I arrived in Banff to find winter. Everybody on the street was dressed like it was -20C or colder. I counted my blessings that I brought some warm clothing. Alberta weather, particularly in the mountains, can change with the drop of a hat.
I wasn’t that surprised but I was slightly bummed. What would the weather on race day be?
Race package pick up was a nightmare. Everyone decided to pick of their kits at the same time. I met Tiffany in line. I was lucky that I didn’t have to wait too long. A volunteer told the 22k people to come right inside. Bonus. The restaurant was jam packed with people. I had a few questions but it was impossible to ask. I think some of the volunteers assumed everyone had run this race before. I haven’t so that was frustrating. We were handed our bibs. No pins. We managed to learn the pins are available for pick up at the start of the race. That’s different. Anyway Tiffany and I were not chancing this so we went to the drugstore and bought pins.
After we parted, I went back to my hotel and quickly laid out my race outfit for the morning. I refuse to wear pants. Damn it I am wearing my running skirt! I am not ready to trade my summer running clothes like t-shirts and skirts for winter balaclavas and gloves. Not yet. I did bring some back up warmer clothes – just in case.