Endorphins are even better when dipped in chocolate

There are times when you run a race to bust your butt and see just how fast you can go.  Then there are races you do because they are just too darned cool to miss.

Enter exhibit A: The Chocolate Race. I was headed to Port Dalhousie to chat with some people doing the race for an upcoming issue of iRun, and I figured, heck, while I am there, why don’t I run?  After hearing the reports of hot, humid weather last year, I decided to register for the 10K with the goal of running a bit, eating a lot, and generally enjoying myself.

When the day dawned windy, but cool and cloudy, I was relieved to say the least.  I figured I could still do what I had set out to, but maybe keep up a faster pace than originally planned.  When the race started it quickly became apparent that no one had seeded themselves correctly. I had misjudged how big the crowd was and when I saw how many people were behind me, I thought, “Uh-oh, I am going to get trampled.” It turned out that was not the case, and despite being probably about a third of the way from the front, I was passing people from the get-go.

The course was beautiful, but a little narrow in places.  When a course is wide, you have time to judge how fast other runners are going as you approach them, and all the time in the world to decide if you should tuck in behind them for a while or pass right away.  I learned quickly that this isn’t the case on a narrow path – you have to decide: pass at the first clear moment, or be prepared to slow down until it is safe to pass again.  On a hotter day I would have done a lot more tucking in and waiting, but given the picture-perfect weather, I found myself passing a lot, which meant I reached the 2K marker way sooner than expected. I still felt good, however, so I stuck with it. I developed a nasty side stitch, so I skipped the chocolate (chocolate dipped marshmallows and strawberries) at 2.5K, figuring I would catch it on the way back at 7.5K.

I didn’t end up catching it at 7.5K either, though, because by the time I got back my stitch was an 8.5/10 on the stitch-o-meter, and the station was so clogged with people that I joined several other runners in running off course and behind the chocolate tables to get through. I was still on a blistering (for me) pace, so I decided to delay my chocolate-gratification until the end.  Given that I have a “delicate” stomach to begin with, it is probably better that way, if you know what I mean.

But I digress – I had to walk a little more than I would like in that 8^th kilometre, given that I just couldn’t shake the stitch, but since I didn’t have a particular time in mind, that was okay with me.  I ran the last kilometre and stopped my Garmin in – wait, what?

I did a double-take.  Not only had I finished faster than I had ever run 10K before, I finished faster than I thought possible at this particular stage of my training.  A PB by 4 minutes and 40 seconds.  I checked to make sure I had, indeed, run 10K, and Garmin said, “Hey, would I lie to you?”

I guess it just goes to show that when I truly am relaxed, I really can surprise myself!

And yes, I had chocolate at the finish: