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I have ran the Goodlife Victoria Marathon (and 1/2 marathon) since 2004 except for 2011. It was 2009 when the changes all came into play - the Visually Impaired category and the 5 minute early start. Previous races it was a struggle to run on my own, tripping over cones, constantly bumping into people, signposts and rolling in my ankles from potholes. It was extremely frustrating and stressful. Since the changes in 2009, it is like running a new event. Apart from the usual race jitters, the early race start and special bibs provided, eleviated the stress and anxieties for both the runner and guide. Saturday night, we had a nice pre-race dinner with a group of VI runners and guides. We were relaxed and ready for the morning race. It was 6:55 am, cool crisp morning and the sun was rising promising brilliance for the run. Chris and I waited in the parking lot to meet with George. For the first time I will be guided by someone else at the Goodlife Victoria 1/2 marathon. It felt strange, but i knew it was going to be okay. I had the pleasure of meeting George a couple of times while I was in Ottawa. I was lucky to find out that George was coming to Victoria to visit family on the weekend of the event and I asked him if he could guide me just in case (always good to have a back up plan). Chris, George and I walked up to the front of the start line, our bibs in place and wearing our bright singlets displaying who we are (VI runner and GUIDE). We wished each other good luck and he walked off into the crowd, I felt sadness and realised to myself, that, Chris hadn't run his own race since 2009. I was wondering how he was feeling, I am sure he had realised this too. George and I was going over some details of the tethering, stretching, smiling at the photographer. We are tethered and ready to go. Seconds to go, feeling butterflies in my stomach and thought to myself, this is going to be a good run. The horn sounded and off we went. We started off strong and had the road to ourselves, hearing the crowds cheering behind us as we start our 13.1 mile journey. We chatted pretty much the whole run, we talked about the route, early start, guiding, Running for Change, triathlons, and continuously wondering how Chris is making on. I know the hills are daunting on this route, not sure how George was liking the hills, might be hillier to what he is used to. I warned him about Dallas Road, it was going to be a long haul to the finish, up, up and up. We encouraged one another through it, and still running strong right from the start. It was about 10 mile mark when I told George that I usually detach the tether about 500 meter from the finish, and kick it in high gear. When getting near the finish, the crowds are much more manageable to run through. It was about 1KM left to the finish, and I detached myself from George. There was a group of 3 running ahead of me and I yelled "c'mon people, you don't want a blind runner passing you!" I heard George chuckle behind me and knew he will be right there if should any warnings need to be said. As I turned around the corner, nearing the finish, I can hear the crowds cheering on the runners, and George giving me a warning about the bumps in the road ahead and continued to race to the end. I love the last part of the race, I felt free and strong. George was just a step behind me, we both finished strong and energised. We walked through the finished line, received our finishing medals and grabbed some food. Standing aside away from the other incoming runners we waited for Chris to come in. It was nearly 30 minutes of waiting when George and I decided if we don't see him in 15 minutes, we were going to check the race authorities on the whereabouts of Chris, just minutes after our discussion we saw Chris coming towards us. I was so relieved to see him, he looked so relaxed and happy! We exchanged our congratulations and found out Chris had finished a 1/2 an hour earlier, and he had such a good run. It was a great event for all of us! Now we celebrate! Beer and Fish n' chips! Thank you everyone for a great event, run and company, it was a great weekend.
2 Comments
Chris
10/21/2012 04:13:09 am
Always a pleasure reading your blog Rose. As you mention my first run solo in almost 4 years, it brought mixed feelings. Having met George I somehow just knew you were in good hands with great support. Congratulations on another great run, but more importantly helping bring awareness that VI/Blind athletes just need a level playing field to succeed.
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Rose
10/21/2012 10:41:03 am
and congratulations on your run too! Nice to take a break from me eh? lol
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