What a way to run! It rained buckets on us as we ran 5 km around part of the University of Calgary campus. The streets are very well paved and even so the only real obstacles were the massive puddles pooling at every turn... But my running partner and I kept an even pace of about 7 km/hr - Not a pace that will win any races but it's a vast improvement from where we began.
The great thing about the Dino Dash is it's a community event. These are the best types of events because everyone who gets involved are keen... well, ok... maybe not so keen when the rain is so thick it's running down your face and your back faster than the sweat from your pores.
Mayor Nenshi was the official starter and he didn't appear to be very thrilled about standing in the rain. My suggestion that at least it wasn't ice rain was met with a kind but confused stare that said "You people are nuts". Fortunately, he had the good sense to keep any speechifying to a minimum and he got us on our way as soon as he could. First the strollers, then a separate start for the 5 and 10 km runners.
Now, I have to extend my greatest thanks to anyone and everyone who volunteers at these events. Volunteers are the life blood to any good foot race and these people stand out in the elements and hoot, holler, and encourage us along our way. Almost all of the volunteers did what running volunteers do... they valiantly stand at their posts, cheering us on, and gave us directions where the 10 km runner's split from us. One girl was pretty funny though... appeared like she would very much wanted to go home and didn't even attempt to plaster a grin on... but most of the volunteers were the reliable, wonderful people we depend on to keep us safe and exuberant. Especially given the short distance of the race - we had one lane of traffic taped off for us and we were counting on our volunteers to keep of safe from the passing cars. I got free entrance to the Dino Dash because I volunteered at the Calgary Marathon, so I've seen both sides of these events.
The fun bit about the Dino Dash is the finish because we all did a lap on their Olympic-sized outdoor track. Spongey from the rain, it's a great way to finish the race. We rounded the track and unzipped our coats to show our racing numbers to the officials and the announcer called our names as we crossed the finish line.
It was one race I didn't need to drink much water after I stopped running.
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