As I crawled into bed Sunday night, my body was still feeling some of the effects of Saturday morning’s activities.
I was among the 128 runners who signed up and completed the first ever Bellevue Blast. In my case, it involved just over 2.5 km of jogging and walking through trails and going over the obstacles I was brave enough to tackle, located near and along Lac Bellevue. For most participants, it involved a longer course - nearly 6 km - and a few extra obstacles thrown in along the way, with quite a bit of mud to add some extra challenge.
Tagging alongside me at the starting line was my eight-year-old son. When I told him about the event a couple months ago, he responded quite enthusiastically and was eager to take part in the race. For about a third of our course, he was courteous and checked back on me as I trailed behind him. Then suddenly, the little ball of energy was nowhere in sight. He completed all the obstacles he came across and managed to finish about 10 minutes ahead of me.
I have never been an outdoor runner. I would much rather workout indoors, usually on a spin bike, in a more controlled environment. So even doing the shorter leg of this event was challenging, but I'm glad I decided to do it. The sore muscles and bonding with my son were totally worth it.
Supporters of the Legion Camp, which has operated out at Lac Bellevue for quite some time, organized the event. The day acted as a fundraiser for a project that will involve the construction of new dorms.
In its first year, the run was very well received, and plans are already likely already in motion to hold the event again next year.
“The weather was spectacular. Combined with the rain the previous two days, then the sun, we couldn't have asked for better,” said organizer Sheryl Hatch Jamison, after the event wrapped up. She was busy throughout the day, coordinating runners, taking photos, and making sure the event went off smoothly, which is did – as no injuries were reported on the course.
“I am super grateful for the volunteers and participants that came out to make this event a success,” said Hatch Jamison. She added, there were “a whole lot of muddy smiles” at the end of the race.
And if anyone is going to be happy to hear the event was a success, it's my kid. After asking to redo some of the last obstacles, which involved a rather tall climbing net, he went as far as asking to run the entire course again (I didn't let him do it, knowing the adrenaline rush was soon coming to an end). But, it looks like I may have to do some training over the next 12 months to get my stamina up to the 5 km mark.
