Fun at the Vancouver Sun Run

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This past weekend I took part in the 29th Annual Vancouver Sun Run. I NEVER thought that I would take part in something like the Sun Run. It’s a 10km race. I thought that 10km races were for athletes. I am not an athlete. I had no idea that people entered things like the Sun Run to walk and enjoy being out and active in their community.

My friend Karen asked me to speed walk the Sun Run with her a couple of months ago. I’ve been writing for Today’s Parent and participating in their Healthy Family Challenge. Karen’s prodding combined with the confidence that I’ve gained from the Today’s Parent Challenge were enough to get me to sign up. Since then we have been training twice a week by going on 5-7kms speed walks.

The morning of the Sun Run I was a nervous wreck. The Sun Run was completely outside of my comfort zone. I had never experienced anything like it before and I had no idea what to expect. Karen and I got up bright and early and took the skytrain downtown.

We were greeted by thousands of people (almost 50,000 people participated) getting lined up and ready to go. We lined up with them and waited for the race to start at 9 AM. Excitement built as the starting gun sounded and way up ahead we saw a wave of people as the elite athletes at the front of the pack started to run. We waited, anxious, thinking that we too would start our 10k in a matter of minutes… Nope. It ended up taking nearly an hour and a half before our time group got to the starting line and started our 10k. Incidentally the fastest racer finished their 10k in just 29 minutes, nearly an hour before our race even began.

As we waited we talked to some of our neighbors.

Listened to live music.

Took in the sights of Vancouver.

And listened to the announcers release each time category before us.

Slowly but surely the starting line got closer and closer.

Finally it was our turn and we were off!

One of the things that struck me (as I walked as fast as I could) was how beautiful this city where I have made my home is. The course took us past English Bay.

Then we went over the Burrard Street Bridge where an eagle soared back and forth over our heads taking in the spectacle of so many people walking and running together in one place.

The cherry trees are in full bloom right now in Vancouver.

I couldn’t get over how stunning the cherry and magnolia blossoms along the course were.

It was really fun seeing all of the corporate teams that were participating. I was thrilled to see crew from Love It Or List It Vancouver participating. I’ve spent many an hour watching Love It Or List It as I run on the elliptical machine at the gym.

Boston was in all of our minds and hearts as we walked and ran the Vancouver Sun Run. Many people wore blue and yellow clothing and accessories to show their support.

This is the shirt that my friend Karen and her daughter decorated together.

There were a ton of fabulous cheerleaders along the course, shouting encouragements and cheering us on.

I loved this couple that I passed and slowed to talk to. I told them that I thought it was very sweet that they were holding hands as they walked. He said that he was helping her make sure that she made it to the finish line.

Before I knew it there was only 3 kms left.

Then 2 kms.

Then 1km.

As I crossed back into downtown Vancouver over the Cambie Street Bridge I reflected on my first 10km walk/run and how proud of myself I was that I concurred my fear and took on the challenge.

Before I knew it the finish line was in sight.

And then I was crossing under the finish banner.

I was hot and sweaty…

But oh so proud of my accomplishment.

When I got home I found out that my family was pretty darn proud of me as well. This beautiful banner that The Hubs and Bean made for me brought tears to my eyes.