This year was my 5th Canada Army Run, and the event's 10th anniversary. I completed the Commander's Challenge: running the 5km at 8am and then the half-marathon at 09:30. The event is a highlight of Ottawa running, and I look forward to the great atmosphere and incredible support along the course.
The following weekend is the Midnight Moose Ultra trail run, so I planned to pace myself conservatively for both parts of the challenge and not trying to get a personal best.
Being a relaxed and family-friendly event there wasn't much (any!) corral enforcement so when I jumped into a corral for the 5km there was a mix of walkers, youngsters and strollers even in the front corrals. I was caught out a little bit by the volume of people on the course - and between the crowds of participants, some of the roads being narrow, and the mix of speeds I found it tough to try and get any kind of rhythm. There was more room in the final km and I managed to get finished just under 25 mins.
For the half marathon I made sure to start at the front of a corral so that there was a bit more space in front to be able to get underway, even so it was still a busy course with lots walkers from the first corral still spread around the first few streets.
I was roughly aiming for under 2 hours but focussed on staying relaxed and enjoying the crowds, and also seeing lots of friends out on the course. The temperature started to climb for the second half, and the shade around Rideau Hall was almost as welcome as the passing handshake with the Governor General! It felt good to turn and start heading back towards the finish area, and I ended up finishing just under 1:44.
Total time for Commander's Challenge: 2 hrs 08 mins 49 secs
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