Running this race was not really on my radar this year. But I got caught up in the opening day registration excitement. This race is VERY popular and sells out very quickly. Nearly every runner in Alberta has run this road race.
Banff, in all its glory, is the magnificent backdrop for the 10K and 22K distances. (Although it looks like they shaved off a kilometre to make it a solid half-marathon for this year’s race) Who wouldn’t want to run here? There’s no medal BUT runners are rewarded with an awesome shirt that is imprinted with an original design by a local artist. This year the artist is Monica Ferrari. Oh and there’s post-run bevvys!
I ran my first Melissa’s last year – a gross 2-hour (and change) 22K race. You will remember I was deathly ill. I stopped every few minutes to either blow my nose or to cough like a crazy person. Last year was super cold too. It really added to my terrible mood. Good times. So good that I have to redeem myself.
Melissa’s is now inked as race #3 in my 2014 calendar.
First up is the Calgary Marathon on June 1 followed by the Lost Soul Ultra 50K on Sept. 7. No doubt I will be filling out my calendar as the weeks unfold. I hope to run all the Five Peak races in Central Alberta. My intention is to go off road any chance I get this year. But I would also like to run a fall marathon as a fail safe (in case I am unhappy with my Calgary race).
Right now I am waiting for my work schedule before I register for more races. I’ll keep you posted! In the meantime, I will leave you with a great quote from Runners World. Every day my inbox gets a new motivational quote from one runner or another.
DAILY KICK IN THE BUTT:
Have a great weekend. I am looking forward to spending some quality time on my feet and off my butt. It’s been a long week. Let me know what you’re up to in the comments.
I will keep up I will keep up I think I can I think I can!
Too funny! đŸ™‚ You will rock Melissa's this year!
I miss the Rockies and would love to run through Banff one day.
Weekend plans? Most likely Costco shopping (ugh) and watching the remaining episodes of House of Cards.
Love House of Cards! I binge watched season 2 last weekend. You're going to love it!
I have quite a melissas story…i should o apost you've inspired me to!
I will too be doing the 22k. OR 21k. Or whatever it is on that day….
Last year had a very strong 10k…too about 20 mins off my last 10k run there a few years back!
I loved how I felt last year…lets hope I can feel the same way come september
Hope to see you there, kiddo! Looking forward to it. Hope we get better weather!
I've run Melissa's twice and didn't have a good race either time. Maybe 3rd times the charm? But holding off on it for a while. Does MEC put on any races there?
I feel like Melissa's is a hit or miss weather wise. I ran it (hungover after a wedding) a couple years ago and we really lucked out. The weather was absolutely beautiful and the live music and after party were awesome. Fingers crossed the weather smartens up for you this year.