I think you will agree my facial expressions tell the story of my race.
It’s easy to slap a race report together when everything goes according to the plan that you have been crafting for 16 weeks. But when everything goes horribly off script, it can be challenging to put into words what exactly went wrong.
(I am trying not to be dramatic here but I couldn’t resist)
I began my marathon training bursting with excitement. If you were to look at my past race results you could assume that I was becoming a stronger, more confident and smarter runner. My races times at all distances were significantly faster from when I first started. I lost weight and my body was toned thanks to my new found crossfit love.
My fifth marathon – the Calgary Marathon – would be awesome. I would smash all sorts of personal records (and people would clamour for autographs. Okay right that already happens).
I didn’t want to rush into penning a hastily written report because I felt the entire picture should be considered. Besides do you really want to read a whiny post about someone who was fortunate to run a marathon complaining about not running a PR? I didn’t want to be the dark cloud for those who did so well at Calgary.
Sometimes we need to take a step back to gain perspective on what really matters. I ran a marathon. By all means, I won. Most people will never run/walk/dance/crawl 42.2 kms in their lives. I should celebrate the experience and get over myself. As a runner I know it’s important to be flexible. Every run will not necessairly be a good one. I know this.
I had a lot of time to think about my race experience this week.
And I came to three obvious conclusions:
- Every race will not be a PR
- Some races will just suck
- There will always be another marathon
I was just not into it. There I said it. I am not going to analyze every single kilometre. They were all pretty much the same – crap. It took a lot of willpower not to lay down on the ground and ask Buddha for a drive back to the Westin.
Now it’s time to move on. While my race itself was not fun, I had a wonderful race weekend. Nothing beats being in the thick of thousands of runners!
Thank you to the Calgary Marathon race organizers for putting on a great show. What a way to celebrate five decades of marathoning in the great City of Calgary. Bravo.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Chatting with elite and upcoming Canadian Athletes: I believe strongly that we should support our athletes (and our troops!). I was fortunate to chat with Kip Kangogo, Sam Effah, Lanni Marchant and Nelson Ndereva. I am usually not one to pose for photos because I LOATHE grip and grins but I couldn’t resist in this case. (I ran with Canada’s fastest female marathoner EVER). I can’t wait to watch some of these guys on the national and international race scene. Nothing beats a personal connection.
- Being a Race Ambassador: Earlier this year I was selected to be one of the SCM Forerunners. We put our stamp on social media as we helped promote the 50th Anniversary of the Calgary Marathon. This in itself was a great experience. I met some fab folks and enjoyed reading about their journey to the start line. On the Friday before the marathon, we attended the VIP event at the Calgary Tower. This was A LOT of fun. I had a chance to chat with my old pal John Stanton (he’s a big fan!) and the wonderful Ed Whitlock.
- Acting like a high school groupie: Sigh … in the interest of full disclosure … Brent and I were in the market when I spotted The Dean Karnazes walking in front of us. At once, I blurted out loudly .. “Dean!” He turns around with this startled look on his face. I was at a complete loss of words. He stood waiting for us to say something so I finally muttered something about hearing him speak at the expo. It was so bloody awkward. I think I might have said something like “I am sorry I am such a bloody moron.” He was nice about it and said don’t worry about it. I think the exchange lasted two minutes but I was completely mortified and I will be scared for life. And to add insult to my embarassing groupie like behaviour, I kept running into him ALL weekend. At one point John asked me to take his picture with Dean. Ughhhhhhh! I tried not to make eye contact. During the race, I saw him AGAIN too. This time I was done feeling embarassed so I just shouted hey. He responded with a smile and waved.
- Celebrating new PRs: Yes I use PR (personal record) as opposed to PB (personal best). I was so happy to hear about the runners who smashed personal bests and set new records. It’s amazing what the body can do once you convince your mind that you can do it.
- Reconnecting with old friends: Loved that I had a chance to hang out with Robert and Lorna from Grande Prairie and of course, my lovely marathon buddy, Audrey. There’s nothing like a good race to bring people together. Only sorry that I did not see as many people as I would have liked. Busy weekend!
- Earning a nice freaking medal: Awesome freaking belt buckle medal. It will always be one of my favourite and memorable because the marathon was an absolute struggle to finish.
I have already put money down for two upcomng races. More to come later. I am ready to move on. Today I am devising a new training schedule and getting back to the trail. I took this week to recover mentally and physically. Next week it’s back to training and crossfit.
Much appreication for reading my long, rambling post which boasted of little to none substance. I always appreciate your comments, advice, abuse and words of support.
Sorry to hear that you didn't have the best race. Yep-sometimes they just suck and all you can do is drink beer and move on.
Thanks 🙂 Yes there was beer 🙂
Sorry to hear it. I guess we've all had races like those, I certainly have. Next race will be better.
Thanks Peter!
A marathon finished is still a great acheivement. Time to focus on the next challenges, that you will rock.
Thank you 🙂 Sometimes I need a reminder.
We learn from every run, especially the bad ones. You finished and have the hardware to prove it. Love your Dean story – hilarious!!
Yes I am a complete dork 🙂
AS you said to me: You Finished!!! And next time WILL be better. That heat really got to a few of us!!! I know you are onthe right training track…this is not a setback but a springboard to another amazing race!!!
Thanks Tina 🙂 I need to take my own advice sometimes. Ha
It really sucks that you end up with an unpleasant experience. That's no fun, especially when it lasts 42 kilometres. CONGRATULATIONS on finishing and the medal looks awesome!
Merci! I appreciate it 🙂
Super sweet medal! We've all had those crappy runs and I'm sorry this was yours. 🙁 there will be other races to look forward to 🙂
Thanks so much! I do look forward to the next one.
Sounds like you've all done a good job of either counselling or self-counselling on this one, not much to add! So sorry, Crystal, that you didn't get to cap off what sounded like an awesome w/e with as awesome a run. From my viewpoint, anyone who trains for and then finishes a marathon is a feakin' hero in MY book! Hugs!
That was an awesome post, btw!!
Thanks Brian I appreciate it 🙂
Aw I'm so sorry it didn't work out the way you wanted. It's definitely important to focus on the positives. You finished, met awesome people and got a really cool medal! And I loved reading your posts as you trained week to week, and I'm sure tons of others did too!
Thanks so much!
Sod it, crappy runs happen that's for sure. But so do amazing ones and knowing they will come keeps us going. We got to meet you and that was awesome, plus hello all the groupie fun! 😉 PS. That huge medal is scaring all my little medals.
Ha ha so funny! Calgary likes to go big …
Aw Crystal. So sorry to hear you didn't have the race day you prepared for. Sometimes things go south on race day in spite of all the work you put into training. (I walked half of my last race in spite of feeling ship-shape up to the halfway point).
You got out there afterward, hit your favourite trails and breathed in the scent of earth, foliage and sunshine and moved on. You made the best of it and there WILL be a redemption run. I'd love to see you for THAT one! 🙂
I love how you still found the positive and highlights throughout the race. It's really tough having "bad" races (I've had my share) especially when you train and work so hard for months at a time. Unfortunately you never know what you're going to get on race day, either the stars will align perfectly or everything will go wrong. I'm sorry to hear this one sucked but I bet the next one is going to be pretty awesome!
You're such a determined runner and I'm sure this experience will make you even stronger! You're going to kick butt on the next race for sure and I can't wait to read all about it.