A Midsummer's Night's Run

So I am little behind updating my blog, but with all this running I just have not had time.

On August 21st, 2010 we ran the 30k Midsummer Night's Run in Toronto Ontario. The race started at 5:30pm so it was quite strange to run such a long distance that late at night. The race was a good one, it was not very big race with about 500 participants in the 30k. However, the "bling" was awesome! We got really nice New Balance hoodies, and the medal was huge and well done! We even got to purchase a New Balance long sleeve t-shirt for only $5.00.

Four of us had shirts made with little fairy's on the back, to go along with the theme. One of the girls actually ran the 15k race with fairy wings! There were some great constumes.

So how did the race go? Well, it wasn't pretty. I had an allergic reaction to something I must have ate at the hotel. I tend to be allergic to something that is common in Italian food but despite having allergy testing, I still can't seem to determine what it is. This is the second time I have had this reaction in the last 2 months. When I get this it makes it very hard to breath, like I cannot get enough oxygen into my lungs.

All in all, I struggled throughout the race and with also just getting over a cold it was a crap shoot! I also got discouaged when the 12k participants came speeding by you, it just took you off guard. The race also got dark and I don't think there was enough volunteers to direct you. At one point I was convinced I had gone off course. At the end of the race my friend ran me in and I was crying because when I rounded the corner I saw the finish line was down, I thought I was last and everyone was packing up. It turned out that the machine that keeps it blown up had shut down. My friend noticed right away that something wasn't right as my lips and nail beds were blue. It took me at least 12 hours before I could breath properly again and I wheezed all night. I probably shouldn't have ran but at least I got it done and got that great medal!! Not sure I would do this race again next year, but defiantly an experience and great prep for the marathon, eek!!

In addition, we had a great time in Toronto and it was a good little break from the ordinary!