My first race of the season: London Spring Run Off 10K

Yesterday I ran my first race of the season: the London Spring Run Off 10K at Springbank Park in London, Ontario. The weather was beautiful, the sun was shining, and the 500 runners raised around $3000 for Hope's Garden. The course had some gentle rolling hills, but was flat for the most part. It was scenic and pedestrian traffic was minimal.
Considering I usually run a 1:00 10K, I was pleased at my 1:05:22 time given my 2 year running hiatus.
The race felt harder than I had anticipated. Getting to the race site 2-3 minutes before the starting gun sounded did not permit me to stretch or warm up ahead of time. I had to walk for one minute approximately four times. I suspected I might have to walk a few times because I am now rebuilding my cardiorespiratory capacity and my endurance, but I am very impatient with myself and I tend to want amazing results immediately (very unrealistic, but I am a Type A personality). My reward for finishing was a post-race massage provided by students/instructors of the D'Arcy Lane Institute for Massage Therapy and Thai food for dinner.

Media release in the News Advertiser: May 24th, 2006

I would like to thank the Ajax-Pickering News Advertiser for taking an interest in my fundraising campaign. Check out the article below:

Marathon woman trains for Honolulu.

My Race Schedule for 2006

There is no better way to keep motivated and on track than to sign up for some races until my big race in Honolulu. This section will be updated as I commit to more races.

Race #1: Runner's Choice - Spring Run Off (DONE)
Date: Saturday April 29th, 2006
Location: Springbank Park (London, Ontario)
Distance: 10K
Purpose: To support Hope's Garden--an Eating Disorder's Support and Resource Centre

Race #2: 5Peaks Trail Running Series (DONE)
Date: Saturday July 8th, 2006
Location: Durham Region Forest (Uxbridge, Ontario)
Distance: 5K
Purpose: Cross training

Race #3: Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (DONE)
Date: Sunday September 24th, 2006
Location: Toronto's scenic waterfront (Toronto, Ontario)
Distance: 21K
Purpose: For fun

Race #4: Honolulu Marathon (DONE)
Date: December 10th, 2006
Location: Honolulu (Oahu, Hawaii)
Distance: 42K
Purpose: To support The Arthritis Society

“If you think you can, or you can’t, you’re right.”
- Henry Ford

Training

Honolulu Marathon Training starts July 29th, 2006

Base Training Schedule:

Run (trail/road): Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays
Cross Train (pilates, weights, aerobics): Wednesdays, Fridays
Long Run: Saturdays
Rest: Sundays