
8 Days from now on June 1st, at 7:30 am, I will run my first official race since my Heart Attack and I am actually looking forward to it. I have been training and although I am not as fast as I’d like to be, I am ready.
I am participating in the Jugo Juice Calgary 10 K as part of the Scotiabank Marathon festivities. I will be running alongside a few other Heart Attack Survivors and with one friend on behalf of Total Cardiology, Cardiac Wellness Institute and the Libin Institute.
8 days is going to come fast. I am not nervous, not excited, not scared. I am just anxiously awaiting this challenge. I need to prove nothing to anyone other than myself that I can do this, I know I can do this.
For anyone who has ever ran, they know exactly how much punishment your body goes through in a race, in training. I have done many races in my past and some were hard as hell. I think this one will be my hardest. Looking at the race Map, it looks to be a little tough and slightly scenic. There no time goals. Just Finish and Finish Strong.
It will be my hardest, not because I am not ready but because I know I will be battling my brain with each step I take. I could be wrong. I hope I am wrong.
The journey to this race started the day I walked into Cardiac Rehab and could barely last 10 minutes on a treadmill. I know now I can last at least an hour. I know that I need to listen to my body, watch my heart rate monitor and be very hydrated. I also need to ensure I am positive in my thoughts and my words as I hit each Kilometer This has to be my smartest race.
The last race or run I did was the Color Me Rad 5K with my friends, Dannica, Dan and Josie and I still remember how much fun it was. I am glad it is my last race memory as it lets me remember why I run. The fun. The fun and seeing others accomplish something they did not think they could do. That is why I started running.
I won’t forget how big Dannica’s smile was when she finished the race. I was so proud of her ! I hope I have a smile as big as hers when I cross the finish line on June 1.


The finish line. For some reason I really want a familiar face or two at the end, waiting for me. A friend, family member….someone. I have never ever wanted anyone to be waiting for me at the end before. I am not sure why I desire this now.
I will not ask anyone but if any of my friends are reading this and maybe want to show up, I would be ok with that 🙂
Bring on the 10 K. This one is for me and I have a little something special planned for this race.
I may not be first and I there is a chance I may be last but no matter what, I will cross that finish line.
Mini