2016 Chick Chaser 5 Miler Race Report

Pre-Race Rambles

Sunday February 14th was the third edition of the Cupcake Chick Chaser 5 Miler, hosted by Tri It!  I ran the very first race back in 2013 and what is not to love about racing for cupcakes?

Since I’m only two weeks out from the Phoenix Marathon I was on the fence about racing this year.  My big workout for the weekend was a 15 mile run with 6 miles at goal marathon pace, followed by 4 x 0.5 miles alternating fast and easy.  This was a pretty hard workout and my body was definitely feeling the fatigue.

Coach Angie was supportive of me racing though and gave me instructions to aim for a negative split.  I had no thoughts about speed whatsoever.  I would just try and have fun!

I forgot to set my alarm for Sunday morning and this wound up being one of the very few mornings where Peat didn’t wake me up at his usual 5 am.  I wound up rolling over and glancing at the alarm clock and it was already 7:30!  Time to get up and head off to the race!

Being Valentine’s Day I figured today was the perfect day to wear my Deep Rose Oiselle Lesley knickers.

I got there with just enough time to say hello to a few friends and then we were being ushered to the race start.

Chick Chaser 5 Miler Race Report

The thermometer on my car had registered -2.5C on my drive to Tri It.  I was worried I was a little bit underdressed in knickers, a flyte long sleeve and my Gilman vest.  Luckily it didn’t take me long to warm up and this wound up being the perfect outfit choice.

The race kicked off at 9 am with the women taking off first.  We get a four minute head start over the men!  I started off at a pace that felt easy.  I hadn’t done any kind of warm up pre-race but luckily my legs were feeling okay!  I settled into a rhythm behind some girls and clicked off the first mile in 10:19.  Right when I hit the one mile mark I got passed by the lead male.

Feeling nice and warmed up now I decided to pick up the pace a tiny bit.  Mile two clicked off in 10:01.  My teammate Sharon was in the lead and already speeding back towards the finish line.  She was looking so strong and would cruise on to the win!

Before I knew it I hit the turn at the Peace Bridge.  I was slowly but surely picking up the pace.  Thanks to my friend Jenny for snapping this awesome photo as I turned off the bridge.

I was having so much fun and enjoying every moment out there.  Mile three done in 9:38!

It was time to push towards the finish.  I cheered and encouraged runners as I moved past them and clicked off mile 4 in 9:40.

I was still feeling really good and ready to bring it home!  I pushed towards the finish and where friends were cheering and Rose, the co-owner of Tri-It, greeted me with a hug.  All done in 48:38 (8:54 for the final mile)!

Post-Race Rambles – Cupcake Time!

All of the racers and volunteers were treated to a delicious cupcake from Cookie Mama.  If you are looking for vegan or gluten free treat options in Calgary then definitely check them out.

There were also a variety of other treats available for purchase as well.

It was great to catch up with friends post race as well, like Tina!

The Chick Chaser was an awesome low key race with registration only being $25.  Come on out and run their next race, the Tri It Rice Run, on March 19th!