13,506th or 13,507th out of 50,746!

Well, I did it! I have achieved one of the major goals I set for myself this year. Yesterday I completed the Vancouver Sun Run. This 10K has been on my horizon for quite awhile. At first I felt nervous anticipation, then as the race drew closer it was mostly excitement and now that it is over? Well, I'm feeling relief but also awe of what my body did! I shocked myself with my result! My original goal was to complete the race in less than an hour and a half, and by the end you will learn how I actually did!

It all started at 9:24 a.m. on Sunday morning. That was the actual time I crossed the start line. I was a little bit nervous, but mostly just excited to see if I could actually do it! I was soon on my way, jogging along at my own pace and listening to my tunes on my mp3 player-THAT is a great invention! There were so many people! 50,476 people signed up this year! We broke the previous record and I could see why...it was a STUNNING day. It was definitely one of Vancouver's finest. The temperature was just right, there was not a cloud in the sky, and the views of the water, mountains, and amazing Vancouver skyline were a sight to behold. The entire run was visually stimulating, which made time seem like it was just flying by!

The first three kilometers were pretty quick, the next thing I knew I was approaching the Burrard Street Bridge...this was the halfway point and also the largest climb on the route. It was not at all what I thought it would be. I do have to admit, I walked for about thirty seconds here. My lungs were hurting a bit and I knew that I needed to catch my breath quickly. Soon, though, I realized that I would need to keep jogging if I wanted to finish the race running. As I was moving along again, I began to look for the 6K marker. It seemed to be taking a long time. As I was running, and running, and running I started to think that this was the longest kilometer ever. Suddenly, the 7K sign loomed in front of me! What? 7? How could it be? I later found out that no one else saw the 6K marker either. I was a bit disappointed, because I had started to really pace myself because I was thinking that the race was going to be longer than I expected. I think I could have gone faster!

Well, after 7K I knew there was just a little ways to go...I didn't want to get to antsy though. After I saw the 8K marker I began to feel a little tired. I knew that it was mostly in my head, and I began to tell myself that it was just the beginning of the race, it was the first two kilometers. That worked until I hit the incline for the Cambie Street Bridge. I admit again, this was the second time I slowed down for about 20 seconds and then it was onward bound! I saw the 9K marker and knew that this was it! I began to pick up my pace, I moved my legs faster and I looked toward BC Place-the finish line-with anticipation. I wanted to have something left at the finish line, so I forced myself to take it at a moderate pace. Once I hit the decline heading down the bridge and toward the finish line I began to run faster. I looked at my watch, and was afraid to believe my eyes...it was saying 10:25...could it be? I sprinted as hard as my little legs would carry me, the finish line looming closer and closer. My breath was coming hard and in my head I was telling myself, "You can do it! You can DO it!"

As I ran across the finish line a HUGE smile crossed over my face! I had done it! I know that a 10K is not a huge race in reality but for me, this was one of my biggest accomplishments. I have never thought of myself as a runner, but I had disciplined myself and as I looked down at my watch and saw the numbers 10:27 my heart jumped for joy! I had made it in JUST OVER AN HOUR! I couldn't wait to see my official time in the paper today.

As I walked into B.C. Place for the post race refreshments and gathering with friends, I couldn't help but feel happy, content, and proud of myself. I couldn't wait to connect with my friends that had been running as well, to see their times and enjoy talking about the race.

Race day is over, but you can bet that I will be there again next year, wedging myself in with the Pacman's, blown-up ballerinas, grandmas, young kids, serious runners, and my good friends! Hopefully my hubby will be running alongside me in the 2007 Vancouver Sun Run! Here's to next year! Thanks everyone for your well wishes and congrats. It means a lot to know you were all rooting for me.

Official Time: 62:19
Overall Placement: Paper says-13,507 Online Results say-13,506 out of 50,746!!!
Placement out of all females: 4944 out of 22,433
Placement out of females ages 25-29: 960 out of 3157
Check out my results by going here and typing in the number 17434 in the Name/Bib Space.

Sadly, I wasn't able to carry my camera, so I don't have a picture, but soon I will be able to order one on-line. One company took pics of EVERYONE in the race! As soon as I get it, I will post it! For now, check this out...can you see me? I'm wearing bright pink! I don't think I can find myself! I'm pretty sure I'm back there a ways! It took almost two hours for them to get everyone STARTED!