The Montreal Half Marathon by Gini H

Tuesday, September 18, 2008

Hi. I thought about going to the Piedmont track workout on Wednesday, but by the time I got home from work I was almost comatose (still on eastern time).

There was unexpected rain (the tail end of Hurricane Ike) on race day, so everyone was soaked to the skin before even starting. Fortunately, it wasn't particularly cold, but it made it difficult to cool because sweat just accumulated on the skin.

Anyway, I finished, had to walk some because of my recurring foot issues so my time was not good, but let me tell you, running into that stadium was a total thrill. The half and the full marathon had different routes until the last 7 km (almost got run down by the marathon winner as he ran past me in a blur at about 13 km), and in the stadium they finished in different lanes.

Both lanes were heavily packed with spectators, and as I ran to the finish line, the announcer said "and here comes Virginia H... of Oakland, CA" and the most incredible cheer went up. I broke into a big smile and raised my hand in acknowledgment. It was worth everything just for that finish... I was sore only that afternoon (good news, indeed), so I may show up on Sunday.

It was a great place to run because of the really supportive public, and the well-organized race. I was running along one street, essentially alone, and I heard this lone clapping. I looked all around, finally looked up at a high-rise, and there was someone on the balcony clapping for me. It was so cool. And, there is nothing like being encouraged along the way in French. The word "courage" in French is so much more expressive somehow...