Anticipating Italy!

In the days following the race, I had this warm feeling inside of accomplishment. I didn't run on the Sunday following the race. I was just too tired and actually my quads probably wouldn't have let me run anyway!

By late in the week I was back to running . I did start thinking about the upcoming weekend and knew that I would want to accompany Rick on one of his long weekend runs on the bike. I wasn't sure if my body would want to or not!

As I settled back into my daily routines again. I found myself very comtemplative about my lifestyle. If you had asked me five years ago what my life would look like now - I would never have suspected that I would on a daily basis run before work! pillow hugging is much more comfortable. And bike riding - who would have thought that I would like it. Feeling good about the Melissa's run was expected in some ways, but really, feeling good about being able to ride a bike while Rick trains made me feel as if I was truly part of the support crew!

During the weeks following my race, Rick has continuted his intense training. And at least once a week we head into Fish Creek Park, or load the bike into the van and head out in another direction. Rick would run between 40 and 50km, while I can honestly say, I struggle at times to keep up with him while I was on the bike!

As we count down the days until we leave for Italy, I realize how much fun I've had over the last few months, running and bike riding. I know I'll be able to enjoy the race and even more so enjoy the touring we will do after the run - maybe even some running on the cobblestone roads!

Race Day Dawns Early (but not too early)!

Sleeping in on a race day is a runner's worst nightmare, except if the race starts at 10:30 in the morning. How civilized! With only one wake up around 3 am and minimal anxiety at that time, the pre-race sleep was great.

The plan was to leave the hotel around 9:15, head to Starbucks then McDonalds - definitely not my race day breakfast, but we had to provide appropriate sustenance for the one member of the support crew! Who knew that the long line up, would be at McDonald's - not Starbucks. So we abandoned John in the McDonalds line up, as my anxiety about getting to the starting line on time got the better of me. That is another nightmare - racing to the starting line. Usually the nightmare revolves around Rick not getting to the start line on time - he is notorious for making me nervous about the start of the race.

As we arrived at the Banff Recreation field - the first thing that I noticed was the long line of porta-potties. There had to be enough, so that the wait wouldn't be too bad. Well, forget that! The line up was so slow, we'd never make it to the start line on time.

I did make it on time. We watched the three thousand runners start the 10k run. It must have taken 6 or 7 minutes for all of them to pass the start line!

Watching for the big guy to arrive was a little stressful - I needed my other support crew member to see me off as well. At last he arrived, McDonald's bag in hand, a big smile and hug for his mom and I was off to the start line.

It was really happening! And we were off! The neatest thing was hearing all the chips beep as we crossed the start line. As I watched for my support crew guys, I realized that this was it this was the race I had been training for since the spring. Pressure was on. Running along with the crowds. How exciting and then there were my guys - both with cameras. Photo taken and they were off to run alongside the crowd, jump ahead and get more photos.

Wait, what was John doing, running further and further. This normally wouldn't be a big deal, but really, he just sprained his ankle about 2 weeks ago! This actually could be good - I had someone else to worry about besides myself!!

The first three kilometers were fine, but then I started to feel my lower back. The discomfort didn't last past 8 kilometers, although an advil or two might have been helpful! What really helped was the amazing views! Through the woods then an open space where the mountains towered over us. So far the weather was perfect a little cool, no breeze and no rain. I managed to keep a lot of the same runners in sight. I ran without walking for the first 10k or so, then stopped and walked at the aid station. My support crew kept pace. Lots of photos, so many in fact many of the other runners thought they were the professional race photographers! Every couple of kilometers I would check with John about his ankle! Up until 12 km or so it was good. But then he started to feel it. Fortunately we were returning to the start area - which was about 15km - there he would rest. He was one of my two heroes that day - who eats a McDonalds breakfast, runs 15km on a sprained ankled and still has lots of smiles and warm words of encouragement for his Mom!

Rick, on the other hand, who happend to be my other hero! kept on moving - running ahead taking photos, then running on.! Who does that? Only an ultramarathoner.

Those last 7 kilometers were tougher as there was a couple of hills - which I managed to run! but it was seeing the other runners coming back at you from the turn around point. They were where I wanted to be! I slowed down at the 19km aid station and walked while I drank the water, I knew if I didn't get going very soon, the walking would feel too good! Onward, moving forward now. Down the last hill, through the trees and then I could hear the loud speakers. Almost done - literally! Wow - what a great feeling to see the finish line - and then finished. I couldn't believe it! I completed 22 km in 2 hours and 30 minutes. Yes, I know, there are some (including one of my support crew) who have run a marathon in that time, but for me it was a great feeling of accomplishment! Did I want to cry, for sure! even more I think I really needed a nap!

As for my support crew - they did a great job - lots of emotional support and words of encouragement, so many photos and even acknowledgement that I looked like a real runner! Could I ask for anything more! Not at all!

The Day Before the Fun Begins!

As I drove, wrote and generally made way through my work day, I was thinking about running. I was thinking about the fact that for the first time in a couple of weeks I hadn't run in the morning. Usually before work, I attack the coffee that R has made, take a few sips and head out the door; not this morning - and I did miss it.

Returning from Chestemere, which is a small town just east of Calgary, I looked at the mountains where I would be running for many kilometers tomorrow. What would it be like? Was I really ready?

I picked up John, one of my two support guys! then we headed back into the city to pick up my other support guy! Bob - also known as Rick. Wow what a change in role. Thats usually my role - support guy! and I'm pretty good at it! How would these guys - a great hockey player and generally terrific athlete - John and Bob -one of the Team Canada ultramarathoners cope with their new role?

It seemed as if we got to Banff pretty quickly - I think I was a little anxious!

We settled into the room for a little happy hour - mainly cut up vegies! but of course I felt the need for a little extra sodium - so brought out the chips and salsa - who needs pasta? I thought for sure the American Candidate debate was going to sideline my pre-race meal, but I did manage to get the guys out the door and over to the St. James Irish pub.

This pub which I had found to be ranked in the top five restaurants in Banff by Trip Advisor, seemed like a good choice - some place different which we hadn't tried before. As I tried to tell Bob that it had been well reviewed, he was laughing because we had been there before! Maybe even more than once. So far all my support crew was doing was giving me a tough time - so I had some memory lapses! I don't do that when I'm a support person!!!

I found that dinner was a good opportunity to remind these guys about their support crew role: Treat me like the princess! even if its just for a few hours - it's all about me!

Getting Ready for Melissa's Run in Banff

I can look back on amazing training sessions this summer in places such as Calgary, Fernie, Osoyoos, Penticton and even New York City. It was a great summer as I learned that I could run longer than 20 minutes and that I didn't have to walk every ten minutes!! Running at different times in the last few months with each of my kids, helped me realize that while I ran and talked with the kids, time would fly by. Some of my most memorable runs were with my family - the whole family. The time we spent in Penticton afforded us the opportunity to run together in such beautiful places as: vineyards along the path to Naramata. Before I knew it, I was running with the whole family in Central Park in the rain. That run was for about 75 minutes. Who wants to walk in the rain when you can run in the rain!!

My last long run in preparation for the 22km run in Banff in the Melissa's run was west through Fish Creek Park. I was out running for about 2 hours and 20 minutes. What an amazing park to run in. And the fact that I could be actually in running mode, for over 2 hours, was a breakthrough for me - physically, mentally and emotionally.















The running I did this summer as well as the numerous bike rides I did with Bob (aka Rick) gave me the strength and conviction to find the confidence to know that I could probably finish the 22km - hopefully in style.