I’m so incredibly excited to announce that I completed my second ever 10k race and my first ever as part of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend!
The Ottawa 10K is the only IAAF Gold Label 10K event in Canada and one of only four IAAF Gold Label 10Ks in the world. The Ottawa 10K attracts one of the world’s best fields of pro runners as well as thousands of participants from across the National Capital Region. The race is also home to the Canadian 10K Championships.
I ran in support of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Canada’s largest cardiovascular health centre.
Although I’ve been working out at least three times a week for the past few years, running was never part of my routine. In fact, besides running for the bus, the last time I attempted to run was at least 5 or 6 years ago!
This all changed almost two months ago, when I was contacted by Camp Ooch, a local charity, to run for them at the Sporting Life 10k. I only had five weeks to train – and I was so sore aftery first run that I had to take a week off! I replaced my usual gym routine with running, first on the treadmill, then outside, and managed to complete my very first race with my Personal Best of 1:02.
Wanting to make the most of my training, I signed up for Race Weekend, which took place a mere two weeks after my first race.
It was a humbling experience, surrounded by thousands of other runners and world-class athletes.
I went in with the intention of beating my Personal Best from my first race, but I think my giant breakfast + the intense humidity took out the best of me. Nauseous and having difficulty breathing, I was just under my PB by a mere 23 seconds. It was disappointing at first, but it put into perspective that my PB is repeatedly reachable. After only seven weeks of training, I was still in the upper half of my age & gender categories, my corral, and overall racers. My result is motivating me to continue running and I am already signing up for at least two more races this year.
I want to commend the organizers and volunteers for such a well organized event. Everything was seemless and everyone was so friendly. The “Pace Bunnies” were super helpful too. Also, the snacks post-race were amazing!
I would also like to thank Race Merchandise for the beautiful merch (I got one of the Race Weekend jackets and I’ve worn it all weekend!!!). Also a big thank you for gifting me three super pretty tanks! I can’t wait to run in them this summer.
Overall, this race was a fantastic experience and I look forward to continuing my running journey! Stay tuned for more updates!