Hands down, the best fall weather I can remember. It's changed in the past couple of days but up until then, Victoria had been nothing but dry and sunny since August. Our Running Moms clinic has had some of the most glorious running weather of any clinic I can remember.
A few weeks ago, during one of our last long runs before the race, we ran one of my favourite routes: out along West Bay Walkway and through Macaulay Point Park. The weather was perfect; not a cloud in the sky.
I think we're going to have to make a Running Moms rule: every time we run the West Bay Walkway, we must stop and take a group photo in this exact spot at the end of the walkway, underneath this tree. We've taken so many great shots here!
Seriously, look at the weather, look at these pictures. Doesn't it make you wish you'd been with us? An incredible morning, for sure.
Sunday, October 7th was the Goodlife Fitness Victoria Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K. We had runners in the 8K and the Half. We also had several team members, family members and kids cheering us on from the sidelines. What an amazing and special morning; one I will never forget.
At the last minute, I decided I wanted to run the race with Christina. We, along with fellow Half-runner Renee, had come down with colds in the week leading up to the race and I just knew the whole day would mean more to me if I could really share it with my team.
Christina and I were so lucky to run a good portion of the race with Cristal, who appeared behind us at around 8 or 9K. ...and we also ran with a terrific woman named Robyn, who was in town from Quadra Island. We had a great little group out there; awesome conversation and lots of encouragement.
We weren't the only Running Moms group out on the road that morning; Christy and Cheyanne ran together in the Half, Doris and Sarah ran together in the 8K, and Angela and Tori also ran together in the 8K, along with Christy's husband - and honorary Running Dad! - Brad.
Some of us ran personal bests, some of us did not, but I think it's safe to say it was a very successful and enjoyable event.
As Christy, Doris and Sarah pointed out, our words of encouragement to each other during the race were heard by many other runners out there and we actually helped and motivated some of the people around us. I can't think of a better memory to take away from this day.
How I ever got so lucky to be blessed with so many incredible people in my life, I don't know. But I am so, so grateful.
I'll see you out on the road, my friends. Just keep running.
