So, as per the awkward title: I went in a local race on the weekend called "Conquer the Dog." The race consisted of a 5km canoe (partners), 18km mountain bike ride on a gravel road, and 5 km run. I really had no idea what to expect. Only as boats, bikes, paddles and lifejackets were being aligned and coordinated around me did I start to get it.
The canoe...Alannah and I did the canoe portion as a team. I'd like to commend Alannah for basically learning to steer on the start line and doing one heck of a job to keep us going in a straight line. She is clearly more skilled than I in a canoe because as she directed myself with certain strokes to do, I had to inform her that she couldn't yell out strokes because I didn't know what they were. She said with a laugh at the start, "Well, this could be a true test of our friendship..." and oh was it hilarious. First of all, 5km on the water is a LONG way! We tried so hard to hunt down Andy and Ben in a boat that was forever 20ft ahead of us, and the river bends just never ended ("the finish is around this one right?" - Nope). We sang songs to pass the time and we actually figured things out on the 2nd half of the paddle and made it work. Upon arriving at the finish, in a frenzied attempt to get the boat out of the water, I dumped Alannah in the river!... thank goodness it was at shore, but I still feel horrible! Sorry girl!
The bike... okay this is where things got a bit hairy. I didn't do the due-diligence of really riding my bike before hand and the seat was titled up slightly more than I'm assuming was good for me, so my lower back got super tight and awkward and all I could do was spin the last 5km. But there wasn't a whole lot I could do about it so I just rode it in and told myself to run fast after falling behind.
The run was the turning point. I was able to bring my legs back to life in the first km, and made up a few spots to end up 3rd in the Women's field. Congrats to Marilyn Ailey and Alannah on #1 and #2. What a day! It was mentally and physically challenging in a lot of ways, but super super super fun at the same time. The race was really well organized, the day was beautiful, and the whole community was out to have a good, hard day.
I had a lot of people help me that day. Victor and Evan on my team took care of all the boats/paddles/lifejackets and Evan even let Alannah and I use his fast boat... even if we didn't do it justice. My roomie, Katherine let me borrow her sweet mountain bike, and upon forgetting my helmet, the Ailey family lent me theirs. Thanks everyone!
I was reminded of something too: It was very refreshing - in a weird way I guess - to be thrown into a race setting that you're unfamiliar with. It was a challenge and I think that is healthy when you're so invested in one single sport. I'm fortunate that I have a level of fitness from doing one sport that I can indeed throw myself into something else, but it makes you experience and think about racing differently again. And I had a hoot doing it!
Okay I'll be quite now... for your viewing pleasure:
My Prize! Wine to go? and 2 stemless wine glasses! I don't actually have race photos but if I dig some up I'll get them up here another day.
We made bad-ass shirts! Thank you iron-on transfers and Alannah's Dad for having bought her an ink-jet printer years ago.
Customized
Conquer the Cutie!
A few other tidbits from the last 2 weeks...
I was able to sneak a few days at Parry Island with my Mom and we went blackberry picking! Beware: Thorn bushes will get you!
Kayaking on Georgian Bay
Landed on an island for a break
My Mom is better at selfies than I am!
I was so surprised and excited to have a few days with my best friends from home. They all surprised me at my friend's cottage and it was a much over-due reunion. I didn't get any pictures except a beautiful Muskoka sunset.
Backyard flower picking, they came with the place, so I had to pick-em!
Have a good week everyone!
E.
