This was the first time I actually RACED a run. I really wanted to see what would happen if I really pushed it. I felt like I couldn't go another step after I crossed the finish line, so I'm happy. The first kilometer I realized I had gone out a bit fast, but it was so congested that I was more paying attention to just getting around people.

The first hill was OK. I managed it by imagining myself floating up the hill and keeping my arms swinging back. It never really stopped being congested on the course, though. The last hill is at 7 and a half km into the race and it's a monster. Lots of people stopped to walk it...don't blame them. I kept running from goal to goal - the light post, the sign, the person in pink...whatever. When I crested the hill, I was very, very happy.

I'm so thrilled with my time. This is a significant PR for me - my last 8 km run, five years ago or so, I ran in over 48 minutes. Speed work seems to be paying off.

Waited for my friend who was having an off race. We met up with my husband and son and traded stuff and the dog and then he went off to run his 5 km. My friend and I grabbed food and gabbed about the race.


Too many people in the way, although I think they kept me from exploding too early.


They set up another water station at about 6 km, but it was waaaay hotter than it should ever be at the beginning of April in Toronto, and I think a water station before the 4 km mark would have been welcome. Great race, though.