Following the Game 7 game in Vancouver as everbody knows was a terrible riot throughout downtown Vancouver. Having been an athlete on several teams in highschool and university I have been on winning and losing teams. One thing I always valued was sportsmanship and respect. I was so proud when Vancouver fans stayed in the arena to cheer on thier team even after they had lost. I cheered Go Canucks Go with my friends as we watched at Felicitas. When I turned the TV on later to see burning cars and reports of stabbing I was disgusted. The world class atmosphere we created during the Olympics was lost quickly as things spiraled out of control. Its easy to smile and celebrate your heros when they bring home gold. Its much harder when you are the losing team to shake hands with those who beat you. It was an insult to the great run the Canucks team had to trash the place with their jerseys on.
Scotiabank was pretty happy when I told them I was participating and would be wearing my Scotiabank shirt for the race. They unanimously pledged to support the charity the proceeds are going to. I decided to test myself and went for a run after work that day. I set off at 6 pm exactly following the route of the Oak bay half marathon. I had made it to half way through the course by 7 pm where I stopped to run up a World War II memorial for soldiers from the Oak Bay area. I felt so alive- my heart was beating- my spirit was soaring as I thought of my grandfather who was also a long distance runner. It went up and up this winding staircase to a statue of an angel and a plaque of names...I laughed as I hummed the rocky theme song as I panted at the top thrusting my arms in the air before continuing.
I kept going despite the pain im my legs, mental exhaustion from pushing myself and cold ocean wind. I made it home at 8pm crossing hampshire road exactly where my bank is. Synchronicity. I can't describe how hungry I was at that point. I had an extremely hard time not running into fairway market and just starting to graze in the produce section. Then I ran past Cobs bread and starbucks and well food fantasizing was never this great. I got home and made the mother of all omlettes with garlic toast to regain some carbs. Food never tasted so great- I guess the best spice is apetite. That being said I felt best about the fact that I challenged myself and succeeded. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to make it all the way and start justifying to myself reasons to quit or turn back. The Canucks left it all on the Ice and I couldn't be prouder.
