Night before Melissa's Road Race

Tomorrow I will run Melissa’s Road Race for the first time. I’m back to being super excited and over being sorry for myself. I got on the southern highway about 1 p.m. I had a three-hour drive ahead. I was glad I decided to leave work at noon as opposed to 3 p.m. I didn’t want to rush around picking up my race kit and finding something to eat for dinner. I suck under pressure lately.

The drive was uneventful. It’s pretty straight forward and I didn’t get lost. Small victory for me. I always seem to screw up even the simplest drive. I really ought to come to Banff more often. 

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?
I found my hotel without a problem. I checked in, dropped off my bags and took a walk. Stretching my legs were my first priority followed by filling my belly. I was starving. After wandering around for a bit, I decided on Korean. A Korean stew was just what my body needed. I woke up feeling much better but I still have a sore throat. 

                                

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.

Whew! Feeling good. Looking forward to the race. One big bonus is that I don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn. My race starts about 10:40 a.m. directly after the 10K racers. Whoo hoo! 
Let’s do this!

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