I can't remember a time when Hazel McCallion wasn't mayor of Mississauga. For you out-of-towners, Mississauga is a city on our west side where a downtown Toronto worker might reside. Our population spill over has made it the sixth largest city in Canada, but I digress. I'm thinking about 86 year old Hazel this morning because she's the namesake for the Mississauga Marathon 5k race I'm participating in later today.
Throughout primary school I was part of a very good 4x100m relay team, and participated in many a race at various track meets. I used to get awfully nervous the morning of races because we were always favoured to win. Our anchor, Larry, was one of the fastest guys his age in the entire 416, and it was my job not to drop that baton so he could do his thing. My feeling this morning, is quite different.
This is my first race longer than 100m, and I'm not in the Hazel 5k to win. It really is all about the experience and having some fun. I ran this same distance on Thursday night and felt pretty good, so I know I'll be okay. I'll probably run it in about 30 minutes.
I'd still like to kick Hazel's butt, but I wouldn't bet on that happening. She's one feisty broad.
