After a 3 month hiatus, I not only had my first run outside but also my first race since Disney’s Wine and Dine in November. Now, Winter is not generally filled with races to begin with but I generally would have run at least 1 before now (St. Patrick’s Day Race in Ottawa). The thanks goes to one of my co-workers for talking me into joining her and her husband for a local race last Saturday. The Nutrition Run was a 6 loop around Wascana Park in support of Nutrition Month. When I signed up a few weeks ago, I was sincerely hoping some of the snow would have started to melt, however, we simply seem to have added to the current mountains. So far this Winter, we are at over 6 1/2 feet of snow and it beyond insane.
Luckily though, the temperature has started to warm up and to my absolute happiness and delight race day was fantastic. Due to my last experience running outside, I may have taken a page out of my friend Colin’s book and overdressed as I was roasting within the first 10 minutes. Suffice to say, my jacket, gloves and hat came off in record time. As I have mentioned before, plowing is next to non-existent here so the route was like running on a beach. Although, if I wanted to run on a beach I would have gone to a MUCH warmer location….perhaps with a lovely palm tree or to. My parents head to Cuba in a few days and I think I am having some travel envy.

Start Line

Around Wascana
The first 3k of the race was brutal. G & B told me before we all started that they had run this same race last year in 32 minutes. Based on that time, I figured they would be leaving me in the dust as I generally only run 5k in that time. However, they have been having a similar winter to me and I was able to stay a few feet behind them for the first 3k and then for whatever reason in front for the last 3k. Normally, it takes me about 5k to really feel comfortable and ready to go but this time, it was at the 3 k point (although it certainly felt like 5). I am very happy that I felt relaxed and still full of energy at the finish.

Look Ma, no coat

Gotta love a good post-race meal
Now that this is under my belt, I will sign up for the Music for the Sole 10k in April which dovetails nicely into half training starting in May for the Queen City Half in early September. There are not nearly the amount of races to choose from in SK as there is in ON so I may have to keep ear out. Will definitely miss doing the Midsummer 15k in Toronto as I really enjoyed it last year. Strangely enough, I will most likely not miss the 5 Mile Kilt run in Perth this June.
Although, I am still mostly still on my treadmill; the end is hopefully near. I am really, really hoping to get outside on a more regular basis starting in mid April. That is if I don’t need a boat given the sheer amount of snow that will need to melt
After 5 months of cold and white, I am absolutely ready for Spring!