I ran 21.1 kilometres today and it felt very different than any other half marathon I’ve done. It was slower than my other races yet it went by so quickly. I didn’t stop to pee and I cruised up the hills. I feel like I could go back out there and keep moving.

You all know I’m focused on mindset and being asked to pace this mornings’ race required a whole new mindset for me. This run wasn’t for me…it was for everyone else. It was for True North Pacing and for Shelley from Bedford who stuck by my side and reached the finish of her very first half marathon with a smile on her face. It was for the kids who shouted they liked my bunny ears and for the other runners who needed a boost along the way.

I took my bunny duties very seriously and ran with one eye on the road and one on my pace. I tend to be about 30 seconds a kilometre faster than my assigned pace so it was a mental challenge for me to stay on target and it was the experience I needed.

I truly believe the Universe sends me what I need and when I need it, and the bald eagle soaring overhead at the 5k mark reminded me of that. After my last race I wasn’t sure what to do next then this opportunity came along and I was tickled (it’s been a quiet goal of mine to pace a race).

I needed to slow down.

I needed to focus on those around me instead of what’s been floating around within me.

I needed to run with a goal of guiding others to their finish.

I turned around about a half kilometre before the finish to run alongside some other racers, but once I crossed the finish line myself, Shelley from Bedford was there with a smile, a hug, and a huge thank you. I thanked her for sharing the most perfect morning with me and for the opportunity to get to know her a little on the way.

It’s Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada and I have a heart full of gratitude today. 

Thank you to True North Pacing for the opportunity to wear the bunny ears.

Thank you to Shelley from Bedford for sharing the morning with me.

Thank you to everyone who made signs and gave high fives and handed out water and cheered us all on.

Thank you for this beautiful gift of putting one foot in front of the other.