Episodes
Monday Feb 12, 2018
Fitspeek Weekend Update: Part Two Jen Burns Race Report
Monday Feb 12, 2018
Monday Feb 12, 2018
With the dark season rapidly transitioning into the “light-season” it is also (at least for many folks) race season. On our last Fitspeek podcast, our Zack Neufeld reported on the Abbotsford Running Room’s Hypothermic Half. This weekend saw the running of the very popular Pacific First Half Marathon in Vancouver.
And although there were many incredible stories from the race including a new race record in the female division, a race to the wire for Mikey Ross, and a solid performance for Zack Neufeld, one of the biggest local stories was the personal best turned in by Abbotsford’s Jen Burns. We are happy to have her as our first race report of 2018. Way to go Jen!
My last long distance race, which was a 1/2 marathon, was May 2010. After multiple injuries (because not being a smart athlete and listening to my body), I got frustrated and just stopped running altogether. This spring while spending many weekends in Whistler while our son skied on the glaciers, I was bored, so started running again…slowly and short jaunts. It wasn’t until August after volunteering at the Ironman Canada did I start running more seriously again. It inspired me.
So I was excited about today but also mixed emotions…can I do this again?
I did have a training plan but due to lots of “life/family” stuff this past month, I didnt stick to it. My goal originally was 1:45 when I got this training plan, but today I chose to have no expectations being my first one back and the lack of training, seriously, I would be happy with under 2 hours.
So happy I chose the Pacific Half as my first one back. Could not have had better weather! Oh my gosh the run was so beautiful and even though 2 degrees, felt warm because of the sunshine. I seriously tried to take it all in!
I started feeling really good…maybe too good (adrenaline and excitement) as I started with a quicker pace but I slowed myself down a bit. One thing about my running is I keep my pace once I get into my groove. (I usually don’t finish well–I don’t have the sprinting genes in me–but I am a steady eddy)
Around the 8k mark the mind games started. I had a gel (which I usually dont train with…I know bad girl, but knew I would probably need it)…a certain song came on my playlist that made me overcome the self doubt …also took in the scenery of the mountains at this point and ENJOYED.
Felt pretty good until we went into Stanley park around Lost lagoon. I don’t know if it was the switch from pavement to gravel path, but that whole loop I felt like my form was a hot mess and the mind worms started again but then coming out of the park, I knew I was on the home stretch. Also being near the end of the race, my legs were starting to tire and I could feel that glute muscle I have injured before, so I decided to try a mustard packet. Something I heard about that helps with cramping. Figured I was almost done with about 4k left, so give it a go. I think it helped?? who knows…will have to experiment more.
I ran side by side with another guy at this point…we had this ‘unspoken’ “let’s run together, let’s do this!” It was really good energy and we stuck with each the whole way (until he sprinted at the end and I tried…actually better than usual
I heard Mikey cheering me on at the finish…that made me smile Thanks Mikey!
Body feels good now, but stomach not so much. Yes, I was bad. I had a gel, which I know they don’t sit well with me, some liquid nutrition and mustard. lol. So who knows what it was that made me have gut rot. I am going to blame the gel as I know from the past they are hard on my stomach.
Such a great day. I really enjoyed the company before and after with friends and the yummy sushi. I should have bought some for the family as well Mikey, as that’s what they all want for dinner
Chip time 1:46:04
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