August 31, 2017

A good old fashioned foot race

A couple of weekends ago I toed the line at another race for a bit of fun and in an attempt to try work my way back to fitness.  I had never raced Squamish 23k before, although in past years I had raced the 50k and 50 mile distance, but both of those are beyond my capability levels right now and so instead it was time to attempt to run fast and yet what is also a long distance for me currently.  It was a weird mixture of having to remind myself to work harder and push a higher intensity on trails that I am used to exerting an ultra effort on, and yet I also knew that I am not really fit enough right now to really push hard for 20+ kms.

The gun went off and so did the front of the field, I had placed myself a little bit back as I didn't want to get in the way of the handful of speedsters who I knew would be considerably faster than me.  Not surprisingly my super fit and speedy buddy Anne-Marie pulled ahead right away but I was a little disheartened to see my other buddy, Ramsey Ezzat, running stride for stride with AM up the initial climb.  My last experience of racing with AM & Ramsey was at my last ultra, Chuckanut 50k in 2016, and during that race we had spent a bunch of time together as a happy little trio trudging up Cleator Road together and yet now it was clear that (a) I was much slower on uphills than them and (b) this was a sub-ultra race and I didn't have the speedy wheels that they did.  Hey ho, a reminder to focus on running my own race.  I had only had a couple of loose goals heading into the race - position was not one of them as I had no idea of the other ladies racing and nor did I have a time target as I had never run the race before.  So instead my goals were to run as hard as I could and to aim to be just under ten minutes behind AM at the finish, a sensible target given we had raced together two weeks previously so I had a gauge on our relative speeds, it wasn't that I was racing AM but I just wanted to use her as a good motivator to work hard.

The nice thing about Squamish 23k compared  to the two other races I have done so far (Buckin' Hell 15k and Green Race 25k) is that Squamish was a bit of a bigger race and so I had fellow racers in sight for 99% of the race.  This made it easier to work harder, to strategise and to stay focused on pushing a good effort.  In the early kms of the race I zig-zagged back and forth with a good little group of men and women and this was great to keep the energy levels up.  Compared to Green Race where the long 12.5k uphill didn't really play to my strengths, the Squamish course weaves up and down, back and forth - it's fun, it's dynamic and it keeps you constantly changing gears.  It reminded me how much I had missed running on these trails and whilst I typically lost contact with the runners ahead of me on each small uphill, I was still pleased with my ability to rally and run more uphills than I hoped.

AM has won SQ23k every darn 6 years the event has been held.  Amazing.  Photo: SQ23.

 However I soon got a little confused along the race course - each twist and turn would bring back memories of having raced the 50k and 50 miler here, and yet it didn't make sense - these landmarks were really close to the finish and yet I had only just started racing.  Something just didn't add up.  It was then that the reality hit, yah - 23kms used to be the finishing push in a race for me, and now it was my entire race course.  Ok, ok - best to not just think about that, afterall I had more things to be concerned about - like the fact that I was 11kms in and could I really carry on at this effort for another while 12kms?  I really wasn't sure.  Having done no tempos runs at yet, running this distance at a higher intensity was well out of my comfort zone and so I was grateful that at this point I started to catch Ramsey and have some company to distract from my fears.

From there on til the finish, Ramsey and I would shift back and forth - he'd pull ahead on an uphill, I would rally and often catch him on a downhill.  Whilst my cardio fitness and leg strength for uphills are currently lacking, it was fun to be able to weave through the roots and rocks somewhat proficiently on the downhills.  The final 2kms or so of the race course end on some very flat tarmac and gravel trail.  As I headed onto this long drawn out straight away I saw Ramsey's bright blue shirt ahead of me - ok, time to put the hammer down for a head to head.  I can honestly say that that was one of the highlights of my race - my lungs were burning, my arms were pumping and my legs felt like they would not hold on for very much longer at all, and yet I caught Ramsey, we both passed another runner, and then Ramsey re-caught me before we both stumbled, pretty worked, over the finish line.  As Ramsey so perfectly put in a text message to me later, 'Thanks for the good old fashioned foot race today.  Good to be able to see you able to push that hard too'.  There is nothing more fun than a head to head with a friend and there is no better way to really work on your fitness than chasing right to the line.


