This is the race report I posted to my running group website.
Well despite still feeling under the weather with this last cold - I completed the marathon still standing on my own two feet. What a feeling. It was an awesome race.

I did manage to see Dianne and Duncan (two members of my running group) along the course but no one else from the group least that I remember. It is starting to blur so I thought I would jot down a race report before I go pass out in my soaker tub.

My morning began with the alarm going off at 4ish. After dressing in my tights and sports bra it was off to my deck to do a "tempature" check and quickly back in to opt for Plan B attire. Then downstairs for some healthy cereal, milk, and banana followed by lots of water. During breakfast, actually at about 4:30 I decided my white shirt needed a penguin on the back so the gang could spot me. We were ready and out of the house by 5:10 - hubby was dropping me off on his way to work.

I was down at the course by about 5:30am, well in time for my 6am start. When I got there things were barely setup. By the time 6am rolled around there were actually only a handful of racers to lineup. So I was actually like the first runner to cross the starting line...imagine that a Penguin at the front, not likely that will ever happen again...LOL. Being as I wasn't up to my usual speed I was able to take advantage of the wonderful sites along the way.

The meander through the zoo while somewhat confusing (the course wasn't marked or marshalled that well, that early) was rather interesting. I loved seeing all the animals. The coolest was watching the mountain goat try to climb the fence as if he wanted to join us. Once out of the zoo the animal encounter was with that of the crazy ones behind the wheel - not all the roads were closed off yet. At this point I still had energy and was doing 5/2. That kinda tapered to about 3/2 as I meandered past the houses in don't remember what area, but I remember seeing a striking purple place hidden by trees that I bet no one else even saw.

By then an hour or so had passed and I saw a police car go by with the lead marathoner from the 7AM start. Hmmm impressive it only took him a short time to catch and pass me. Many more followed and passed. Many more! They were all so great and cheerful, saying "Way to go", "Keep it up", "Love the Pink" and many loved the Penguin.

I passed a Pancake breakfast and yes, I passed. My tummy was feeling a little quesy and I didn't even dare eat a power bar at that point. Water was about all I could handle. Somewhere by there, actually Wayne from RoadRunners went by with a big good luck - he knew it was me from the pink - go figure.

I kept wandering where the half way mark was and watching the KM's get hirer and hirer...kinda wishing I had opted for the half or at that point even the 10k. By the time I got to the 21K marker my watch read about 3:38 (I think). Hmmm way off schedule and way later than last fall's half time. Oh well as my training had sucked for the last month my only real goal was to finish standing up. On that I was doing fine so far. However, by 28K I think I was at that "Wall" thingy that runners talk about and if it were not for some great moral support from a couple of the safety crew members (Laura and Howie), I am not sure I would have finished. It was at about the 28k mark that they came beside me, not seeing me and said they were wrapping up the course, no one left and I said "Heh, what about me?". They laughed and said oops. They hung out with me till the bitter end, I can't thank them enough for helping me get through those last Kms. I was still in pretty good spirits, but getting very tired and my lower back was telling me it was there. They were funny, they would relax, wait behind me for a bit, then ride by, sit on a bench and wait for me to pass. I teased them saying it wasn't fair that they got to sit down when I was doing all the work. Most of the aid stations were shut down as I was the end runner, so they provided me with water and if I had wanted a power bar, but I was afraid to eat anything.

One by one the Kms, got hirer and hirer, 30, 31, 32....wow only 10k to go. That made me feel somewhat better. By now I was barely running at all and pretty much walked most of the rest. Oh I did manage to smile and run past the camera on the bridge...don't remember what Km that was. My eyes deceived me, I though I saw 38km, but it was only 36...keep going, keep going. My support kept asking me how I was doing, did I want to stop, I did have that option, but I was determined, even though I now figured it would be close to 8hrs before I crossed the finish line. Somewhere just before the EauClaire aide station Duncan (a race marshall) rode along side me...they were keeping the EauClaire station open just for me. I had avoided Gatorade to that point but as my hands were swollen so bad I couldn't bend them and Duncan figured I was low on electolytes so insisted I drink a whole glass, half diluted with water. That helped, I laughed, did a little sprint and said heh look it worked. PBreak time - Duncan threatened if I wasn't out in 5 he was coming in after me...hmmm temptation. Back on the course he was complaining of his aches and pains...I laughed and said, ok next year you run, I marshall.

With 2km left to go, Jacqui, the race director came out to run the rest with me for support. It was just amazing the support I got from this group. As we neared the last corner, Jacqui encouraged me to try running, amazingly my legs cooperated. Imagine my surprize when I saw a hugh lineup of supporters awaiting my finish. I did a little slower than my usual sprint, but still not bad, to the finish. They even extended the ribbon for me to run through. Took picture and wow, not only did I get a great medal, but I was given 3 yellow roses. I felt so honored. Everyone was high 5ing me and shaking my hand, I almost felt like I had won the race. Most of the tents had been packed up, after all my "unoffical time" was 8:00:54 but all the safety guys (volunteer ski patrolers from Lake Louise) were still there. I got a bag of goodies, downed some water and then was given a beer. Ya know Coors Lite and PowerBars taste pretty good together.

I wrapped up the day with an awesome lunch at a pub down the road with of course the same safety guys. It was an awesome lunch and I even caught a ride to my door from one of them who lives up in this area.

Ok...so my race report is almost a chapter in a book. But heh, this was my first and wow...what a feeling.

Can't wait to read Karen's report on the relay...(other team members did the relay and 1/2 marathon portions).

Keep on running gang...Dawn