EMBRACE BLIZZARD RACE!

EMBRACE WINTER BLIZZARD RACE REPORT

When our Ironman Ottawa training plan suggested entering the Somersault Embrace Winter Race to complete the required half-marathon time trial, I thought it was a great idea. In the past, I'd never really been a runner, and as such, this was my first official running race. It was time I accepted the fact that running was an integral part of triathlon.

Bib pickup was at the War Museum, and when I arrived, the place was buzzing with energy, primarily centered around the weather and all the possible gear options. Cleats or no cleats, jacket or more layers, trail shoes or road shoes, etc., etc., etc. I listened just enough to make me doubt all the decisions I had made in my own gear selection. There was only one solution: head out into the blizzard for a warm-up/test run. I'm glad I did this, as I ended up changing some kit.

Fifteen minutes before the start, the group of half-marathon runners was huddled by the doors, looking at the snow and 40-60 kph winds whipping past the museum exit, no one in a rush to head out. Finally, someone broke the stalemate, and we all headed out into the storm to start the race.

The race was four laps along the Ottawa River, starting with the downwind leg. The road had been plowed a few hours before but was already starting to fill back in sections. As we headed out from the start line with the wind at our backs, the pace was fast, with everyone fighting for the few patches of bare asphalt. As we rounded the first turn, the reality of our choices hit us in the face with an icy blast of arctic air and the sting of snow pelting our faces. The pace dropped off a little. As the race continued, the snow filled in the few bare patches of asphalt more and more. You could really feel the acceleration every time you found a bare patch, as opposed to the energy-sucking ankle-deep snow that was required on some sections and anytime you wanted to pass someone.

My beard looking like an ice ball and my energy all but gone, I crossed the finish line and went straight into the warming tent for a hot chocolate and that post-race camaraderie you only get after an epic battle.

So, who's game for next year?

Chris Lil