Running Man

First, Quebec City is gorgeous, from its architecture to its narrow roads and cafes and shops, it is reminiscent of a small European village. To race in such place was spectacular.
The race started across the St. Lawrence River in Levis, at a local school. I knew it would be a tough run because I wasn’t hungry at the start. I forced down a banana, but couldn’t eat my peanut butter sandwich.
It wound through neighborhoods and down to the south side of the river’s edge. Spectators didn’t line the course, but there were enough during the first eight miles to keep me going.
Running on the tight streets gave it a European flavor. Couples and families either stood just outside their house cheering as we ran past, and there were a few older couples sitting in their bay windows and waving and clapping as we ran past.
What I was surprised about, especially given the elevation map I saw, was how hilly the course turned out to be.
Near mile 8 (it’s an approximation since the course was charted in kilometers) is where I got to run past my support group for the first time. It’s amazing the surge in energy when I see them. It makes them believe I’m feeling great the whole race.
Anyway, I saw Rebecca and Kyan, my mom, my sister (Cindy) and her three kids (Heather, Nicole and Megan). They made signs, one of which was Kyan telling me how great I was doing.
Looking across the river at Quebec City’s sky line was inspiring. I could see the walls of the Citadel, a castle which was turned into a hotel and an impressive cruise ship docked at the port.
A few miles after seeing my family, though, I could feel my empty stomach. We were running along the river, with a cool breeze and clouds protecting us from the sun. And this is where the hills really began. Between mile 10 and 14 it was mostly an incline. It culminated with a run over a mile-long bridge onto the Quebec City side of the river.
Check back later today for the final part of my blog.