Officially Proved To Myself!

I am now devirginized when it comes to an officially sanctioned race. I felt like this guy, except it wasn't a marathon or a half-marathon, it was cold and raining, I am not white, and I didn't end off like this (but I certainly felt like it):

Then I did the VECTOR! cereal pose

I don't have my official time, but I think I finished in the 52-53 minutes mark. Of course now looking back on it I think I should've done better, but I did prove to myself that a)I can do this long distance running thing; and, b)that I could finish 10km in under an hour. I can't wait till the web results are posted.

Brief, chronological events of race day:

-woke up excited and nervous at the same time

-went to the YMCA to pick up our race kit which included the bib with my number (7611), shirt, timing chip. There was a running expo there, so I also got PowerBar PowerGel and a waist pocket holder thing, great for when I jog and when I go to the Philippines

-ate at Pita Factory for lunch

-went home to rest, watched Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. I didn't realize that the Indy movies were funny, but then again I haven't watched them since I was 5

-couldn't take a nap because I was too nervous

-Sharon and Anne came over to pick us up

-went to starting line. The rain was coming down pretty hard. I was happy because it wasn't hot and humid

-Arvin and I started somewhere in the middle. The start of the race takes a lot of energy because I had to dodge a couple of people. Within 2 minutes, Arvin and I are split up, and I won't see him till we're at the end of the race

-took part in getting water from spectators. Choked on water. Threw cup on ground like I was a real runner

-at about Kilometer 8, an old couple were screaming names. They screamed mine when I pointed to my bib and I raised my hands victoriously. I soon realized that I was getting tired after that

-approaching finish line, I couldn't find Sharon and Anne so Sharon could take my picture. Ah well, so I sprinted to the finish mat

-got a medal, disposable blanket because I was drenched and shivering. Had some Gatorade, a banana and bagel. Found out, to no surprise, that Arvin beat me. Good for him

-went to the Bell Mobility tent and used the courtesy phone to call Sharon. Turns out she wasn't at the finish line when we got there she wasn't there yet. Something about me giving her wrong directions to get to the shuttle bus (oops!)

-went home and took a hot shower. Went to Turtle Jacks with Arvin, Sharon, Anne, Ian and Monley and gorged on Ribs and Wings for my "celebration dinner"

-went to Dr. Sy's and hung out a bit

-got home, my contacts are as dry as heck, I have to use the washroom, but still happy and content to end off my day like this

There's always next year to beat my time this year. We'll see. We'll see.