Good Times in the Maritimes!! MRW 2016

A few years ago, I had signed up to take part in Maritime Race Weekend, but I ended up not being able to participate because of an injury. So I felt like this year I had to do it, if for nothing else to make up for 2013. I am SO happy that I signed up for this event! I will be returning every year to this one!

From the very second that I picked up my race kit, I was excited to get getting running. The swag from the race kit was awesome. I got an awesome hat, the most comfortable long sleeve tech shirt, tattoos, a pretty tartan plaid race bib and pirate themed buff!

I rushed home from work for a quick wardrobe change and headed out to pick up Courteney and Cathy to head for our Sunset run. My sister is a neighbour of Cathy's so when I pulled up to her driveway I got to see my nephew before the run! Check out the super cute sign :)

There are a bunch of different runs that happy on Maritime Race Weekend. It kicks off with the "sunset 5k" on Friday night followed by a "sunrise" 5k, 10k, half full & ultra-marathons on Saturday morning. I know it's shocking that after 7 months of running, I opted out of the ultra marathon (50K) and went for the sunrise 5k! If you did the sunset 5k and one of the Saturday runs, you were part of the Tartan Twosome, which really just means that you get an extra medal... (this may have been a deciding factor for me). The entire theme of the weekend is pirates, so you see a lot of people dressed up. I gave in to peer pressure and agreed to dress up for the Friday night run. Now- I didn't go all crazy and buy a whole costume because I didn't want to spend then money on a costume that I'd only wear once. However- like I said.. I'll be back to this run every year.. so I'll be investing in a costume!

We waited in a super long, but ridiculously fast moving bathroom line before heading to the start. There were sooooo many people there, but it was wonderful!!

How could you not have a fabulous evening when you're running alongside the ocean and get to watch that sun set!! Cathy and I stuck together for the Sunset 5k. I always love running with Cathy :)

The sunset was absolutely stunning on Friday. This picture doesn't do it justice.

1 of 2 5k's done!

Part of the TTP Running Group from Timberlea

I probably didn't get home until 9:30-10 and when I did I had to grab something to eat, ice the hip and get to bed! Saturday morning was an early one. I was up 5:45 and out the door just after 6. We wanted to make sure we were able to find parking and get situated for the 8am gun time. Again, we waiting in a super long, but super fast moving bathroom line and then took a few pre race photos.

More TTP Crew

So the nerves were kicking in, butterflies were going on.. and Courteney and I talked game plan for the race. Friday night I didn't push myself, I saved the racing for Saturday. Although I really wanted to aim for my time to be under 30 minutes, we agreed that that would be my goal for 2017, not this race season. So my current PB for 5k was 32:48 and in the 10K in Truro, my 5k turn around time was 31:31, so we were aiming to come across the finish at 31:00.

Courteney said she would pace me, but to put my headphones in get the race zone. So in the zone I went! We were off, and I was closely watching my watch.. noticed we were under the our pace time of 6... so I was happy, that alloed a little room for when we took a walk break or water break.... or when I got tired. In the first 2.5k, Courteney was also super close and often times I found her kind of cutting me off, or running in my way... so being oblivious me, I would go around her and kept my good pace going! We had agreed to a walk break at the halfway point, but I was feeling really good, so I looked at her and said I'm good, let's keep going. We soon came up on a water station, where we walked through it, I took a swig of water and we kept going.

Somewhere around the 4k-ish mark, I hit a mental wall. And she knew as my footwork changed... so I said we needed a walk break.. I took my headphones out so I could get a pep talk... and before I knew it she said OK! That's enough walking... let's go... but.. but.. let's go.. so we did! My head was back in the game and I have to say that I am SO thankful that I ran the route the night before, because I realized how close we were getting to the end... when I realized that, I looked at my watch and saw that I was at 27 minutes. I looked ahead again and thought "oh my god, I can *@&^)%# do this. I CAN DO THIS!!!" And I took off. I didn't say a word to my pace bunny, I just booked it. I had a minor moment as I turned the corner to the finish line that I started sprinting way too fast, but that was forgotten when I saw the finish line. I crossed that line knowing that blew my goal out of the water. The next few minutes are a bit of a blur, but Courteney came over, and was just as excited as me. She gave me a huge hug and we looked at my time- 29:22!!!! I CRUSHED my 2017 goal and my current PB!!! There may or may not have been a couple tears shed from both of us over that AMAZING run. We got our medals and waited to see a couple of our friends cross the finish too. I have a new favorite post run food... freezies! They were handing them out in the food area and it was hands down, the most enjoyable food there!

We were both pretty pumped about my time!

Runner's high- PB with a time I honestly didn't think possible in 2016!

I was super happy to meet up with Amy for a post run high five/hug/selfie!

Best bling from a race yet.

As per most stories with my trainer/coach/cheerleader friend, it's always a good story. I learned after we crossed the finish line that she had talked to me the whole way. Not making conversation, but cheered me and gave the pep talks I would totally need... if I didn't have my music blasting. I really wish I had heard all the positive talk, but it seemed to work anyway.
Maritime Race Weekend is an event I will be participating in for years to come. The atmosphere, scenery, flawless planning and good times are well worth it. Eyes are now looking forward to the Valley Harvest 10K.