Lessons Learned

It’s been one week now. Seven days of reflection, pondering why disappointment was the overarching mood after successfully completing the Scotia Half Marathon. It doesn’t make any sense: a gorgeous day to run, stunning vistas on the route, well-done post-race area and meeting new running friends for brunch. But still, for some reason, discontentment was what prevailed.

Recognizing it was a dumb reaction, I’ve analyzed it to hell and discovered six lessons learned so the next race doesn’t suffer from my sensitivity. These are basically lessons to myself, but may help others who get too caught up in the minutiae.

Race spacing is not over-rated. In fact, it is a vital part of the planning. This time I ran the BMO Half in May and less than six weeks later lined up for the Scotia Half. The distance was not the issue; but one recovery week and then a tapering week meant only four weeks of running, so no real time for training.

Training for improvement takes time and if you can’t find the time don’t be surprised if your time remains static. This was the first event where I haven’t improved my result. On reflection, the result is exactly as what could be predicted. For all my other races there was at least two months between, which allowed for full and varied training with the resultant improvement. Practice does payoff.

Managing expectations down to reality will keep your ego in check. There comes a day when there will no longer be lopping off of massive chunks of time. Progress will be measured in seconds. Deal with it.  Accept your age and remember to measure against yourself, not Mo Farah. Unless you are Sir Mo, then enjoy.

Pre-race walk/drive is essential. Vancouver is a largely unexplored urban jungle to me. Outside of the downtown core, it is all new and I only possess vague idea of Spanish Banks and the names that accompany the route. All everyone talked about was the big downhill. No one shared about the hills that follow. Having never been on the course, I had no idea what was at the top of each hill. So conservation was needed. A walk or drive of the route would have made managing the race easier. This is the biggest factor leading to the discontent.

Race day is always unique, with each event having its own feeling and vibe. But whether it is a race with 100 or one with 40,000 participants, there are some things that never change. Plan how to get to race and what you’re going to do with gear, you don’t want to be tossing a jacket halfway through. Respect the porta-pottie lineups, get in them early. Have a plan for pace and stick with it. It really is that simple.

Most important, as cliché as it may sound, have fun and enjoy the race. You’ve trained for it, worked hard and there is no Olympic glory or sponsorships waiting you. Bask in the accomplishment. You’ve just finished the race, time be damned. And if you’re feeling disappointment, sign up for another.