WHAT MADE ME DECIDE TO DO THIS:
After my second year, 30K Run Around the Bay in Hamilton, I decided that I was going to attempt this Disney Run. I came across the advertisement in my Running magazine. So one evening sitting up with my man, a glass of wine in hand, and surfing the net for the registration site for this run, I registered. After I hit enter, and my authorization was approved I looked over at my man and said I just registered for the 1/2 Marathon Princess Race in Disney. I felt anxious, as I realised I did this and I have no one to go with. I knew that I would talk my man in to coming when it got closer, I hope. I crossed my fingers and prayed... How could anyone, and I mean anyone resist going to Disney, right? Sure enough, we are booked for a week at the Disney All-Sports Hotel...
Running is my way of releasing any blottled up stress and appreciating everything around me. Running with no music, listening to my heart pounding and my breath working with every stride is amazing. Running can become addicting, once you get that runners-high you can't wait for your next fix. Two years ago, I ran every single day 10K (crazy I know and I don't recommend it) It was my way of escaping for an hour or two out of my life. It was my time, to clear my mind and think. It kept me strong and positive. It allowed me to gain self confidence and make clearer decisions for myself.
My first 30K Around the Bay in 2008 was the best experience in the world. I managed to run the entire race without stopping for a walk break, I was determined. When you have family supporters like my sister and her beautiful family waiting for me to cross the finish line, you don't want to disappoint them or yourself! I crossed the finish line at 3:08 with sparklers on (my way of saying I still had bursts of energy) My family are the reason I keep going. Nothing can beat my sister's big welcoming smile and her babies embracing their Auntie.
I cried the entire last 5K. I thought about my father, as the last 5K is through the Royal Botanical Gardens Area in Burlington. This is where a lot of precious memories of my Father reside. I knew he was proud of me. My sister said she saw me crying and it made her cry and I told her why I was crying and together we cried for a good half hour later. The 30K Around the Bay is a very emotional run for me. Lots of strong memories.
I will be running Around the Bay this March 28th 2010. This time my man will be running with me. Together we make up a two man-woman relay team called "The H's" I'll be doing the last 15K.
I am very fortunate to have him. Running is even better when your mate accompanies you on a run and nothing beats trail running together.
