+FillUs

6118 participants ran the 118th Around the Bay 30K, not counting walkers who started an hour earlier and relay teams. This is a race where there are constantly runners around me, either passing me or passed by me. Not only that, spectators and volunteers lined up almost throughout the course, except on sections where only vehicles were allowed. Hamiltonians go out of their ways to support us: putting up signs, cheering, setting up unsanctioned water stations, handing out orange slices, high-fives, live music...Although Hamilton is known for its poverty and brokenness, I've came to know and experience the most generous and loving people in this city. I arrived and parked with well over an hour to spare only to find that I'm not as early as I thought. Copps Coliseum was packed already. Two of my friends, Christine and Julie from Runner's Den  were running it as well and I met up with them at the 55 section, our usual spot for ATB. I still remember my first run with them a...

Have you ever experienced post-something depression? Like the post-Olympic depression many Canadian experienced. Or post-vacation depression? I get that after spending a week or so with a group of people and I’d miss them terribly when the trip is over. Well, my post-Around-the-Bay depression has hit me. It’s not so much about the race, but the wonderful people I ran with. Today, I learned that running long distance is about how much pain you can endure; And the joy is to run with people and finish side by side. Frankly, I don’t remember much about the race. There was a lot of pain but I couldn’t remember how I managed to finish. That is three hours of my life which I probably only remember a few minutes of. However, I did snap a few “kodak moments” in my head. Oh, how I hope I could print them out. I remember high-fiving Christine right after the finish line. I remember the ecstatic joy when we found Lexi and Jenny who both finished way before I did. I remember being intimidated by th...

The Training for Solidarity run took place yesterday. I braved the cold with many runners to finish a 15k run, although my original intent was to run 10. I mistaken the 10k turn-around as the 5K and kept going. The last 5k was hard but the first 2-3 k of the 5 was the hardest. I could feel my body soar and was breathing heavily. During the last 2k my body seemed to have regulated into the new (weary) condition and cooperated again. The satisfaction afterwards weighted off the hard work. It was worthwhile, for myself and Haiti. The result of fundraising amount came in last night. The run raised a total of $75,000. A big pat on the shoulder for all those who participated and contributed in any way.

This year, I decided to run. Running was never my thing. A few years ago when I did my first sprint triathlon, running was my least favourite. I get bored easily, I am not motivated, I just don’t like it. So this year, I decide to overcome my dislike and fear of running. To keep myself motivated, I set a goal to run a half-marathon when next season comes around. I have also put my money down for a pair of good running shoes and pants. Most importantly, I’ve started running. In all honesty, there is perhaps nothing easier to learn than to learn running. Just go.