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Sunday, September 23, 2012

2012 Army Run



A year ago, this same weekend I ran my first half marathon, the Army Run (read about it here).  I was registered to run again this year because I had such an amazing and positive experience last year.  Unfortunately life likes to throw curve balls.  I had to sell my bib for the 1/2 marathon, I've been in physiotherapy for my left foot since the end of July.  I was going weekly until my last visit this past Thursday, I've graduated to every two weeks!  I have two issues with my foot, Planter Fascitis (I've had this before, in my right foot) and something I've never heard of called Sinus Tarsis Syndrome.  One causes pain in my heel, the other on the top of the foot below the ankle.

Chateau Laurier

I never realized how lovely Ottawa can be early on a Sunday morning without all the hustle and bustle of the work week and the government workers invading!

Ottawa Congress Center

The Governor-General's Band

A nervous smile, pre-race jitters!

My good friend Marline was running the 5K today since I wasn't running I offered to play her "Race Day Bitch"... that means to play chauffeur, Sherpa, and coach!  The race started at 8am, because we had to get up at early o' dark I spent the night at Marline's we had a great time having dinner out with friends the night before race day.

Marline ready for the race!

The 5K begins!

The elite runners taking off, using the 5K as their 1/2 Marathon warm-up!

Marline after crossing the start line... GO MARLINE!

It was bittersweet being downtown today with the race atmosphere all around me!  I remember the nerves, the excitement and exhilaration from last year.  I was sad I wasn't taking part in it this year.  Watching all of this today has just motivated me to get my foot back to 100% and run next year!

Loved this couple's leiderhosen (sp?) outfits!

Marline at about the 2K mark... her music must of been loud she couldn't hear me cheer!

What's more amazing than the 18,000 people running either the 5K or the 1/2 Marathon were the injured soldiers also participating in both events.  It takes an awful lot to make me cry, wow watching these amazing soldiers walking or running either 5K or the 1/2 Marathon just blew me away!  Everywhere they went, they were greeted with cheers and applause.

 5K - Many of the injured soldiers were surrounded by family and friends

 5K

 1/2 Marathon

1/2 Marathon 

1/2 Marathon

5K

I've got a lot of pictures so be patient!  It was hard to narrow it down to just a few!!

5K - The oldest couple participating this weekend!  So awesome!!!

 5K - A great pace bunny shot!


 I LOVED these messages written on the pavement!


 1/2 Marathon coming down to the final 5K

  Marline watching for her friend to cross the start line (we never spotted him)

My buddy Mark (in red & waving) crossing the start line.  Last year he ran in the last few KMs with me last year AFTER completing the 1/2 marathon

 Marline's friend we were keeping a close eye out for him in the 1/2 Marathon!  Great thumbs up!

 Loved this!

 1/2 Marathon... if this was a dare I hope what he got out of it was worth it!!!

 5K


16 comments:

Lesleyanne said...

Great photos.

Mouse said...

lovely to see them all doing the run ...
sorry about your foot ... how on earth did you get the second one .. as I get pain there too since I injured it earlier on in the year ...
fingers crossed your physio can get you back up and running for next year :)
love mouse xxxx

cucki said...

Lovely pictures xxx

Annie said...

You are such a great friend to do this when you couldn't run yourself. I'd probably want to stay in bed so I wouldn't have to hear about the race at all. Glad it inspired you and hope those feet start behaving themselves soon!

Bette said...

Great pictures. Especially inspiring were the ones of the soldiers. Sorry you're having so much trouble with your foot. Hoping the PT will take care of the pain.

Bea said...

Looks like a fabulous day. And your pictures are great - thanks for posting so many.

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for sharing these photos - a Marathon is a mind opening experience, running or walking, or watching... Hope you are able to run again soon.

Melanie said...

Great, great photos!!! I loved seeing them. And congrats to your friend!! :)

So sorry you couldn't run. :(
I get bouts of the plantar thingy and it's no fun. (I spend 98% of my waking time now in my many pairs of Nike Free Run 3's because any other type of shoe and there is no doubt I'll be hobbling the next day.) Hope you are better soon!!!

Lynn said...

Great shots Dani! I never get to see this race because I'm always busy singing at church while it's taking place. They had a fabulous day for it too.
Hope your foot heals well enough for you to participate again next year.

Margaret said...

Sorry you couldn't take part this year -- it sounds like an amazing experience. Lovely pics. Hope your foot gets healed up and you can participate next year!

♥ Nia said...

goosebumps!! some inspiring photos you have there :D thanks for sharing!!

Annette said...

What a wonderday you must had.
Those pic's just like Nia said very inspiring..

Carol said...

I'm sorry you couldn't participate this year, Dani, but it looks like watching everyone may have been even more fun :)

Sure hope your foot problems get better soon!

Lillie said...

Wonderful pics !

Carmen said...

physiotherapy hopefully achieves 100% recover your foot, so you can participate in the marathon again.

ollie1976 said...

great pics
-Jen