I didn't really know what to expect with the event, except that it would be at least 15km, and it would be a fun event with both Sigrid and our third teammate, Lisa. Here's the event description, according to event organizers, and all the info we really had:
In teams of 2–5, you will race in an effort to complete a 15km course. The catch? There is no set route, only a start line, finish line and checkpoints along the way. No bikes, cars, ferries, planes, or horses, just your two feet and your teams knowledge of the urban landscape
Pretty sweet sounding, eh? The rest of the details we found out at the start line. But I knew it would be like an Amazing Race type thing, but all over Vancouver, without camera crews, all on foot, and without (not too) crazy challenges at each pit stop.
So given that I have a half marathon coming up at the start of Feb, this event lined up nicely as I wanted to do about 18km that day. I knew that 15km was a guideline, you know, if you traveled in the most direct route from one check point to the next. But given that we'd be finding the checkpoints ourselves based on clues, possibly getting lost or going the wrong way at some point, we would likely go over the distance. And we did!
The first challenge of the day was determining how we'd get to the start line for 12:30pm, not knowing where the finish line would be, and wanting to minimize post-race logistical challenges. Sigrid and I decided to park downtown at her office, knowing it's right by a Skytrain station, and no matter where we'd end up at the end of the day, it would be easy to get back to the car and then home. The thing was that the same day, around the same time we were making our way to the start line at Vanier Park, was the Women's March on Washington. Side note - I would have 100% been marching in solidarity had it not been for YVRun; we did find it quite entertaining how many people assumed we were part of the march given our matching outfits and that 3 of us girls were running all over town together, so we had a lot of great conversations along the way with fellow Vancouverites. But the March made the what should have been easy pre-event logistics much more challenging. Buses out of downtown were re-routed and/or well behind schedule. So we took a different bus than planned, first requiring us to get to a further bus stop than planned, then arriving several blocks further from the start line than we had hoped. The only way to get there on time was to run for it! Before the challenge had even began, we clocked over 4km.
But we made it the start line, checked in, and after some selfies, received our first clue directing us to our first of 7 checkpoints. And aren't we cute with our "team uniform" - these colourful antennae!!
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With teammates Sigrid and Lisa at the start line! |
We knew also that the 7 checkpoints were likely going to be some of Vancouver's points of pride, as this event was to showcase both Vancouver as a city, and the awesomeness of the Vancouver running community. But we didn't know what the checkpoints would be, what order they would be in, even if we could speculate what would be on the list, and what we'd have to do when we got to each. So that was a true thrill. I can't express how well this was organized, and how privileged I felt to be part of it.
At checkpoint #1 where we had to answer trivia about Vancouver's history. Phones were allowed, thankfully! |
Our checkpoints included Terry Fox Plaza, Crab Park, Jack Poole Plaza, Robson Square, the Inukshuk at English Bay, Granville Island, and the finish line at a studio in Olympic Village. Our challenges at each station varied, from intellectual challenges such as trivia and song-writing, to physical challenges like planking and a relay race on the stairs at Robson Square. Running all over the place to get from one to another, completing the challenges, and so on, totaled just under 18km. With our 4km getting to the race, it ended up being a 22km day. Boy was I spent by the end! But here we are at the finish line!
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So late into the event, my legs were getting very sluggish and started to cramp. My teammates were patient with me, understanding, and ok with walking a little and in general slowing our pace down to get to the last checkpoint (thank you!). I didn't go into full-on leg cramps, thankfully, but I wasn't comfy either. But doing 22km with only 15km 2 weeks ago under my belt was the reason why. I was pleased I could still go on, albeit slowly!
The finish line party was fun and I enjoyed the festivities with Sigrid as Lisa had to leave. We enjoyed some drinks, eats, socializing, and of course, some more photo ops!
Thanks again Lisa and Sigrid for such a fun and memorable day!
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