Montreal had unseasonably warm temperatures in late September this year and quite possibly a new 19 year record high. Just our luck, the hotest day may had been race weekend. It was not the greatest of news because the marathon that I had originally planned on doing was cancelled. However there were lots of options available and I had chosen to try my luck in the half distance despite training for the full and still acquire the coveted blings in the series.
Having experienced the 32C heat in this year's Nashville's RNR race (also unseasonably warm race day), this heat in Montreal was a cake walk! Nevertheless the half still presented many challenges. ;) Uh oh for climate change, the unusual heat seems to be a common factor.
The route for the half was a point-to-point course, starting on the scenic bridge Jacques-Cartier. The run takes you immediate down the bridge weaving on two islands, then Montreal's Old Port and finally ending at Parc La Fontaine. The first 14 km is relatively flat and a gradual climb of 40m to the finish.
Security was top notch. There were concrete barriers placed on the bridge and a parked truck with a driver to block vehicle traffic to the start bridge. Nearly 15K people lined the bridge, but funny that the route jumps off the bridge and into the amusement park and the speedy race track. Surprisenly, the Concorde bridge which connects you from the islands to Montreal's Old Port was fortunately flat.
My boss was raving about the architect, Moshe Safdie, who designed Habitat 67, which we ran by in the race, but I was too focused to catch a glimpse on race day. It was neat seeing it afterwards the next day.
We were visiting a few friends in the area and lucky to have Marie-Pier show us around town, who was also racing. We watched Jen's 5k race the day before the half. It was pretty hot that the city trucks were called out to water the plants.
Given my marathon training, I felt like I had one pace on race day. My time was 1:27 and change which reflected a tough day with hot and humid conditions.
MP, Jen and I were going for and achieved the PPP: Prize for Jen, Pool swim for MP, and Poutine for me!
Post race we enjoyed our Bec Cola, poutine, bagels, and smoke meat sandwiches.
Thanks to our hosts, Margo and MP for their warm accommodations. We made some new cat friends at both places. :)
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