A Slight Limp

• My heart is beating in a strained and yet consistent manner. But that doesn't worry me too much. I am concerned about my breathing. I look down at my thighs and notice the jiggle of every step I take, they are turning red.
  

• Hordes of people in white stream down the streets and I cannot help thinking we are but just bison, stampeding towards our goal. I do not like this feeling. I prefer the lonely solitude. It is selfish, but this is my time of meditation and introspection.

• My hopes and expectations soar and plummet in that duration of time. Times of exhilaration and enforced motivation, others of self-deprecation. I turn back, hoping to see Dan trailing behind me but my hopes are futile. I have lost him. In the heat of the moment I feel disappointment in myself : I should have waited for him. After all, today is our anniversary and I promised that we'd stay together. Perhaps I missed and he has overtaken me. This is the point of no return. I run alone now and my target is to surprise myself and yet fluff that ego, by finishing above my alotted time.

• My sides start to ache, although it is against my will, I inadvertently decrease my pace. The aching leg I cautiously noted about before the start seems to remind me of its presense. I do not care. As long as I do not stop. Spectators cheer and although I appreciate the amicable thoughts, their support leaves me indifferent. Under the bridge, I hear 'Wonderall' and no pain can stop me from mouthing the surreal lyrics of the song.
  

• This must be the last incline. Through my sense of navigation, we are close to the Dome where the finish line awaits. I remind myself to lift my legs higher in order to lessen the strain of the incline. I glance at my GPS system, to my chagrin, minutes have ticked away, I have past my personal alotted time. I jog abit more, to my utmost relief, the multi-coloured arch that signifies the end is within sight! How vibrant that arch is! Its a mad dash to the finish line as my arms and legs lift higher in unison allegedly being broken away from chains, my vision blurs with only one object in focus. The theme song from 'Chariots of fire' blares in my head and every step I take is intune with its beat.

• I cross the finish line and click at my GPS system. 1 hour and 3 minutes. I console myself with the fact that this is my first time, toying with the idea that there is room for improvement, of course. I look out towards the crowd that is pulling in. Perhaps I will see him... and I did.

My first amazing experience of the Vancouver Sun Run.
Distance: 10 K
Course difficulty: Slightly abouve average. Did not expect that many inclines.
Participation rate: 50,700 entrants
Weather: The most beautiful weather we could have with cloudless skies
Regrets: Should have managed schedule to fit in more runs for training. Diet is screwed up.

Repeat participation? I'll be doing it for the rest of my life !