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 amaz
ing 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!
ing 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!
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!
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