There’s several different topics I could write about today. I could tell you about the gorgeous weather we’re having in Vancouver right now. Or perhaps about the fact that it snowed today back in my home town in Ontario. Of course I can’t forget to mention Mother’s Day! But since I’m not a mother, and everybody is already aware that the weather in Vancouver is much warmer and pleasant than Ontario, I think I’d like to blab about running in the Vancouver Sun Run this morning.
Since moving to Vancouver nearly 6 years ago, I have only ever missed 1 Sun Run. The reason for that absence was due to my 4-month journey on rollerblades across Canada in 2007. There was actually a lot of uncertainty this year whether or not I would participate in the run. I sustained a serious knee injury several months ago and finally managed to get in for an MRI last week. The results are still pending, but doctors have told me they believe I may have slightly tore or strained my ACL or MCL. After months of rest and basically no activity, I’m at a point where light jogging does not seem to irritate the injury. I still have significant discomfort and very limited flexibility, but I feel confident that light jogging may help strengthen the muscles which have become seriously atrophied.
Needless to say, I was not able to put forth any type of training effort leading up to today’s event. So a few days ago I made an executive decision that I would enter the event, but I would walk instead of run. My wife was more than willing to walk with me, too.
Some people may think I’m silly for subjecting my knee to the stress of a 10km event on concrete. And I know that concrete is not very forgiving. But I weighed the pros and cons and felt that I would experience far greater benefits physically and mentally.
If you have never participated in the Sun Run, I strongly encourage all of you to consider it next year. 10km may seem daunting if you have never run that kind of distance before, but this course is laid out to accommodate every man, woman and child. There are many avid athletes who come from all around the world to compete at this event, but these elite runners are sent off before the 60,000 other casual runners, joggers, strollers and walkers. The energy and atmosphere during the Sun Run is almost indescribable. There’s music, cheering, laughing, singing, dancing and even costumes. The buzz in the air is so powerful. It’s simply a wonderful experience being immersed among so much positivity and encouragement.
My wife and I had a fun time as we strolled along with everyone through the streets of Vancouver, over the Burrard Bridge (that’s my photo on the right from earlier today), back across the Cambie Bridge and finishing in front of BC Place. Upon finishing, we enjoyed a few pieces of fruit and some water while the winners of the elite athletes were announced. I was surprised last year when I saw an old high school friend up on stage receiving an award for being the fastest Canadian of the day. And today I was amazed that another high school friend of mine was up on stage accepting the award for being the 3rd fastest woman of the race! It is pretty incredible to think that my small high school back in Ontario has developed many prominent athletes.
We soaked up a bit more Vancouver sunshine (gotta get our daily dose of Vitamin D!) as we walked back home along the False Creek seawall. We arrived back at the apartment just in time to make a few long distance calls to wish our mom’s a Happy Mother’s Day. I hope you all did the same!
