This is a challenge that I set for myself at the beginning of summer, and I did not expect to keep such a good memory.

Upon my arrival in the metro taking me to Parc Jean-Drapeau, I began to realize the magnitude of the event. Most passengers wear their bibs, bags, sneakers there was no doubt, I was in the good direction. Arriving at Berri-Uquam towards the yellow line I could easily count the people without bibs! At Parc Jean-Drapeau, I headed to the deposit-bag which is a twenty school buses lined up, and heard the call for the yellow bibs to go on Jacques-Cartier bridge  for departure.

On the bridge the atmosphere was there, music to motivate the troops and discourse of the organization to formalize the event. We were 6000 participants for the start of the half (against 2,000 for the marathon), how to remember! At that moment, I told myself that even if I did not finish the race I’d be happy to be here.

10:20 am, the start sounds, here I am!!!!!! With my cruising speed, I fail to see the competitors go, but my goal is to finish not to get ahead. From the beginning of the route, spectators settle down on the edge of the road and encourage the runners, the cries grow wings at times! The race goes well, I discover new places in Montreal, and don’t forget to refuel myself, and, especially I do not feel the fatigue until 15km. Arriving at parc Maisonneuve, the false flat is felt, but I hold out and give one last effort, the end is near! Past this stage, my legs were suddenly accelerated pace and I felt good!

Here I am finally at the gates of the Olympic stadium, I prime the slope adjacent to the center track for arrival. This is so impressive that I would have smiled naturally and almost with tears in his eyes. I crossed the finish line after 2:27 of effort. My # 1 fan was waiting at the finish to steal a few shots of this fabulous time! I am proud of this achievement and really think re-doing it next year.

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What is it? Just a good way to resume studies in a CEGEP in Quebec (the equivalent of high school in France) when you already work.

There is a whole list of Cegep offers this possibility, and the courses are very varied: French, Physics, English, 3D, Photography… Everyone found itself in my opinion. These are usually sessions of 45h to 60h per semester.

Personally I tried it and you must be motivated! First, the Cegep will ask for your transcripts to see if you have skills in the area choosen to register. Then, depending on the date you register you will or not faces queue.

For late registration, is first come first served one day imposed, then a board to get there early! If it is from 16:30 to go ahead minutes for 16h, otherwise it is insured for 2 hours waiting to hear you say if you have the place or not! (I succeeded).

I myself have chosen a english speakinf college as the chosen area was not available elsewhere… to follow the first course.

Cegep on demand: http://www.cegepsalacarte.com/

The Market!

A few steps away from home is the Maisonneuve Market, a place where you can find fresh products. The Market size has nothing to do with Jean-Talon Market or Atwater market, but, you can find everything: fruits, vegetables, bakery (Ok, it,s Première Moisson!), Cheeses, meats, flowers, canned … Prices for cheese, for here, are not that bad, The Camember is still $ 8 but we can find pieces of Swiss cheese, Emmentaler for $ 4. Fruits and vegetables look really beautiful and not more expensive than the greengrocer on the corner with almost as much variety.

It’s worth it for small shopping, but it is on the turn-off quickly.

The Park!

A large green space in the center of the island. We had already done a tour some time ago but it is so nice. FYI, the park is located near the Olympic stadium between Pie-IX and Viau. There is a bike path and a walking trail, ideal for all kinds of activities. We enjoyed the good time to throw some balls baseball,  so relaxing!

One of Marek best wishes after the fact of coming here, seing an habs game, playing hockey in canada… was to celebrate his birthday with its best friends !

So, I decided to organise that for him, few days before the D day to remove the doubts.. which it’s not so easy !

After spamming his friends and spending the day in the kitchen we finally celebrated it ! SURPRISE !

Thanks to everyone for coming !

PS : Marek loved the video I made with you guys !

On the way to the Sweden Fireworks! Really original!

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