Womens podium: AM, me, Vivian (despite a little detour!).  Photo: SQ23.



36 comments:

  1. I sure enjoy those at the end of a race. It actually feels like a race to me then. Awesome going head to head with a friend.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Perfect inspiration :) and what attention to detail! I admire and congratulate.

    ดูหนัง

    ReplyDelete
  4. Good article you have written . Liked and appreciate your shared . Thank your for this effective . Clipping Path | Remove White Background | Product Photo Editing

    ReplyDelete
  5. Awesome article. I have been very glad to read your article. You are a really brilliant person. Thanks a lot for sharing a nice article. For portrait photography, e-commerce business, Photoshop need product photo editing service making n images pop up provides product photo editing service. We provide high-quality e-commerce product photo editing service at a competitive price from Clipping Expert Asia. If, you want to take this service then please you contact with us.
    product photo editing | clipping path service

    ReplyDelete
  6. Keep it for more updates about this blog. Get the best Web Designing and Digital Marketing Services.
    Website Designing Company in Delhi

    ReplyDelete
  7. Clipping path service is a kind of image editing Process where we select an important portion of an image and cut the unimportant part Clipping path We can delete the background or change the background to make it more attractive.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hey, is exactly 1year my lover came back to me, I’m letting you know how i got my ex back because this Christmas holiday everyone need there love ones around them not just your love ones but your lover, a year ago i was heartbroken and i knew i could not spend the holiday alone that is when i was looking for how i can make my lover come back to me so that we can make things right, to cut the long story short on a faithful day i came across the details i will be dropping on the internet, someone talking about how she got her ex back so i took this details I’m dropping via email: drosasu25@gmail.com or +2347064365391 and i contact him and i told him that i want my lover to come back to me, today I’m with my lover. Thanks you Dr. Osasu TEMPLE for the help.

    ReplyDelete

  9. If you’re looking for a medicine to treat the infections caused by Coronavirus, buy Lopikast tablets by Emedkit at the best Lopikast 200mg/50mg Tablets price as we export the medicines in China, Russia, USA, Peru & Romania among many other countries.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank You for providing us with such an insightful information through this blog.
    However, if you are in the search of buying the replacement Classic Ford Truck Parts? Your Search Ends here…Carolina Classics is your answer for availing best in quality spare parts for your Ford Truck. Reach us for the best Ford f100 steering column.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I read that Post and got it fine and informative. Please share more like that...
    OTOs Links

    ReplyDelete
  12. I high appreciate this post. It’s hard to find the good from the bad sometimes, but I think you’ve nailed it! would you mind updating your blog with more information?
    sanskritijewelsbygeetika.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I haven’t any word to appreciate this post.....Really i am impressed from this post....the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us.
    Joesmith008

    ReplyDelete

  14. From a huge range of products – carpet, laminate, vinyl, bamboo, hardwood, engineered timber, blinds and shutters – to stellar service and helpful expert advice, it’s all under one roof at Campbelltown Carpet Court in Sydney, Australia.

    ReplyDelete
  15. SEASON GREETINGS!!!

    INVITATION FROM THE ILLUMINATI ORGANISATION 666

    This is an open invitation to everyone that is interested in becoming part of the world's biggest conglomerate and reach the peak of your career. As we begin this year's recruitment program and our annual feast of harvest is almost at hand, so we decide to introduce you to the "New World Order".

    At this point, we're assuring anyone who is ready and faithful to become a member of this great organization, that once he/she becomes a full member of the Illuminati brotherhood then will automatically become rich, powerful and be famous in life and achieve all their heart desires and also receive a monthly salary of $500,000 USD. We are ready to change your life, we can make your dreams come true.

    The great Illuminati district offers you a life time opportunity of making your heart desires come true. I believe everyone on this planet "Earth" knows about the ILLUMINATI, but for those that don't know much about this Organization, I'll brief you about it. The Illuminati is a secret society that bless man kind and fulfill his/her dreams of becoming a millionaire, billionaire and also promote their various business. At this moment, I believe you've know more about this organization and there's no reason to be afraid of anything.

