April 27- May 3 Weekly mileage:
4/28 Sun- 12k (2k fun run with stoller - see photo) & 10k race
4/29 Mon - rest day (believe it or not - I think the ribs are feeling better today!)
4/30 Tue -
5/1 Wed - 5 mile run w/ a few 600 repeats - right hamstring sore from race
5/2 Thur - recovery day
5/3 Fri -
5/4 Sat - Sudbury Marathon Expo

After 2 weeks of practically no running (or any exercise for that matter) due to the fractured rib injury, I broke the spell with a 10k race yesterday. We were at the Huronia Half Marathon and 10k event in Midland, Ontario on Sunday. (I was initially registered for the Half Marathon.) When we arrived and set up the skirt headquarters at the finish line, I was going crazy watching all the pre-race preparations by all the runners. I decided to pick up my bib number and change my entry to the 10k instead of the half marathon. I figured if the ribs hurt too bad, I could walk my way through a 10k...and get some exercise.

Before I hopped on the bus that took us to the 10k start line, I pushed baby bear through the 2k "kids fun run" in the stroller. This was my way to test the waters with the ribs & running and also get the baby a lot of nap-inducing fresh air. The 2k was even hilly - I can't believe all those little kids ran the whole way up & down the hill. At first baby looked up at me from the comfort of his stroller like I was nuts as if he were saying "Mommy - what are you doing?" was the look on his face. (I normally walk with him in the stroller). After the first kilometer he found it quite entertaining and busted up in fits of giggles especially as we ran over the speed bumps with the stroller. We made it to the finish line - ribs intact and off I went to catch the bus. The hubby send me along with a good luck kiss and kind of shook his head in disbelief (he has listened to me moan and groan in pain the last 2 weeks).

I found running the 10k was no more painful that walking around and my day to day activities (which have been quite restricted). I was breathing deeper during the race with brought a bit more pain, but then the adrenaline kicked in and I was plodding along. I had no idea how fast I was running and how far I had gone. I had purposely left my garmin and ipod at home so that I wouldn't be tempted to run once I got to the race and risk prolonging the injury. Obviously, that strategy didn't work either. The 10k course through Midland and along the waterfront was quite hilly and I definitely realized I had started too fast with about 4k to go. Thankfully the bike pacer volunteer who showed up next to me was kind enough to point me in the right direction of the course, let me know I had about 4k to go and share his water bottle with me. I managed to hold my pace (I think) until the last kilometer when I started to fall apart. I finished in 43 minutes and change, with all my parts in place.....and the little shiny trophy for my victory was the icing on the cake. I am hoping to get back to some moderate training this week. Race Wrap up: The Huronia Half marathon and 10k race is a really great event in the small community of Midland, Ontario. It is beautiful there with the rolling hills and lakes, I highly recommend it! I'm not sure if I heard the announcer correctly, but I think it was the 25th year this race was held. It was known for it's "chicken" prizes. It is sponsored by a local meat company and each year some lucky winners receive boxes of frozen chicken.