SeaWheeze 2016

I left the Shuswaps a day early which was difficult.  It was a beautiful morning when I left with a forecast for sun and heat which meant missing out on a beautiful lake day with family and friends. But, I was excited to head to Vancouver for SeaWheeze 2016.

The afternoon I arrived, Rachel and I went to get my race package and check out the store.  Rach was up at dawn (actually before dawn) so that she could shop the store early.  And I am grateful that she did as she got me a couple of cute things as well.  When we went back later, it was very picked over. After getting my race package, Rach and I hung out around the waterfront and browsed the kiosks. We even got SeaWheeze tattoos (temporary of course).  We then met up with Kelli, her husband Kenton, and Tamara for an early supper.  It was early to bed that night so that we would be ready for the run in the morning. 

I was a little concerned about this race as I didn't feel that my training was what it should have been. However, I went in with an attitude that I would just run and enjoy the run.  I challenged myself to not stress about my finish time.  The race was a good one and I knew more what to expect after having done it once before.  I was prepared for the hill on the bridge and felt that I handled that part of the run well.  And I was prepared for the Seawall that goes on forever.  That is what really killed me last year.  What I wasn't prepared for was that the 21.1K was actually 22K in the end and that is what got me this year.  I was ready to be done at 21.1K and that last bit was really hard and I slowed quite a bit at the end, rather than picking it up to finish strong.  It was really hot and people were dropping all over the race route - from heat and injuries combined.  It was tough to see that and keep going.  But in the end, I finished.  And my time was better than last year.  I finished in 2:13:28, according to my Nike app.  However, according to my chip, I finished around 2:19 for the 22K.  Next year I will just have to make sure I come in around 2 hours 5 minutes.  Always want to improve!

We had lunch after our race and met up with Kelli and Kenton.  We spent a little time visiting and stretching and then it was time for my nap.  Unfortunately, Tamara didn't meet up with us as her phone died and she went straight to the hotel.  I am always exhausted after a long run and find if I don't get in a good, long nap, I will get a migraine headache.  We napped the afternoon away and then Rach and I got ready for our celebration dinner at Cactus Club.  It was nice to unwind and enjoy Rach's company.  We had a flight out the next morning so it was a really quick trip to Vancouver this time around.  But it was well worth it and I felt a sense of accomplishment for finishing the race. And I am already looking forward to the next one!