Countdown to race day

Day 127 of 130
Ks covered: 950
Ks to go: 152
General mood: Anxious is an understatement
Running highlight: Longest run this week being 10K
Equipment status: Clean and ready to be packed
Body status: Nervous stomach already in action

An open letter to Canada Customs.

I know they are wicked-awesome, but The “Couch to Kenyan” running shirts I spent hours meticulously crafting were not meant to find a permanent home in your care. You’ve had them for for four days now and I know it’s fun to wear them and jog across to border taunting the Americans, but I leave for Ottawa tomorrow. Please, oh please send them my way – I’m begging you – even if they’re a little bit sweaty. Seriously, how else is my uber-fan going to find me race day if I don’t have that cool(max) shirt?

Okay, so I guess my mum knows what I look like and she’ll be able to find me, but I’m ready to start biting off chicken heads I’m so worked up about this. My husband has quietly tried to suggest that perhaps I am anxious about other things (oh, say, a little race coming up in two days, sixteen hours and two minutes) and taking it out on our god-damn border patrol, but I’m so pissed I’m considering taking it up with sexy Stephen Harper when I’m in Ottawa.

Anyhoo, since chances are good I’ll be running in a very average outfit, most likely my navy blue running skirt and a white singlet, I’ve decided to post a few pictures of myself running so that you can look out for me on race day. This is what I will look like at the start (that’s me behind the brunette):

this is me after about 20Km: 

and this is me at the finish line: 
Seriously though, this is what I really look like running – if you see me, please say hi!

Beside the shirt drama, I have been mentally preparing for race day, nervous as all get out since a 10km taper run nearly killed me yesterday (granted, it was 32 degrees outside), but ready to get this thing done with. I’ve planned where to plant my husband (at the 23km cheering station with a bright sign that says ‘empty the tank Mummy’ if you’re looking for him), I’m hydrating like a crazy-person and getting my bag packed.

I’m on the train to Ottawa tomorrow and spending the rest of my time just trying not to barf. Hope to see you all at the race expo Saturday between 10am and noon at the Canadian Running Magazine Booth. I’ll try and post one last time before the race on Saturday night with my bib-number etc. Good luck to everyone!

On a side note, I’m running the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion 5Km race at Appleby College in Oakville on June 13. I would love any of you locals to join me. As you may recall an amazing young trainer at my gym was paralyzed this winter in a snowboarding accident– this organization will support him in his recovery and in return, my buddies at the gym and I want to support it. So, go to the web site, check it out, let me know if you’re interested and we’ll run it together.

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