General Life Updates – Running the Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon

Woooo! You guys, today I ran my first half-marathon! (That’s 13.1 miles or 21.0975 kilometres according to the incredibly anal Scotiabank race FAQ)

Six months ago, on March 26, I set the goal of running the Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon, and this morning I actually did it! I met my goal! Which goes to show you – if something is non-refundable, I’ll get it done. No way I’m lettin’ Scotiabank keep my 75 bucks without getting something for it!

This morning, after getting up disgustingly early, Stark and I headed down to City Hall to line up for the start. Stark was the official photographer and cheering gallery. Here I am, waiting in the dark for the race to start:

Then finally, after a lot of standing around and scoping the area for hot dykes and people in funny costumes (We saw Spider-Man and Stark saw Elvis. Spider-Man actually beat me to the finish, the jerk. Who can run fast wearing that mask? I guess the answer to that question is “Spider-Man.” Sadly, I think Elvis beat me, too), I was off on my run!

The run itself was really fun. The marathon route doubled back, so I got to watch all the elite runners coming back in the opposite direction. Man, do those guys move. I was momentarily heterosexual, watching all those men with their firm, yet supple chest muscles and rippling shoulders run towards me. They were quickly followed by the less-fit hairy guys with big sweaty bellies bouncing up and down and I happily rejoined the all-girl team. The run went through a bunch of neighborhoods, and each one had set up a little cheering section. The Polish/Ukrainian neighborhood had an oompah band. The British neighborhood had… salsa dancers. Yeah, I don’t know, I guess being British isn’t that conducive to enthusiasm, so they had to borrow from a more exciting culture.

And then, finally, I WON!

Okay, I didn’t win, but I got a medal which says “Finisher,” not “Winner,” sadly! And they gave me one of those foil thingies that made me feel all shiny and athletic. Now Stark is making me Victory Crepes! Yay! I did it! Go me!

Updated: The results have been posted! I finished ::drum roll:: 5745th! YES!