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Memories from my first race: “My fear that I was in over my head turned into adrenaline”

MarieCannon
Runner: Marie Cannon
Race: Grand Thanksgiving 5K, Caledonia, Ont.
What inspired me to run: My sister got married in May 2013. When her pictures came back, I barely recognized myself. I knew I needed to lose weight and get healthy, so I decided I’d try running.
How I trained: I did the Couch To 5K program leading up to that first race. I was walking/running three days a week‎, and doing hot yoga. I also changed my diet since I knew that would be a key part of training. I wasn’t overly restrictive because I love delicious things but I really cut back my wine consumption.
A memory that stands out from race day: 
I remember standing at the starting line with my two younger sisters wondering what the hell I had gotten myself into and just praying to the running gods that I would finish the race standing up. It was a hugely emotional day for me. I didn’t feel ready and I knew I’d be slow. To be honest, I expected to be the last one to cross the finish line. Crossing that line with my sisters standing there cheering me on is what I remember most. It had been a long time since I had felt an accomplishment like that‎. There were tears!
Races I’ve done since:
I ran the Around The Bay 5K in March 2014 as well as the Road To Hope 5K‎ in November 2014. I traveled to Chicago in March of this year to run the Shamrock Shuffle 8K and then I did the Tim Horton’s Run for the Camps in May. This summer, I run the Beamsville Bench 5K and Food Truck Fest and the Island Girl half-marathon relay with my BFF in September.
What I was nervous about: 
I was nervous about everything. I honestly thought I might throw up at the start but once I got going, my fear that I was in over my head was taken over by adrenaline. I didn’t have to crawl across the finish line either.

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