    I'm not here to mess with you or play games with you because as it stands now there are lot's of people out there who Impersonate us, claiming to be members of the ILLUMINATI. So the Brotherhood then comes to conclusion of Globalizing this organization in order to help those who are actually ready to become part of this Great Family and those that were misleaded by Impostors. Now i believe this is your opportunity to join our prestigious Organization and make yourself and your family proud.


    If you're interested in joining this Great Organization, then contact our Grand Lodge at Pennslyvania, USA via WhatsApp: +1 (325) 261-7127 or our official Email: [illuminati666grandlodge@gmail.com]

    Signed: GRANDMASTER

    ReplyDelete


  16. how to cut corrugated plastic not only have these wonderful qualities but also are super easy to cut. With the right kind of tools, you can quickly cut these sheets using the followingCorrugated Plastic sheets comprise of three layers- two flat plastic sheets with a wave-like ribbed center layer. The two flat plastic sheets are generally referred to as twinwall plastic. The Corrugated Plastic sheets may also be like sheets of plastic that have a wave-like structure that might have chopped glass fiber reinforced in it

    ReplyDelete
  17. Servo Star is a prominent manufacturer, providing a wide range of
    servo stabilizer
    Manufacturers in India and an array starting from 5 KVA to 5000 KVA for residential, industrial and medical use. Stabilizers installed after qualifying a 35 points Checklist while undergoing Intensive Quality & Reliability inspection to withstand 170/300V besides 270/470V, manufactured in the state-of-the-art manufacturing plant with the latest cutting-edge innovative technology adopted after rigorous in-house R&D done since inception

    ReplyDelete
  18. digitechtricks
    Plastic sheets may also be like sheets of

    ReplyDelete
  19. Ꮋi there Dеar, are you genuinely visiting this weЬ site dailу, if so afterward you will aЬsоlutely tаke good knowlеdge.카지노사이트

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi, i tһink that i saw you visited my weblog thus i came to “return the favor”.I’m attempting to find things to impr᧐ve my websitе!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!eacһ time i used t᧐ reаd smaller articles or reνiews ᴡhich alsо clеɑr their motive, and that iѕ also happening with this piece of writing which I am reading here.카지노사이트

    ReplyDelete
  21. I have to voice my affection for your generosity for folks that have the need for assistance with this important theme. Your special dedication to getting the solution along appears to be extremely helpful and have constantly allowed associates like me to achieve their aims. Your amazing valuable suggestions can mean a great deal a person like me and especially to my colleagues. Thanks a ton; from all of us.
    카지노사이트

    ReplyDelete
  22. I wish to express my gratitude for your generosity for individuals who need help with this particular niche. Your personal commitment to getting the solution across became unbelievably insightful and have encouraged employees like me to attain their ambitions. Your entire informative information signifies this much a person like me and a whole lot more to my office workers. Many thanks; from everyone of us.카지노사이트

    ReplyDelete
  23. Design Zoned is the best web design agency in India, specializing in responsive, mobile, and SEO-friendly website designing, and website development. we serve you just what your heart wants to see.
    web design agency
    web design company

    ReplyDelete
  24. Jaisalmer is famous for its desert, its culture, its dress, its language, its food, its various dramatic activities, its Rajasthani dance, and its romantic desert fort.
    It is a beautiful city in the great Thar desert of Rajasthan. His famous place is Jaisalmer, the same village. Get to know more about Runn City Jaisalmer of Rajasthan

    ReplyDelete
  25. Do you have a wood exterior or wood interior home in need of maintenance? Contact ArtWorks Painting Squamish Now.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Best Knee Replacement surgeon in Delhi with more than 5000 Successful Replacements. Safest Surgery @Low Cost and total Knee Replacement Surgery is now among the safest and most effective of all standard orthopaedic surgeries and with advancements in medical technology
    Knee Replacement surgery in delhi

    ReplyDelete