Calgary is no stranger to some pretty crazy weather and I’ve raced in some fairly rough conditions. When I saw that MCM Mama, My No-Guilt Life and Marcia’s Healthy Slice were hosting a link up for Tuesdays on the Run to talk about the worst conditions we’ve ever raced in I thought it would be fun to participate.
Torrential Downpour #1: Banff Citizen’s Race 10K – June 2007
Running and racing in Banff is one of my favourite things however the Banff Citizen’s Race was not the best day to show off the beauty of the mountains. There were logistical issues with the race shuttles we were supposed to take, plus there was a bear on the course and the route had to be adjusted at the last minute. And it was pouring rain…
The final few hundred meters to the finish line was a big puddle…a squishy mess of rain and black sand. That was a rough race!
Torrential Downpour #2: BMO Vancouver Half Marathon – May 2014
This year’s BMO Vancouver Half was another extraordinarily wet race!
Luckily I had company that day as my friend Shannon and I ran together and having her by my side helped to take my mind off of the fact that it was so wet and cold.
A nicer day weather wise would have been great but Shannon and I ran a really strong race together!
Snow and Ice #1: Last Chance Half Marathon – November 2013
The Last Chance Half in November is always hit and miss for weather and last year’s race was a doozy. There were a few centimetres of snow over ice making for a tough race. It was slow going and when I slipped and fell backwards, landing on my lower back and head the race went from bad to worse. Definitely not one of my favourite race experiences.
Freezing Cold #1: Nose Hill XC – February 2014
I think my coldest race so far was at the Nose Hill XC race. It was -15C out and the course was pretty windy. Despite the chilly weather I really enjoyed this race and I felt pretty strong out on the trails that day.
I’ve learned that (with the exception of the Last Chance Half) rough weather doesn’t necessarily have to mean a rough race. If we waited for the perfect weather to race here in Calgary our window of opportunity would be very narrow. Instead I prefer to tell myself that there is no such thing as bad weather, just improper gear.
How about you? What are some of the toughest weather conditions you’ve raced in?
You’ve had some tough races! Last year’s Run for L’Arche was crazy cold, that was my toughest. But I can handle cold and snow, not rain! To me rain is my biggest nightmare for a race.
Wow, a bear? I can handle rain and cold, but a bear would set me back a step. And I don’t like to run on ice, even with Yaktrax. I’m impressed!
Thanks for linking up with us! Hope to see you again next week!