So Exactly how much can I Drink on New Years Eve, and still manage to run 50 km's the next day? That was the question ! I started off 2011 with a bunch of firsts;
My FIRST CLUB FAT ASS event
The FIRST time I DROVE DOWNTOWN Vancouver ( slight fear of driving)
The FIRST time I was
relatively SOBER on New Years eve in years!
At the Start:
A beautiful, crisp, cool, clear day it was. The fatassers casually hung around the starting 'line' ... which is a fire hydrant of all things. We listen to pre-race instructions, take the club picture, and off we go...many of us enjoying passing Gary Robbins who was running (on crutches)- a first and last time that will ever happen.
Stanley Park:
I read the map and instructions, which would have worked if I was WALKING it, but at the pace we were going, I just kept up with the group I was in (which was going faster than I planned). One trail was just above the seawall, had beautiful views and no people. We ran thru paths that I never knew existed-beautiful ! I held onto the 8:00-8:30 min/mile as long as I could to stay with the group. Once we got spat out onto the beach, I slowed down into a more comfortable pace and took in the amazing scenery. A lovely run along the seawall then up and over the Burrard St Bridge.
This is where I met Ray Levasseur, who kept me company and guidance from here and all the way through Pacific Spirit Park. I had a lovely visit with him and was sad to leave his side in the second half of the run,
Pacific Spirit Park:
Wide, runable trails, oldgrowth Cedars, and a myriad of interconnecting trails. At the 25 km turnaround, I felt great so I kicked it up a bit and picked up a new running partner 'Mark'. As two newbies, Mark and I took a few wrong turns, and I was really missing my former guide Ray.
Going through Point Grey, I did ask a little old lady if I was on the right course to the Burrard St bridge and she said "yes dear, but its a long ways away"... if she only knew how far I had already gone... and still had to go!
Back to the Finish:
Once finding my way back to Spanish Banks, I retraced my steps back.
Going through the POLAR BEAR SWIM event was a definate mistake. I was slowed to a shuffling walk to get past the crowds. About 25 miles in my left ITB was starting to scream at me, the lateral knee pain was annoying, but bearable. I was worried I took the wrong side of Lost lagoon lake, until someone yelled at me " Go Fat Ass !!"...so I must have been on track.
Heading to the finish... 4:57.... 4:58.... I can do it, I can get in under 5 hrs ! then RRrrrrring ! wtf? my phone?
My transcendental running state was interrupted by reality.
I answer, "Hello?"
My daughter replies " Hi Mom, Can you pick me up at Sandy's"
I answer "Um,,, I'm kinda busy right now, can I get back to you"
And pleased with the fact that my Last 10 miles were faster than my first 10.
Things I learned:
* Don't try to squeak the last few miles out of a dying pair of trail runners on a 50 km
- especially on a flat course like this. My feet are mad at me today.
*Avoid the 'Polar Bear Swim'- should take a few minutes off the run next time
*Although a few celebrational glasses of wine felt great at the time- it is not a good 'recovery' drink.
Heather
Third Time Lucky 
The girls were Exhausted by the end. I took some self portraits as I waited. The two pooped kids drug themselves home. I say to them: "Isn't that exhausted feeling wonderful". They reply, "you're weird" . Priceless. 
