Run For the Toad, 50km Canadian Trail Championships
Pinehurst Conservation Area Paris, ON
October 5th, 2013
$7000 cash prizes up for grabs for the top 5 overall runners, plus $500 if you break the course record
Female top 5
1st place Stacie Carrigan 3:57:18 Kelowna BC
2nd place Christina Clark 4:11:32 Guelph ON
3rd place Stacey Cleveland 4:14:22 Penticton BC
4th place Lauren Mcniven 4:31:56 Beamsville ON
5th place Chantal Warriner 4:37:21 Minesing ON
4x 12.5km loops
overall pace 5:33/km
Lap 1 1:00:21
lap 2 1:03:07
lap 3 1:15:01
lap 4 1:18:57
Well, as you could see from the above splits, something didn't go as planned! Unfortunately.
As any racer will tell you, anything can happen on race day. Sometimes, training and mental preparation just isn't enough.
The first 2 laps were picture perfect. I felt comfortable,
happy, and loving the atmosphere. I had my husband Jeff, my 2 beautiful daughters Jubilee and Maelle, my amazing step-mother in law Monica, and my great friend Robin with her 8 month old son Max cheering me on. I also had my friend Chris Brokenshire as a support. Life was good. I happily ran, seeing the above people at various parts of the course. I ate, I drank and I got continuous feedback on how well I was doing. I held 4th place, and was closing the gap on the 3rd place female. I followed my race plan until....Bang! Suddenly, with no notice, I wasn't feeling well.
At about the 30km mark, I suddenly felt like I swallowed a small bowling ball. I could no longer tolerate food, and could hardly drink any fluids. It just wasn't going away. By the 34th kilometre, I had been walking for ~5 minutes. I knew Chris was waiting for me at aid station #4. He immediately knew something was wrong. He walked along side me for a couple of minutes as I discussed my options with him . I was ready to tell him I was done for the day. It wasn't until he said it out loud
"You're quitting the race?" that I knew quitting was
not an option.
I drank a cup of coke (Manuel Saumon will love seeing this!) and started my journey to completion. I tolerated the pain in my gut but still couldn't eat or drink anything. I forced myself to sip water (which I now carried with me). I drank another cup of coke, hoping the calories would get me threw it. I got passed by another female competitor in the last few kilometres and was able to hold on to 5th.
I'm proud of myself for not giving up. It's unfortunate I wasn't able to pull it together for this prestigious race. Kudos to all the runners there. The race was very well organized. The volunteers were amazing. The
speculators were top notch. The food afterwards was the best I've ever had at a race.
I want to sincerely thank
Lisa Wilson (Concept of Movement Barrie), my physiotherapist, who without a doubt helped me with some obstacles leading into the race. She's the absolute best!
Dr. Gavin Steciuk, chiropractor, thank you for all of the adjustments.
Murray Wood, who adjusted my orthotics a week before the race and gave me a call after the race to wish me congratulations...now that's service! My wonderful coach and friend,
Mike Coughlin at Discomfort Zone. I always feel supported with him in my corner.
Runninskirts.com, who makes me look chic and pretty in their practical and beautiful activewear. Check them out!
My parents, step parents, and in-laws, thank you for the kind words of encouragement. My friends and relatives, who think I'm nuts :)! And most importantly,
my husband, and
beautiful daughters. I hope my 'obsession' with this sport is a good example for you. I see how proud you are in me. Thank you for the cheering. I love you.
There will be many more races to come. This 50k may of been the last of 2013's trail season, but it's just the beginning in my journey to ultra running.
