I woke up in the morning before my alarm.. as normal, but
unlike normal there was a beautiful stream of light coming through our
curtains.. What is this bright orb in the sky?? Sun, you say!? YES! Holy
smokes! It was, indeed! Mother Nature decided to give us a break on the most
important of all days.. September 2
nd: The World Mountain Running
Championships! We shared a team breakfast and then headed up to our respective
rooms to get ready for our races as they were all starting at separate times. After
getting decked out in our awesome Canada singlets, shortie shorts (as Stacey
describes them), two layers of Team Canada Jackets and running shoes we took
the Gondola down to the town of Ponte di Legno to prepare for the start of our
race. Warming up was no problem as the sun was shining down on us and the sky
was a gorgeous blue! It was very interesting seeing every countries different
routines for warm ups and there was, of course, almost a few collisions as we
all tried to prep our muscles for the challenge we were about to put them to!
I was fortunate enough to get to start near the front of the
pack on the left hand side. We started down the main “street” of the town
(pedestrians only), which was lined by fences. Thanks to some very helpful
Italians, who claimed that “Canadians aren’t afraid of the cold” (which I
rightly corrected) I was right at the front after they discreetly kept sliding
the fence wider to make room for me and prevent me from tripping on the legs of
it. Thank you! The race started with a gun and we were off: A ferocious pack of
female mountain runners! There was some “rubbing” and elbows flying, apparently
one of our team members was actually shoved! MMA? Mountain Martial Arts? Who
knows! The pace was very fast and we tore through the town and headed up to the
first uphill trail section. Some power hiking was in order to save some juice
for the rest of the run, but after the nasty quick incline we hit a bit more of
my territory.. forested trail! I was able to pass a few women through this area
as we ran over roots, mud, rocks, and little ups and downs! After this we hit
more of a grassy trail through farms and came across the hills of sore legs! I
think that’s what they are called.. well maybe not.. but they sure felt like
it! Being cheered on by people from all countries, we fought gravity as we
muscled our way up a double black diamond ski run. Ow! The Grouse Grind was
great training for this section! After this we got a little break in the trails
again but after a minute we were back to finish off the race on a grind up to
the top of the mountain through a grassy road. I can’t speak enough for all the
amazing support of the locals and fans! It was amazing to have so many people
encouraging you! And entertaining to try to thank them in their respective
languages! ;) The scenery was absolutely stunning and a lifesaver when you
thought you couldn’t go on.. all you had to do was look around and be swept
away in the beauty! I was able to make two last passes in this last section and
finish strong after a brief downhill section to the finish line! It was the
BEST feeling to cross that finish line! Stacey and Catrin were waiting for me
with open arms and just being the most awesome teammates, as usual!
They finished
50th and 51st respectively around 55minutes while I
finished 65th at 58:49 minutes and Mirabelle finished about 5
minutes after me. It was a great finish for us Canadian women! Our men also had
a strong performance and I have to give major kudos to them all! It was a true
gift to be able to share this experience with them. They are the most amazing
group of athletes and a real inspiration!
After the race we scarfed down a lunch then headed up
another Gondola to the top of the mountain! It was gorgeous up there! There was
a small glacier fed lake, a tribute to the war fought up there, caves, snow,
stunning views, and a Ukranian taking a ice bath in the lake! Now THAT’S an ice
bath! None for me please.. I did put my big toe in though, that counts right?
After all this we had the closing ceremonies and had a ton
of fun dancing up a storm and being part of massive congo lines! As of right
now I am writing this on the bus to Milan. Catrin and I had to catch the 3:30am
bus to the airport so needless to say there has been no sleep. I'm all set up now in my new hotel! Bravo! I’m off to stay in Milan for
the next few days and can’t wait to explore, after a coffee or three!
Thanks so much to you all for all of your support! I am so
lucky to have so many amazing people in my life. It wouldn’t be the same
without you!
Love you to bits,
Shanny
From here I ran to the Jardin Bontanique.. Amazing! There was these huge gardens, playgrounds, fountains, a carousel, restaurants, a conservatory, animals like flamingos, ducks, swans, goats, deer, and peacocks! Again, tons of lovely artwork and a never ending display of flowers and plants from around the world. I luckily avoided stepping on a cactus in the conservatory! 
It's important to take time to stop and smell the roses.. and that I did as I passed through the rose garden in the botanical gardens.
And then on words and upwards as I headed back along the waterfront on my way to the Old Town!
Yes! I love fresh air from the lake! 
I know I stated earlier that it is important to take time to smell the roses.. but I have to admit.. It's a ton of fun to run through them! This is from the English Rose Garden.
