Spirit Runners

A few weeks ago, I received a call from my dear friend Jenn. Her family needed somebody else to run the 4th leg in the Vancouver Marathon relay. So I said, okay and then thought sheeeeit! I've never run a marathon or relay or even stood on the sidelines and cheered anyone on. I'm usually in bed when these things happen and vaguely aware they took place hours after they're done.

I had 5 days to train for my leg. I had 6k to cover. Pshaw, a mere jaunt. Okay, not too far but still, more than I usually run these days. Thankfully the route started at English Bay and ended by Jericho Beach. I run regularly but inside, at the gym, on a treadmill. The street is totally different. Well, living in Vancouver's West End has its perks. It's only a few minutes to the beach and Stanley Park so it wasn't that big of a deal and actually I liked it.

So I ran and I ran after work, as the sun was setting, and geared up for the race. Yes, I even stocked up on a new pair of shorts from the Running Room and a jacket at Lululemon just to make myself feel better. Gotta look good!

Race day came and it was a blast. I didn't die, have a heart attack or twist my ankle. "Spirit Runners" finished 2nd in our category (out of 32 or so co-ed teams) and 6th out of all 56 relay teams. Not bad for our motley crew! Okay, the 1 drawback of the race was when I arrived at my exchange. I was ready to pass the "baton" but my teammates were nowhere to be seen. They were sitting in the car with their Starbucks, keeping out of the rain :( I had to borrow someone's cell phone to call them! Ah well. It was still a fun day. And oh the tapioca and rice pudding at the end of it!!


Show me them spirit fingers!


After Joe crossed the finish line


Dave, Joe, Jocelyne, Randy, Me


Guess who I'm txting?