On the way back from the gym on Dec 31,2009, decided to go the Nike store downtown (Bloor St) to look for a new pair of running shoes. During my search came across interesting area of the store where they were promoting a Resolution Run from 5k to 15k run in Toronto on Jan 3,2010. Took a look at the area of the run and it was the downtown core, which was very comforting.
During the year had done a couple of 5k runs through High Park and Downtown Toronto and had done really well, going to the gym consistently and riding my hybrid mountain bike were advantage.
This was a very short notice so there was time to really train with only 72 hours until the run. Couple of trips to the gym would help. The only thing was a concern was the weather, it had started to get cold in Toronto the last few days so warm layer of clothing would be very important.
Upon my return the gym went online and registered for the event. The next thing I did (which I glad I did! More on why later) was I called Chester Yu and good friend who had run multiple runs for short to long marathons all over Ontario. I wanted to be an accountability partner for me regarding this event, he gladly accepted and with some additional encouragement from his girlfriend Jackie everything was set.
Being an entrepreneur I have learned from my mentors the accountability is important when trying new things and it was important to put into place so that I can create the momentum and desire to get it completed.
As quickly as I had registered the day had arrived. Had got all my clothing together including my much loved Toronto Maple Jersey and was set to go. The run was to start at 8:30am and I was hoping that it wouldn’t be below minus 10. As headed out the weather bearable and I was warm (that was important!)
I headed to the subway and to my surprise it was closed! So I turned around and begin my pre-run to the destination point which was about 2.5 kilometers. When I arrived there was only person there, which was really unusual. Had a quick conversation and continued into the store where there participants who had arrived and were getting prepared. There was a light breakfast which was served and there was sign-up for a draw for some prizes at the end.
Began to take a look at the run more closely and was shocked when I realized that the run was mainly uphill! Unfortunately there was no turning back. There were handing out IPODS with music and could also track your run, (which I though was very cool.) Got hooked up with techno-gear and was ready to go.
You were a give a chip that you install in your shoe and gets synchronized with the IPOD to track your time and distance which later you can upload online later.
Time to begin was getting close and the runner with the longer distance started first and the rest us would start 15 minutes after that. Prior to the run we did some warm-up exercises to get loose which was fun and challenging with all that layer of clothing to work with. Within minutes we began our run it started to snow again and it was bit slippery and manageable.
As I began my run I was excited and ready to go. Listen to music on the IPOD was a tremendous help in keeping my focus from the distance that I had to cover. The streets were very empty and the traffic was minimal, we encountered a few red lights along the way but for the most of the run in were very clear. Going uphill was very challenging, all I said to myself was that “I have climbed a mountain and I can do this”. This was very important psychological boost that I need and really helped me focused on maintain my speed. I did walk for brief time at very tough uphill and the rest of the time kept a distance pace. As I was going downhill I had started to do my Rocky Victory dance by holding my hands up high in Victory. Even did some sidestepping exercises and even some high leg kick jumping during some clear areas.
As I got near the end I was saying “Fired up” multiple up and just before entering the doors to the store I did my Olympic weave around some circles where they plant trees in the spring. There was employee filming this and she was enjoying the mini victory dance. I opened the doors and made sure I did fall and did my victory jig and was clapping with excitement.
I had climbed mountain in California last year and remembered the saying it’s about the journey not the destination. The feeling was the same that I had accomplished the goal. With the support of the participants and employees it made for a great event.
My cell phone had run out of power so I could not email Chester regarding my completion. They had some laptops with internet so I emailed him a short time later. He sent me a text response an hour later that he and Jackie were very proud of me and Jackie was curious when I was going to go a half or full marathon! Let just say I didn’t respond to the text very quickly!
Heading into 2010 creating achievable goals is important, stretching yourself and working strategically and effectively is the key.
As the Nike slogan says “Just Do It”
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