Beginnings, Endings and Things I'm Thankful For.

Copyright:  Phaedra Kennedy 2011

Yesterday I went out for my last long run before my big race next weekend.  I couldn't have asked for a nicer day.  It was hot, unusually so for October so I donned a tank top and shorts and headed out.  The fall colours are starting to pepper the wall of green I usually see on my long runs through the Moore Park Ravine.  The light has changed from the blazing sun of summer to the soft golden light of autumn.   There is a magical quality to that light that I love.  It makes me happy and when I'm happy, I often think about what I'm thankful for.  Given that yesterday was Thanksgiving, thoughts of thankfulness permeated my run.  But it was also bittersweet.  Bittersweet because I realized that it was probably going to be the last long run I was going to do down the Moore Park Ravine.  At least Mother Nature blessed me with the perfect day for my last romp in the east end.   In a couple of weeks we will be moving yet again.  This time we are heading back to the West End.  Back to our old stomping grounds in High Park where we'll stay until our house is done.

It seems fitting that I come to the end of my half marathon journey just before we move.  One chapter closes as another one begins.  Once again I look forward to the opportunity to explore new(ish) running grounds.  I'm also looking forward to being closer to all the things we do in the West End.  No more 5:30 am commutes to the pool.  No more 25 minute highway commutes back to mid-town after meeting with my West End run group and most importantly, only a 15 minute commute to "home".  These are some of the things that I am thankful for.

Yesterday's run was 16km and it flew by.  It was once of those days that I actually wanted to run longer but that would defeat the purpose of a taper.  I felt great despite previous days Thanksgiving food extravaganza.  My legs were starting to recover from the excruciating massage I had on Friday and my new cw-x compression shorts turned out to be nothing short of amazing.  I felt strong and for that I was thankful.  A mental boost like that is exactly what I need during my taper.  Taper time is normally when I start to worry and doubt myself and my training.  As I ran up the ravine trail to Moore Park at the end of my run, I thought, "I'm ready for next weekend, I've done the work, bring on the race."  Now all I have to do is get to the start line healthy.  

Happy Thanksgiving!