Monday, August 23, 2010

On the road!

On Sunday I packed all of my gear up for a week off and the big race and hit the road to Kelowna.  Traffic was pretty light and smooth on Highway 1 heading west until about 10 km outside of Golden.  All of a sudden things ground to a halt and folks started getting out of their cars.  There was a good Samaritan who looked like he’d just come off the set of a cheesy sci-fi movie (teal and purple jumpsuit tucked into black boots over a beige turtleneck sweater) that was spreading the news that there was a three car accident up ahead.  No serious injuries but two of the cars would need a tow truck.  It would be awhile before traffic could get moving.

In my rush to get on the road I had missed my 30 minute run in the morning so I got up and started walking on the side of the road, up and down the mountain.  There were a bunch of folks – I’m guessing – that were on the road to Ironman.  Plenty of tri bikes on the back of cars.  I saw a few folks running up and down the mountain as we were stopped.  I decided to walk toward the accident and some guy in a Jetta pulled his car over to the opposite shoulder and he pulled out his bike and trainer for a workout.

I walked up the mountain towards the accident and ran back down.  It felt good to have the legs moving.  On my way down I ran into my family who was stuck a bit further behind me on the road.  After about an hour and a half later traffic started to move and we were on our way.  I’m now in Kelowna at my parents’ place, but not for long!  The Boyfriend and I are heading to Vancouver this morning for a couple of days of fun before all of this Ironman craziness starts.

13 comments:

teacherwoman said...

That is too funny about people running and setting up their trainers...

Alisa said...

LOL you know you're on the road with a bunch of athletes if someone is pulling out a bike trainer!

Marlene said...

Too funny that you (and others!) were using your time to squeeze in a workout. Why not?

Enjoy Vancouver! Can't believe it's race week!!

Wes said...

Nuthin like a little pre-adventure! Have fun, and safe travels.

Heidi said...

You know it's Ironman week when ....

Too funny! Have a great time in Van. It's going to be a gorgeous week. The hubs & I went to Stanley Park yesterday and tooled around. So beautiful.

Petraruns said...

Sounds like you're approaching all of this in the right way - great great good luck and enjoy this week - relax f you can!

Lindsay said...

Too funny! The guy getting his trainer out - dedication. Pretty cool that you saw your family on your highway-run. At least you were able to take advantage of the downtime and not sit in the car the whole time. Have a fun, relaxing (is that possible this week?) few days off!

Beth said...

So excited for you Leana - the big day is almost here! Enjoy your week off and of course - very, very best of luck on Sunday. I have truly enjoyed following your journey and will be delighted to see you become an Ironwoman! Go Leana Go!!

Charisa said...

GOOD luck at IMC!!!! Have a blast :)

Keith said...

I have manfully restrained from commenting on the kind of fun you're going to have (or could have) in Vancouver with the Boyfried (caps no less). Till now. Have fun!

You know the hockey commercial a few years back where a spontaneous street hockey game breaks out? I saw that happen once when traffic was stopped for an accident. Only it was touch football in the empty traffic lane. See you soon!

Meg said...

GO LEANA GO!!!!! Have a great week!

Badgergirl said...

Nice way to take advantage of the downtime while stuck in traffic.

Hope you are enjoying your time in Vancouver before Ironman this weekend!

Bob Almighty said...

man, I should have broken out the bike trainer on the 3 hour lay over to NZ....Good luck this weekend.