#guide 4

My first observation has to be about the weather. I suppose it could be called typical Maritime road running weather.  A howling 35-40 km wind, below zero temperature and there were even flakes of snow as we pulled into the car park. Pretty much what I have been used to during the winter months of training. On the positive side, there wasn’t any snow on the ground

One of the amazing things about running races in the Maritimes (and there are many amazing things which hopefully, if you keep reading my blog, you will find out about) is that regardless of the weather conditions, the volunteers and organisers are full of enthusiasm and encouragement.

My main decision of the day was which pair of running shoes to wear. Would it be my old white/blue/pink Saucony Guide 4 or my new very bright orange pair? I decided on the comfy old pair. My running buddies, Sue, Cindy and Richard kept me company for most of the race and I was delighted when I crossed over the finish line.

At Grande-Digue we all got finishers medals and a lovely T-shirt too. I think finishers medals are a great idea. Not many people can win races so it is nice to have the achievement of finishing a race recognised.

Onto the next amazing thing about running races in the Maritimes, the fact that most of the races have great post race food and prizes including age group prizes. I love them. Not because I have won that many prizes, I haven’t.  I am not boot camp coach supreme and speedster Brenda Guitard. (I have once or twice thought about changing my name but came to the conclusion that this wouldn’t help as she would inevitably win the race to pick up the prize when ‘our’ name was called out at any prize giving!) I digress, what I love is the food, of course, because I am always starving after a race, also, the camaraderie,  meeting new friends and catching up with old friends. There just is nothing better after a race.

The last word on the Grande-Digue race – Sylvio. He is the race director, and a lovely, friendly man too. I find his enthusiasm is infectious and long may it be so.