Richmond Road Race Report

As mentioned, we were experiencing extremely cold temperatures last week and it didn't look as though it was going to give us a reprieve anytime soon. It is a well know fact that the Richmond Road Race is usually held on the coldest and windiest weekend in January.

Hardy are we Canuks, we just add another layer of neoprene and go. The only skin you'll see is when we are back in the school gymnasium and people are shedding their layers. It is not uncommon to see runner's with duct tape over their shoes to prevent the cold, snow and slush from getting into their kicks and thus the risk of frostbite. Also unusual and yet a very Canadian plight, only in Canada, would the policemen move out of their way to make way for people dressed like terrorists running within 10 feet of the seat of power of the nation, while running downtown...glad to be in a free country.

But, back to Richmond.

Sunday dawned to snow, snow and more snow, my drive to Richmond was slow and treacherous, with nary a snowplow to be seen, HELLO City of Ottawa, it is winter here! Get the damn plow's out!!

The drive is usually at least 40 minutes, so I left extra early and I slip, slided my way to the school and headed for the gym, most of the 10K runner's were making their way to the start line and I knew I had 15 minutes before I had to line up for the 5k. This is a very fast race, held by the National Capital Runners Association. They are hard core speed runner's, unlike me who goes out and lopes along.

The gun went off and we were on our way. The footing was very snowy, which was turning to slush with all of the runners ahead, we headed down one of the main streets past the school and we were channeled into one lane of the road, the footing was very slippery and some runners were really starting to slip and then walk. I kept my even pace, although slower than I would normally start off, this actually paid off because the road we turned up hadn't been plowed at all. By the time we got to that road some of the 5k and 10K runners were headed back to the school, (told you they were fast!!).

I ended up running this part with a great lady, she had me laughing the whole time we were together up the snow laden road, we hit the turn around and made our way back to the main road and straight into the wind. The 10K runners were really flying at this point, so I picked up my pace, said so long and headed towards the finish area. You wouldn't believe the support we had for this race, there were so many volunteers out on the course it is amazing. Spectators lined both sides of the roadway as we neared the school. It is truly unbelievable to have so many people cheering you on in subzero temperatures.

This is always a fun run for me, I was slower this year due to the footing and I really haven't been training all that much (even though I have a Half Marathon on Sunday), I was happy with my time 32:41, not too bad.

I headed back to the gym to warm up and changed out of my running gear while I waited for the 10K Wooo Hooo's to come back. The scene in the gym was incredible, there were runner's and running gear everywhere, there was hot soup, plates with muffins, cheese, banana's along with drinking boxes and hot coffee, all handed out by the never tiring group of volunteers. Hats off to all volunteers, for without them, we wouldn't have races!! While the girls were changing, the race director was handing out door prizes, race prizes and recognition to those who had made this race possible. This is a such a great race to kick off the new year!

But we had to get going, as with any race the Wooo Hooo's attend, we had a party to go to! Yes, you should know by now, there is always a party, food and usually the odd adult BEvERage after our races!!!

Life's fun if you don't weaken,

Lily