........ need I say more? Anybody who knows me will probably agree with me that this was definitely not my kinda thing. Running, I'm cool. Outdoors, me cool too. But wake up early? 10km? Sunday morning? With 60,000 other crazy people?

And honestly too, I had signed up for it (at the company) out of utter spontaneity and then totally forgetting about it until it was too late to cross my name off the list. Of course, I could've just not turn up for it (which I was contemplating on the night before) but:

1) I felt bad backing out and letting my friend go by herself
2) I was the one who asked her to go ><
3) My friends were making bets with each other that I will not turn up
4) or I will only run like 5km and drop out or something

Naturally, I had no choice but to force my lazy ass out of bed on Sunday morning, April 20, 2008. Btw, I had stayed out till late the night before and only slept at around 4am..... pretty brutal I would say.

So. Since this was my first marathon, I thought I should make the best out of it and share it with everyone (awwwww...)

---------------------------------------------

Welcome to the annual Vancouver Sun Run!

Since the Sun Run was held in Downtown, my friend (Juwon) and I decided to meet at Broadway skytrain station and go to downtown together. Which was exactly what the rest of the world did.

The skytrain was packed.

It probably doesn't look packed in this picture, but trust me, we had to wait for several trains in order to get on

And on my way there, I realised that I had forgotten to bring my number and my chip!!! The chip was the only method of recording how long it took for me to finish the race and I friggin forgot to bring it!!!! For the entire day, I was so bummed out that my name wouldnt be appearing in the paper the next morning.

Nonetheless, I did not let that discourage my spirit. Seeing the huge turnout for this year's Sun Run got me really excited and pumped up for it.

Juwon's number...

We were in the purple group...

Our starting point was West Georgia @ Granville

There were live bands everywhere

Amusingly enough, the Sun Run coincided with the 420 event (420 = April 20). 420 was an annual thing where people would gather in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery and openly smoke pot as a protest to legalize marijuana. No wonder I could smell pot lol. Looks like these people start early too. hahaha.

The Vancouver Art Gallery

So the race began...

The first 1km was pretty good. I ran all the way to Stanley Park and was determined not to stop no matter how tired I felt. The next 0.5km was not so good, but nonetheless, I continued running (+panting).

I think I really hit my limit when I saw the Burrard bridge ahead.

Somehow I had a bad feeling about this. I told myself that this can't be right. They wouldn't make us cross the friggin bridge that leads to somewhere in China.

Then I saw the 4km sign. I almost fainted. I was soooo tired, my legs felt weak, and I had SIX MORE KMS TO GO?????

And to my utmost horror, we were heading towards the Burard bridge. (I just had to ask someone.) Still, I continued the race. Although when I hit a slope, I gave up and started walking.haha.

It was a very unique experience to be on the Burrard bridge. I've always been in a car when going through it and this up-close-and-personal experience with the bridge was kinda cool. Needless to say, I took lotsa pics with my phone.

Oh I forgot to mention. By this time, I had lost sight of Juwon who had zoomed ahead of me. So it was just me and my ipod, which was very chilled out. I really enjoy being in the solitude of listening to music, oblivious to everything going around me (which is alot). Very very relaxing.

All the people behind me in the race...

View from the bridge

So I kept on going. Running, walking, observing people around me. There were even people in wheelchairs with someone pushing them. Dads running with baby strollers. High school kids who decided to go to Starbucks halfway for a cup of coffee. Old people. Little kids.

So after the Burrard bridge, we turned on 4th Ave and "ran" along it all the way till Cambie.

near the Granville island mark

Not even keeping track at this point... just very happy to see that I only have 2 more kms to go...

Finally, we turned onto the Cambie bridge. I know. ANOTHER bridge. At this point, I was cursing and double cursing the person who created the route. I can't believe they made us get on a bridge and back on another to return to Downtown!

But I'm glad they did. Because the Cambie bridge has always been my favourite bridge to drive through out of all the three bridges that goes into Downtown. Love it because of the amazing view.

9km!!!

At this point, I started to run.

Oh, and Juwon also called to tell me she had reached the finish line 10 mins ago. Which made me all the more determined to run.

... only to give up 2 minutes later.

And started running again for another 2 minutes, and walked for another 5 minutes. You get the idea.

So I made it!! Since I wouldn't be expecting a time for my race, I timed myself and I finished in approximately 98 mins. yayyyy~~ Even though my time isn't as good as most people would have liked it to be, I was very very proud of what I had accomplished.

Met up with Juwon and we were both half-paralyzed waist-down. Met up with another friend who told us that there was free food in BC Place Stadium. Went in there for the first time and it was a pretty overwhelming sight.

There were oranges and bananas, bagels, juices, water, power bars. Very healthy. We ate some but in the end, Juwon and I still preferred our savoury slice of pizza at our fave pizza place at Broadway station.

I went home and passed out all the way till dinner time. Lol. My muscles are still aching although they are much better now. I could barely walk on Monday. And Tuesday.

Things I learnt the next day from the Vancouver Sun paper:

1) It was the coldest Sun Run in its 24 year history.

2) Also the biggest ever.

3) People actually get money prizes when they win?

4) The winner of the race was this dude from Kenya. 29.26 mins. ><

5) My name DID appear in the paper!! But because I wasn't timed, I ranked #51919 or something out of #59900 (very approximate numbers).

!!!! And my friend actually emailed me at work to let me know that 89% of the participants beat me. >< Now I rather my name not show up in the paper lol.

So, would I recommend the Vancouver Sun Run? Definitely yes.

Would I go again next year?

Lemme think. After all that pain. All those times I thought I was going to die. All those times wondering what I was doing there when I could be nice and comfy in bed.

Yes. I would definitely go again next year. It is a beautiful experience. Very exciting to be a part of an annual event that got about 60,000 people gathered together on a cold Sunday morning. And I felt very healthy too. Still feel healthy. And very much in pain. >< So friends and family, are you as proud of me as I am of myself? *beams*

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