By Maggie

Watching the smiling STARRS rack up the kilometres during the Vancouver Island Circuit Challenge and May Marathon Madness fired me up. Although I was injured for much of it, reading Leslie-Ann’s reports, chatting with members online, watching Megen’s girls hiking away, and (of course) seeing everyone’s footage for the video inspired me. So when I was fully recovered, I decided to try a half marathon–not for any virtual race, but just so I would know that I did it.

I was up to 20km towards the end of July, when I had another fall at Elk lake and it moved my training back. The half marathon was not to happen by my birthday as planned. My personal theme over the last few years has been finding the balance between accepting what I am able to do in the moment and pushing myself safely to be the strongest I can be. So I tried to shake off the fall and keep moving towards my goal.

On August 19, starting in the morning fog, I completed a whole 21.43 kilometres on the Galloping Goose. My original plan had been to run from the poleyard to Matheson and back, but a spasming calf muscle made me decide to turn back at Sooke road and keep closer to the parking lot (just in case). The muscle spasms started at 3 kilometres and forced me to stop, stretch and walk and contemplate the possibility that it might NOT be my day after all. However, after the third time stopping, stretching and walking, the spasms subsided and I was able to keep going for the last 15km (except a couple of short water/Gatorade walks). My new route included a couple of out and backs to the second trestle. My time was 2:36:57.

As the fall and winter begin to descend on us, likely without live races, I hope the club can focus on how we can encourage each other in our training within the “new normal.” For me, creating a goal for myself, sharing it with others and then celebrating my success has been a wonderful experience. If I hadn’t told every single person that I talked to about my half-marathon plans, I may have waffled at the last minute (I don’t think I would have, but I will never know). Also, when I see members running and smiling and doing their best, it makes me want to do the same! So a big thank you to all of STARR for your support on my journey.