Banff Winter Start
“5 Miler” Race Report
This race was not looked at as a “race” per se, more like an opportunity to go to Banff, run a bit, then go and do some dancing with some friends. Good enough for me to sign up!
After a dismal “10 miler” race a few weeks ago, I decided that the Banff Winter Start was just about fun. This was a good thought process as my runs that led up to this run were excellent.
I have had a couple of opportunities to run with fellow TTL’er Tara Beattie, who in my eyes is a great runner. It is wonderful to have someone to run with, who is very patient when I stop as required and ever so gently gets me to increase my speed.
Car-pooling is the way to go and with everyone in the same race our conversations were varied! A quick check of the course let us know there were some icy spots but not enough to be too concerned. There was more of an uphill that I thought but I was ok with that as I love to run uphill, the downhill is always my concern.
Checked in and off I went to get my race package. A bit of a snack, wee rest and next thing it was time to head out.
There were runners emerging from everywhere! I did not think about how big the race was! Lots of glow stick accessories, costumes (the guy with the Sherlock Holmes cape and hat with just a Speedo “banana hammock” was a bit much I do say) abound. This led to a festive atmosphere that helped calm my nerves and consequently my stomach. The latter was not really happy and I thought at least in the dark, I could dash off the course if need be.
Found a few TTL people but never did see Angie! I heard reports that she was there and did see the race results so I guess she was!
Gun went off and the race began. Decided to pace myself, the urge to really take off was there but knew that the hill would slow many down so I let people pass and I passed as need be. Cindy Spence and I started together and she gained on me. I let it be.
We were at the hill before I knew it and up I went. I was in 7th heaven! At that moment I was very glad that I live where I do, and the amount of hills that I do just on a regular run paid off. I did not let it bother me that the lead runner was on the bottom of the hill when I was starting. That was his race I was doing mine. I passed all kinds of people and at a nice steady pace. My heart rate was comfortable and I was really pleased with how I was feeling. Turn around was there before I knew it. To be honest I was a bit disappointed, as I knew I would loose some of the ground I had gained, as the downhill is my weak point.
Time: 25:15 (as best I could see, poor light and my eyes “aren’t quite as good as they used to be”
I did ease up for two reasons, the light was poor and not knowing the course all that well I was concerned I’d hit one of the icy spots (there were only a few but still) and slip. The other was my knee. If I go to fast on a downhill it actually hurts so I ease up. Between those two challenges I did have people pass me, including Cindy who passed me right after the turn around.
Once I hit the bottom and the flats I knew I could do something with the remaining course. I began to pick up my pace. Not too much just enough to gain. I knew I was getting close to the finish as the streetlights were looming and I picked up the pace even more. My heart rate increased and I have in past races slowed up as not to wear myself out. I pushed through that feeling of “tiredness” as I know I had it in me to keep it up. I saw Cindy ahead and that was the rabbit that I needed. I kept up my pace and caught up to her.
The last turn to the finisher arch was tight and icy, argh!! I had to ease up not to slip! Last push and we were through. Finishing time 47:03! 17/68 in my age group!
Cindy and I headed down to the post race venue, the parkade of the Caribou Lodge! Lots of water and lots and LOTS of beer (Big Rock Lime!) to be enjoyed by all. We grabbed a beer and found a table to hang out at. Excellent post race vibe!
My internals left me alone for the race (FINALLY) but would not let me finish my beer in peace. That was ok I was done the race! We hung out a bit longer but had 9:00pm dinner reservation so off to the hotel we headed to get dolled up for the evening.
We gathered at the Bear Street Tavern and enjoyed a fine meal. The Sangria Punch Bowl was divine! The pizza excellent! We then headed to the Rose and Crown for a drink and a laugh or two. By the way, the TTL ladies do clean up well! We all looked like a million bucks! Tart tops and dresses abound!
From the Rose and Crown to Wild Bills (Dancing Sasquatch had a line-up) where we managed to shake our booties on the dance floor. Not being a big country fan I didn’t stay long but sure had fun while I was there.
A lovely breakky and we headed back to the big city.
I loved the race and was very pleased with how I executed it. Pacing is my challenge and albeit this was a shorter race, I managed to hold myself back to be able to push it at the end. That was a HUGE plus for me. It is always a plus to learn from every race.
It was a fun race and evening. I hope to do this race again, it is a great way to get out of Calgary and enjoy “the jewel of the rockies” aka Banff for a fun night out.
Thanks to all the TTLers that went, it was fun running and partying with you!
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