Why pre-run the TC 10K route?
It depends on your personality. Do you shake and poke your Christmas gift to try to guess its contents before unwrapping it? Ever google a restaurant's menu?
Is anticipation a sweet sauce or a worrisome side dish?
For me, running the TC 10K route ahead of April 27 was part pragmatism and part ego. Kicked curbside by injuries last year, I've been away from the punishing pounding of the pavement while recuperating under my physiotherapist's encouragement and detailed strength and stretch exercises.
I've gone from thinking of an hour's run and 10 kilometres as a snack-sized outing to being a formidable challenge.
I needed to test myself and remind myself of the route’s inclines, twists and turns listening to my own heavy breathing and not the panting of thousands of strangers.
Here's the preshow:
I've parked my car in Beacon Hill Park and head to the start line at the intersection of Government Street and Belleville Street. On April 27, it will be jammed elbow to elbow by those not standing in portapotty lineups.
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Looking up Johnson Street. Motorists would never consider this is a hill but it's definitely an incline for runners. Early-race adrenalin carries you along.
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Johnston Street allows window shopping for slow runners like me: Don't lose your head over the Lululemon togs. Keep moving. Keep moving.
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The Pig: one of the reasons I run. Love my food and drink.
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Heading south from Johnston Street, down Vancouver Street and past another favourite. Another reason to put in the miles. Wanna have fun? Better run!
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Speaking of favourites: I've participated in many clinics through Frontrunners and met running buddies who have become friends for life.
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Turning off Vancouver Street onto Richardson brings you past what I like to think of as a typical Victoria backyard - environmental friendly clothes-drying and ocean toys.
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Down Moss Street, where early season vendors get ready for the weekly market.
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Memorial Avenue allows a moment of reflection at Ross Bay Cemetery before coming out to Dallas Road.
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Steps away from the ocean and half way! Time to head to the finish line!
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Decision time: Along the flat waterfront pathway or up the hill?
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The hill of course! This will be a sweaty stream of huffers and puffers on April 27.
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A world-class view and pathway. On these last kilometres, it's a good reason and reminder to look up, and not at your feet.
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Two buddies offer encouragement. The off-lease area for dogs along the Dallas waterfront is a welcome distraction from my own aches and shortness of breath.
For the last four kilometres along the waterfront and through James Bay, I ditch my phone/camera and focus on my posture and gait and forgo the "illegal" breaks that stopping to take photos has allowed.
The last set of turns before coming out onto Belleville Street is always a bit cruel, but once I'm in that canyon of imaginary spectators, I can almost hear next week's cheering. I'm thankful I've made it this far. Even if it means an ice bag on my knee and modest dreams.
As the gurus say, take it one day, one step at a time.
