infamous Boston Marathon. 261 Fearless is her trademark that aims at empowering women in sports and was made a non-profit organization the morning I picked up my race kit. Listening to Kathrine tell her story is awe inspiring,
- I also had the privileged of meeting Margaret Webb. Margaret also has an amazing story to tell. She wanted to prove that at 50, she could get into top physical shape and qualify for the Boston Marathon at the qualifying time for a 20 year old. She hired trainers, nutritionists and got into the best shape of her life. Not that I want to give away the ending, but I'm sure you can guess that she qualified at her desired time. Both women were intriguing to talk to.
- Picking up my race kit was stress-free. It was at the Niagara Square Shopping Centre. Very easy access off the QEW, tons of parking and so many helpful and friendly people made it a painless experience. And there was a Canadian Mountie there in full dress to greet you. Nice touch!
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| Check out that swag bag... |
- The morning of the event, I left my house by 5:45am. Gun time was 8am. This was the first out of town race that I attended alone. I went to this event completely solo. It was a good experience. The parking was a touch slow getting into, but once I was parked it was quick to get around. The start line was situated so close to the parking. The porta-potties were all decorated real pretty like and the entertainment was enjoyable. Gun time was delayed by a few minutes, but that's okay. I was waiting in line for the toilet for a while.
- It's funny. When I first started running races, which were only 5K's, I packed a freaking large bag full of what I thought were necessities. All I bring to 1/2 marathons now is my fuel belt, water bottles, gels and my phone. I also bring a recovery bar of some sort. It can be tricky in the warmer weather though because the recovery bar can get soft sitting in my car waiting for me:-)
- So running this event solo was a great experience. I got to talk to so many women and everyone was super friendly and supportive. But don't get me wrong. There are men running this event too. Some are solo, some are with partners, friends, family. It didn't feel like I was alone at all. So many interesting people, so many different stories.
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| During, right after and way after the Niagara Falls Women's Half Marathon. |
- I know what you're all wondering. How did my feet fare during this run. Well first off, I didn't run for time. I ran for fun. I've no idea what my time was. I could check, but it wouldn't be a true representation of what I can do. I stopped and snapped pics of myself and played official photographer in front of the falls. It was fun! I also had to use the toilet twice. I drink tons more in the warmer weather. And the weather for this run was amazing. Not a cloud in the sky! And it did get warm later in the morning. But all in all it was perfect running weather.
- So my feet. I didn't really pay attention. My hamstring was bothering me too much. I do remember my toes cramping around 15K for a couple kilometers but then it went away and never came back. My aching chronic hamstring pain was the bigger issue. I'm working on that now. More about that in my next post.
- Like I said, I've no idea what my time was. I just remember crossing the finish line and being hugged by Kathrine Switzer and Ross Robinson, the race director. So much love at this event. Everyone is made to feel so important and special. My favorite part? Getting my medal from a firefighter. That and the cold wet towels they gave at the finish line. That was an amazing idea.
- I got my recovery food. Energy drinks, water, chocolate milk and a cardboard box of fruit and Tim Horton's chocolate chip cookies. How very Canadian:-) I drove home, pumped for having run it and prove that even with my injuries, I can do anything I put my mind to. I will definitely make this event part of my yearly run schedule.
- The best deal is going on right now. If you register before June 30th, this half marathon is only $68. That is amazing value for money. If you wanna have an awesome time on June 5th, 2016, click here. A great destination race. Who doesn't love Niagara Falls? Gather up your girlfriends and make a weekend if it!
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| This is currently hanging in my rear-view mirror... |