A New Lease of Life

I can't believe that we're coming to the end of February and already I've competed in 9 races! The good thing is that the majority of them have been 10k or less, and with being shorter races - most of them cross country - they've really helped to build a little strength, speed and stamina over the weeks. I'm starting to feel fitter and stronger and after what seems like a very long time, my confidence has finally started to return.

Of course the other thing that has given me a new lease of life was turning 40 last week. Looking back to when I first became a lady veteran 5 years ago - or "master" as they call us these days - I was running at my best, and moving in to another age category gave me the motivation to chase new records and set new goals. Now I've moved up into the LV40 category, that excitement and anticipation has returned, and I'm eager to get out on the trails and roads to see how I fair over the next 5 years.

My first test came on Monday - the same day as my birthday. I'd decided a couple of months ago to do the Frozen Ass 50km race - mainly because I'd missed out on it last year, but also in defiance of those people that frequently tell me that getting older means you can't do the things you used to do. I'm a stubborn old you-know-what, and when somebody says I can't do something, 90% of the time I'll do the complete opposite just to prove them wrong.

And so it was that I found myself at the Bow Waters Canoe Club with around 150 other runners on Family Day, waiting for the start of the Frozen Ass 50k. 

Trying to brighten things up a bit at the start of the
 Frozen Ass 50km

It was quite a dreary, overcast morning with temperatures hovering around -7, but it felt much colder with a brisk wind blowing. The course would follow an out and back route along the Bow River and Canal Pathways through the city of Calgary - not the most picturesque of courses with just substations, electricity pylons and the CPR railway line to look at. Thankfully, being an out and back did mean we passed others runners going in the opposite direction, giving rise to lost of smiles, words of encouragement, high fives, " good job!" and "way to go!" which made things less monotonous. 

Much of the recent snow had melted following unusually mild temperatures in Calgary (don't be fooled - "mild" is around 0-5 degrees!) but there were a few large patches of ice to negotiate at random points on the course. It was also surprisingly undulating with both the start and finish going uphill, and with the return leg on each lap going straight into a headwind, it was quite a tough run in the closing stages.

Realistically, I figured I could run around 4 hours to 4.15 and felt relatively confident that I could maintain 5 minute kilometres pace, but I exceeded even my own expectations by finishing first lady in 3.56.12. I was absolutely over the moon and really couldn't have asked for anything more.

Over the next few days, I was still on a high and was desperate to get back out running again, but I wanted to recover from the 50k as I had an 8k cross country race just 5 days later and wanted to perform as best I could. I managed a short run midweek and the legs seemed surprisingly OK, and so I was once again feeling relatively good about racing the Weaselhead cross country on Saturday lunch time.

Weaselhead is the only race so far where I've actually trained on part of the course. When I first arrived in Calgary almost 12 months ago, I met a new friend called Alan Lam who took me on a training run along the Jack Rabbit trail on the edge of Glenmore Reservoir. The cross country race followed some of the same trail, so I knew it wouldn't be flat and I knew that it would be a real test of how I was recovering from Monday's event - the race itself was also organised by Alan and it was once again an excellent, varied, challenging course and I loved it!

With just one more race remaining in the cross country series, things are really hotting up in the ladies field with the top 5 ladies also being in the same age group. I'm currently in line for a podium finish in both the open and age group categories, but with just one point separating 3rd, 4th and 5th, I really had everything to run for.

I actually felt pretty good in the race and even the hills weren't fazing me too much, but by the time I reached the 6k mark, I started to feel a little heavier in my legs. I was 2nd lady at that point, but was passed by another lady whilst on a climb up one of the hills. I was determined to stay with her for as long as possible, and if it came to a sprint finish, well, may the best lady win! Unfortunately, she took a wrong turn shortly afterwards that cost her the small gain she had made over me, and having shouted her back and waited to make sure she turned, I pushed on up the hill. I did feel bad that she'd gone off course but I'd done what I could to help get her back on track, and was now more determined than ever to ensure that I wasn't overtaken again.

It was hard work over the last 2km with lots of ups and downs on some very icy stretches, but I managed to stay ahead and finished 2nd lady, just 20 seconds or so ahead of 3rd and 4th place. Thankfully, we all chatted about it afterwards and there was no animosity, but I'm pretty sure they will both be gunning for me at the final race of the season in a fortnights time. 

Heading for 2nd place at Weaselhead XC

What was nice at Weaselhead was that some of the other runners and the spectators now know my name and it was nice to have those words of encouragement whilst out on the course which really helped. I'm also really pleased that I've now completed all 9 of the cross country races so far and  I'm sure that I will feel quite sad after the final race in 2 weeks time. The good thing about the last race is that it takes place at Fish Creek Park which is right on our doorstep and is my daily running route, so I'm really looking forward to that and hopefully I'll finish off the season on a high.

For now though, it's back to the grind stone and with a 25km run planned for tomorrow, I'd best get some kip. Good night all :o)