Today was a very special day for George & I. We took up one of our friends’ request to run our first race! Argi has been an avid runner these days (months/years) and she recently completed her first marathon (42.2km)!! We have been very impressed with her dedication and love towards running, and decided to take her up on her challenge and see what running a race would mean for us.
As a challenge, I decided to try a 5km run and George challenged himself with 10km. The event was on the beautiful Iles de Boucherville and seeing as how we’re both nature lovers, it was simply MAGICAL!!! The energy at the race was something I have never experienced before. I made 4 new friends the moment I got there. Some were experienced runners and others were trying this out for the first time like George and me. Everyone was incredibly encouraging and there was this camaraderie amongst all runners. They would cheer runners on as they ran by us, but most importantly, they were all filled with so much positive energy – it was unbelievable. Admittedly, I was pretty anxious (as George will vouch), since I have always struggled with running.
That was not the case today. The moment we took off, the adrenaline was pretty overwhelming! We were running on bridges, through forested areas, by the water, through fields… It was simply breathtaking (no pun intended). I can truly say that my first 4km were fairly smooth. The last 1km proved to be a challenge though, as my breakfast suddenly wasn’t sitting too well! Just when I thought I couldn’t make it, I saw my George waiting for me at the next stop, with a glass of water and a big smile! I ran quickly to him, realizing how in love I am with this man. His smile helped me get through the end of the race, and I completed it in 32 minutes and 40 seconds (see results) – not bad for a first timer!!
As for George, I cannot comment on how he felt about the race today, but one thing I can say is that he is a natural athlete! He finished his 10km in 47 minutes and 36 seconds (see results) and came in 25th place out of over 250 entrants!! I am incredibly proud of him. Imagine how much he can achieve in just one year!
So overall, I must say that this was a fun & challenging experience! I am now incredibly excited about trying to accomplish the 5km distance in 30 minutes, which I think is achievable. I am not quite ready for another race just yet, as I struggled with my ego at times. It was pretty hard to see runners pass me and I continuously tried to run faster than my pace allowed me. Further, I found it a little unmotivating coming in 115th place. My pride got the best of me today, as I (like most of humanity) like to succeed in all I do. But I won’t let all these minor obstacles stop me from this new adventure! I can’t wait to head out there for my next jog! There is no better feeling than hearing your heart beat a little faster, feeling the wind on your face, hearing your breath, and knowing that your body is capable of significant accomplishments.
The people I met today and the energy I felt are things I will hold dear to me and great motivators for my future races! George, what do you think? 
