Don Olson Classic 5k Race Recap

Don Olson Classic

Events: 2.5k and 5k Trail Run/Walk
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2013
Location: Albion Hills Conservation Area, Bolton, ON
Supporting: Bethell Hospice Foundation
Start Times: 10am and 11am
Website: 310running.com
Fee: $20-$25 before Sept 22, $30-$35 after
Swag: Long sleeve t-shirt
Course Map:
Aid Stations: At the start/finish area water will be available
Post Race: Jumbo pretzels, cookies, chocolate, and Tim Hortons coffee and/or hot chocolate
Awards: 5k: Top 3 overall male and female athletes, top 3 age category, top 3 master athletes, and top 3 male/female junior athlete. 2.5k: Top 3 in each age category

I can tell you for placing in an age category you receive a medal, a 310 running tuque, and 310running white hooded cozy sweatshirt.

Age Groups: Under 15, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 50-49,50-59, and 60+ 2.5k: 8 & under, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14
Awards: Top 3 in each age group receive a gift card for adidas and $24,900 is distributed to the top 10 runners overall, the top 3 in the masters division and the top 3 in the push rim wheelchair division.
My Time: 22 minutes and 58 seconds
Category Place: 35th out of 163
Gender Place: 12th
Winning Women's Time: 19:22
Winning Men's Time: 17:04

Pre-Race:

With my hubby away to coach over the weekend I was grateful to have the opportunity to take part in this special race. My friend Katie and her husband Jordan are the reasons behind my participation. Don (who the race is named after) was Katie's running coach and close friend. Sadly this past April Don lost his ongoing battle with cancer. Despite his struggles Don was an avid runner, and Ironman competitor. The Ironman is arguably the most physically gruelling challenge in the world. Katie informed me of the race several months ago and thanks to her wonderfully supportive husband, Jordan I was able to participate baby free.

This was my first race back post baby and my game plan was to race at a 7 min mile pace (4:20 km pace). I figured despite being hilly I typically do my tempo runs at a 7:30 min mile pace and that's 5 miles steady. Only having to do a few miles I thought I could push a 7 no problem. Weather was overcast and calling for rain, temperature was a bit chilly. I wore my shorts, compression socks, asics gel-fuji racer trail shoes and tank top. My pre race meal was oatmeal with berries and a bit of peanut butter and honey added.

Race Time:

As we all lined up to race I was feeling nervous, I always do no matter if I'm running for fun or a set time. Many kids were lined up in front of me, all from different cross-country teams and clubs. Fast runners! The gun went and I was on my first loop of this two loop course. Quickly I noticed my breath thicken as my stride started fast. The first bit of the loop is uphill and it took me mid loop to get in stride. Side bar: I should've warmed up before running this quick race). The course is more uphill than down (at least that's how it felt) and was covered in leaves making it difficult to see rocks. My eyes were more focused on the ground than where I was going. My pace off the bat wasn't quite at a 7 and I just focused on my breathing and my strategy with the hills (run steady/easy the 1st two thirds and pick up for the last third). I felt as if I was doing strides. My first loop was completed in 11:23. I told myself in that moment to try to make my second lap just as quick if not quicker.

First loop, chasing

Second lap started and my breath was now returning back to normal and I focused on my body positioning when climbing and descending the hills. Making sure to lean forward as I decline so that less stress is sent to my knees. During these loops I kept picking a target ahead to gain on. The great thing about not starting at the front of the pack is always getting to chase and pass someone. Once near the end of my second lap I turned my pace up a notch till I hit the finish line. My second lap was done in 11:30. Making my average pace a 4:35km and/or 7:22mile.

Finished my 2nd loop...First race post baby complete!

Overall I didn't hit the pace I was hoping to but I was still happy with my result and for maintaining the pace I did on such a hilly route. I was more proud of myself for finishing my first race post Iyla and feeling strong afterwards. It didn't hurt to also find out that I won my age group, that gave me even more motivation towards my Hamilton marathon training. Was pleased with my trail shoes and that despite the course being covered with slippery leaves, I always felt steady on my feet.

My dear friend Katie and her baby Georgia Rose and Iyla with me post race

Iyla's first time on the podium

Katie and I in our medals and new sweaters. Katie finished 2nd in her age category! (This was also her first race back post baby) Congrats Katie.  

Last Words:
If you want to try your first trail race, and/or want a race with a community feel that is welcoming and fun, this IS the race for you. There was so much love all around and I felt proud to introduce Iyla into the running world with this race. Everyone is chatty and supportive making for a warm atmosphere. Looking forward to doing this race again next fall.