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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This post is also available in: French