About 2 years ago, I was sitting on my bus in Gore Park and I remember seeing all the people convening in the downtown core. They were all on a mission. To accomplish either a 5K or 30K run known as the Around the Bay Race. This race is the oldest race in North America.
The Hamilton Herald Newspaper and cigar store owner "Billy" Carroll, originated and sponsored the first "Around the Bay Road Race", run on Christmas Day, 1894. It is now the oldest road race in North America, older than the Boston Marathon which was born three years after the Around the Bay Road Race. The race tested the abilities of the finest long distance runners, but was also an avenue to lay down some bets.
I decided at that point that I wanted to join these people, however, I got sick with my Thyroid disease. So last October, I decided to set a goal. A goal to train and run the 5K race.
When I first started training, I could hardly run a block. My heart would pound, and I would be gasping for air! I have trained very hard and I mainly ran alone. I was self conscious of what I looked like while running, and I also felt like I wasn't running fast enough. However I kept training and believe me, there were times that I wanted to give up.
Well today proved that with determination and training, anything goal is achievable! I completed the 5K race in 31m40s! My fastest time yet!
That's me, Bib #8759!
The positive energy from the other runners was amazing. I felt so good today that I wish I could share it with everyone. Well, I can. Get off the couch, get out and start training! Sign up and do the run next year! Are you up for the Challenge?
