When I started running, I completely believed that you should do everything on your own. In my mind it should be you doing all the training, go solo on race days, it is only you that can make a difference. That thinking got me by when I was running the 5km races and I thought it would get me through the running of my first half marathon. About two days before I received an email from a friend of mine who decided he would not let me run it by myself and that he was coming down to run it with me.
Graham and I have been great friends since Grade 1 (probably earlier), where I remember passing pictures that we drew of ummmm - how should I say this - anatomy - actually it was boobs. Our friendship grew through public school, high school, college, trips to the cottage, having a few too many in his garage, he was one of the best men in my wedding, and truly one of the best friends I have ever had. Even though we didn't see each other a ton over the last few years, I always got my weekly email with "sup" just to see what was going on. So when we did see each other after 5 minutes of what's new it was back to normal like we saw each other the previous week.Graham showed up at my house the night before my first half marathon. He had a few smokes (as always), a few beers, woke up and was ready to run. I do believe he was one of the best natural distance athletes I have ever seen. But the weird thing is on that day I almost didn't want him there. I thought you had to do everything yourself - and thought he was going to cramp my style. We started and the entire race he never left my side. He encouraged me right from the start. He pushed me through the end when I hurt bad, and I finished better than I ever thought I could have. There is no way I could have done it without him.
I realized over the last six months with my running group of what support means when it comes to running. It means everything and Graham knew it. He continued to support me in every race and everything I wanted to accomplish through positive notes and encouragement. I only wish I could have told him how much that support meant to me.
Graham passed away last week at the unthinkable age of 40. I am still heartbroken about this. Thank you Webber for being one of the best friends a guy can ask for, and giving me support when I didn't even know I needed it. Just remember to kick up a tail wind for me in Chicago once I hit mile 20 in October....
So I usually do race recaps of all of my races so I am still going to even though it kind of seems weird.
I ran the Mississauga 1/2 Marathon a few weeks ago. I have been dealing with a bunch of foot pain and wasn't sure how everything would hold up but thought lets give it a go.
It was a perfect morning for running. Cool temeperatures, a net downhill course I figured I would give it my all and see what happens. The first 6km or so goes right along Burnamthorpe - nothing exciting, just bland old Mississauga.My highlight is the world's greatest cheering section driving by, somehow parking, and meeting me at an intersection (thank you Eri, Emma, and Kloe). I thought I would go out at a 5:00 minute pace and hold on for dear life and see what happens. We turned down Mississauga road, through UTM, up the hill (wasn't that bad), and headed for downtown Mississauga. The best part of the race happened as I was running under the highway around the 14km mark. Kloe ran down the hill and ran up with me. The feeling of having her and your kids run with you is so awesome and is truly inspiring and motivating. Loved it. I also realized I was just under the 5:00 minute pace and feeling okay. Down to the Waterfront trail we go.
An awesome thing about our training program is that we actually ran the waterfront trail so when I was on it I was totally comfortable. I was just over a 5:00 minute pace per km at this point, but knew a PB was on it's way. I hit the 20km mark, gave everything I had and ended up coming in at 1 hour, 45 minutes - a PB by 8 minutes!!!!!
This was a great courses, lots of water, great support, and really a run I would recommend anyone to do. Incorporating the waterfront trail is really cool, and the post race chocolate milk was certainly an awesome idea. I would however recommend taking the shuttle from the parking lot as walking to the car after kind of sucks.
One of the things that happened is that I knew Eri and the girls would not make the finish when I crossed so I decided to hang out and cheer other people in. It was amazing to see the reactions on their face, their expressions, and the happiness of the finish line.
A big congrats to Sarah and her first half marathon with an awesome time
Now is time to cross train, keep up the base, and get ready for the Chicago training to begin...and here's hoping for that nice tailwind at the end....
Cheers,
Walker
